About Me
Welcome!#
My name is Dylan Thompson, and I am a Principal Systems Administrator with a specialization in VoIP/VTC networks, currently giving my all directly supporting a DOD contract in Washington, D.C. My journey to where I am now started with just shy of 10 years of military service in the U.S. Navy. I was able to gain invaluable experience in high-stakes environments, including serving aboard a fast-attack submarine and later at an elite joint communications unit operating out of Washington, D.C. These experiences instilled in me a deep understanding of discipline, problem-solving under pressure, and the critical importance of seamless communication and teamwork. I learned to anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and deliver reliable solutions with searingly impossible turnaround times, even in some of the most demanding circumstances. These experiences have directly shaped my approach to system administration and VoIP engineering: I believe in proactive rather than reactive management, meticulous planning, and a constant drive for efficiency and security.
After transitioning out of the military, I continued providing mission-critical communications, leveraging my experiences while also evolving with the team I have around me to further the mission. All of this is in pursuit of building strong foundations. The journey I’m on is not just about building strong foundations at work, but also in my personal life. Whether it’s managing intricate networks or the life I’m building with my growing family, a strong base is the key to lasting success.
Outside of the office, my world has expanded in the most wonderful way! I’m a newlywed and an even newer father to a beautiful baby girl. My family is truly my greatest adventure. We are currently embracing the joys and beautiful chaos of this new chapter, and it’s teaching me a different kind of resilience and creativity every day. When I’m not tending to a newborn or studying for my next professional certification, you can often find me pursuing a diverse range of hobbies to keep me grounded and invigorated. I am an avid reader and audiobook listener; my passion for new ideas and perspectives is limitless. The tranquility of the underwater world has been an obsession of mine from a very young age, resulting in my certification as an Advanced SCUBA Diver. The deep calls for me to explore the natural wonder of our planet’s vibrant marine ecosystems. Beyond the depths, I’m drawn to artistry. My most recent passion is that of light and color. I have found a creative outlet in stained glass. I find there to be something incredibly satisfying in transforming raw materials into art that is not only beautiful but enduring. From cathedrals to the great outdoors, inspiration can be found just about anywhere and requires only time and patience to share the beauty I see with the world.
When not perusing my passions, my wife and I find peace in the outdoors. We are often exploring God’s gift through hiking, camping, birding, or just by being outside. Exploring is fundamental to my well-being. Whether it’s a challenging hike, observing a unique animal, or lying under the stars, I am a strong believer that disconnecting from our digital world is how we reconnect with what is most important.
My diverse experiences, from the Navy and specialized collaboration networks to building a new family and pursuing a wide array of hobbies, have equipped me with a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership qualities, and a well-rounded perspective. I thrive on challenges, both professional and personal, and I am always eager to learn and grow, and I look forward to contributing to yet another challenge soon.