About Me

Bio

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I am a software developer, data geek, photographer, and gadget aficionado with a passion for building innovative solutions. My interests lie in exploring new technologies and applying them to solve real-world problems. I am a strong advocate for open-source software and enjoy contributing to the community.

Skills & Technologies

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Development & Frameworks

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• .NET Ecosystem: Modern .NET Stack (8+), C#, ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework Core, WPF, MAUI, WinUI 3
• Web Development: Blazor (Server & WASM), PHP, HTML5/CSS3, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Accessibility (WCAG)

Cloud & DevOps

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• Cloud Platforms: Microsoft Azure (App Service, Functions, SQL, Cosmos DB, OpenAI)
• DevOps & CI/CD: Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, Terraform, Bicep
• Version Control: Git, GitHub, GitLab

Testing & Automation

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• Test Frameworks: Playwright, FlaUI
• AI in QA: Developing self-healing test frameworks using LLMs

AI & Machine Learning

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• Generative AI: LLMs (GPT-4, Claude, Llama, Gemini), Image Generation (Stable Diffusion, DALL-E)
• Agentic AI: Microsoft Agent Framework, Semantic Kernel, Langflow, AutoGen
• Local AI & Tools: Ollama, LM Studio, Hugging Face, AI CLI Tools

Tools & Environment

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• IDEs & Editors: VS Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains Rider
• Database Tools: SSMS, Azure Data Studio
• Operating Systems: Linux (Ubuntu/Debian), macOS, Windows 11/WSL2

Interests & Hobbies

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• Smart Home: Home Assistant, ESPHome, Zigbee/Z-Wave, Node-RED, MQTT
• IoT: Custom ESP32/Arduino Projects

Profile

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Practical AI | Senior .NET Developer | Software Development Team Lead | Consulting Location: Virginia, United States Contact: cmalpass@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile

Summary

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• Results-driven software development leader with over a decade of experience in .NET technologies, specializing in C#, ASP.NET, and WPF.
• Adept at managing cross-functional teams, delivering innovative solutions, and fostering strong client relationships.
• Passionate about leveraging technology to solve business challenges and drive efficiency.
• Proven track record in team mentorship, application development consulting, and project delivery for diverse industries.
• Looks for creative things to do in all areas of life, personal and professional.

Skills & Certifications

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Certifications

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• Exam 487: Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• AZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions
• MCSD: App Builder - Certified 2017

Experience

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Marathon Consulting

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(Total Duration: 10 years 3 months)

Application Solutions Architect October 2023 - Present (2 years 3 months) | Virginia, United States

• Provide architectural guidance for software development and DevOps CI/CD in support of clients.
• Work across a variety of client teams providing direction, structure, and mentorship, including supporting a long-time client of over 7 years.
• Solutions include web applications, web APIs, API clients, WPF desktop/console applications, bash scripts, and Python tools.
• Primary Tools: .NET, WinForms, WebForms, WPF, Caliburn Micro, REST, OpenAPI, AutoRest, Visual Studio, VS Code, SQL, CSS, HTML5, JavaScript, Angular, Python, C, C#, PowerBI, Bootstrap, Azure DevOps, Docker, Linux, Ubuntu, Virtual Machines, XAML, .NET Framework, .NET Core, .NET 6/7/8, TFS, Azure DevOps Server 2022, MVC, MVVM.

Team Lead August 2022 - Present (3 years 5 months) | Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

• Serve as a main point of contact for a group of consultants to guide, mentor, and facilitate professional development aligning with their personal goals.
• Regularly meet with local and remote team members individually and as a group.
• Provide feedback on consultant engagements and identify issues or opportunities arising during business.

Senior Application Development Consultant April 2018 - November 2023 (5 years 8 months) | Virginia Beach, Virginia

• Served as lead developer for a global heavy manufacturing client, heading a small team to develop tools for mining equipment configuration and troubleshooting.
• Acted as lead architect and developer on projects ranging from small Angular web apps to full-scale web and desktop solutions for managing global mining fleets.
• Pushed for the implementation of TFS/Azure DevOps to streamline pipelines for nearly 80 software libraries and applications.
• Served as subject matter expert for the client regarding Azure DevOps, leading other teams in implementing CI/CD and build/deployment pipelines.
• Primary Tools: Similar to previous roles, including .NET ecosystem, Angular, Python, Azure DevOps, Docker, and Linux environments.

Information Technology Consultant October 2015 - April 2018 (2 years 7 months) | Virginia Beach, Virginia

• Involved in designing, developing, and implementing web and desktop applications using the .NET ecosystem (Azure, .NET 4.0/4.5, C#, MSSQL) and LAMP stack.
• Contributed to web application development using Wordpress, Umbraco 7, Vue.js, jQuery, Angular, MQTT, and SignalR.

Borrell Associates, Inc

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Director of Information Technology February 2009 - October 2015 (6 years 9 months)

• Designed, built, and maintained scalable web applications with heavy MySQL integration on CentOS hosts (cloud and traditional).
• Utilized Apache, Nginx, Node.js, Symfony2, CakePHP, and PHP5 for user-friendly apps with optimized database performance.
• Specialized in data-driven web applications using jQuery, HTML5/CSS3, PHP, MySQL, Wordpress, Joomla!, Highcharts, and SVG maps.
• Provided expertise in videography, photography, and event coordination.

Resort Solutions Inc

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Systems Administrator, Analyst, Web Programmer September 2007 - February 2009 (1 year 6 months) | Williamsburg, Virginia

• Key Achievements:
  • Designed and implemented a comprehensive CMS for multiple corporate sales websites.
  • Provided IT support including setting up VPN servers and remote desktop assistance.
  • Managed a single-server Windows 2000 environment and multi-site systems.
  • Developed websites using PHP, MySQL, JavaScript/jQuery, and CSS.
  • Implemented SEO techniques to increase traffic and conversion.
  • Created SQL-based reports for research and sales analysis.
• Duties:
  • Assumed sole responsibility for IT support for the organization across Mexico and the USA.
  • Maintained PCs, laptops, servers, and IT equipment.
  • Used cPanel and Plesk web server management suites.

City of Norfolk

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Information Technology Assistant September 2005 - October 2007 (2 years 2 months)

• Provided continuous support for city government information systems and customer support to police, fire, and city hall departments.
• Installed, configured, and troubleshot hardware including workstations, wireless broadband, and stenography machines.
• Managed software such as Microsoft Office, GIS systems, and Police Information Systems.

Old Dominion University

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Web Support Personnel February 2005 - September 2007 (2 years 8 months)

• Developed methodology and standards for university websites.
• Collaborated with support personnel and department liaisons to update websites to current templates.
• Utilized PHP, XHTML, JavaScript, CSS, and WebEdit for accessible, template-driven websites.

Education

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• Old Dominion University: Bachelor of Science, Business Administration; Information Systems (2003 - 2008)
• Yonsei University: Exchange Student, International Business, Korean Language, Political Science (2007)