Eric Tompkins

Background

About Eric Tompkins

Senior Database Administrator | IT Security Architect | Cloud & DevOps Specialist With 25+ years of hands-on experience in database administration, security architecture, and IT infrastructure, I’ve built, optimized, and secured mission-critical data environments for both government and enterprise operations. Database Expertise: I specialize in SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Oracle (RAC & ASM), focusing on performance tuning, high-availability (HA) architectures, and automation-driven database management. I’ve led large-scale ETL workflows (SSIS, PowerShell, Python, Terraform), reducing operational overhead and improving efficiency. Security & Compliance: As a former CISO & IT Director, I developed secure database models, IAM policies, and cloud authentication frameworks (AzureAD, OAuth, Zero Trust), ensuring compliance with CMMC, NIST 800-171, and STIG security frameworks. Leadership & Governance: Beyond deep technical work, I’ve led IT strategy, budget planning, compliance governance, and enterprise risk management, ensuring that security, automation, and efficiency drive IT decision-making. I also mentor DBAs, engineers, and IT security teams to build future-proofed, scalable infrastructures. Passionate about process automation, security-driven IT leadership, and optimizing technology for performance, resilience, and compliance. I believe security should be built in, not bolted on. That’s why I focus on automating security processes, optimizing identity management, and strengthening infrastructure at scale. Whether it's hardening networks, securing cloud access, integrating CI/CD security tooling, or improving compliance automation, my goal is to enable security as a function of operational success, not an obstacle to it. Beyond the technical, I take pride in mentoring and developing talent. I’ve led and supported IT and research & development internship programs, helping to shape the next generation of cybersecurity and IT professionals. My leadership is rooted in servant leadership—empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and ensuring people have the tools, guidance, and opportunities to succeed. I believe that strong teams build strong systems, which is why I prioritize knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and continuous learning as much as technical execution. I approach every challenge with a problem-solving mindset, leveraging both technology and collaboration to create security solutions that work in practice, not just on paper