CAREER SUMMARY

Project and Process Management... Quality Assurance...Communications... Bringing order out of chaos in software development organizations of all shapes and sizes, whether software is for internal support or commercial sale. Expertise in testing, writing, and training.

Over 20 years of experience in corporate communications as part of process changes and project implementations, including development and implementation of internal communications programs that drive employee confidence in the business strategy, build awareness of key initiatives. Experience working in IT and software development and delivery environments, as well as theater arts organizations.

Confidential, Chicago IL 2007 - 2009
Provides software project management, quality assurance, and testing consulting services.
Part-time Communications Lead (Exelon, Oakbrook Terrace, IL)
Provides energy services with electric and natural gas distribution.
Manage communications plan and schedule for large multi-business unit IT project to deploy a mobile workforce solution using ruggedized laptops; publish approved content on internal project website. Also facilitate discussions, reviews, and approvals for communication pieces.

• Authored over 75 internal project communications pieces to announce project updates and communicate status to field users and supervisors.
• Wrote nine newsletter articles published in the ComEd employee newsletter.

Confidential, Chicago IL (acquired by Morningstar in 2006) 2000 - 2006
Investment research firm providing investment planning and analysis software and data to financial services firms. All software built using Microsoft technologies and included desktop as well as n-tier enterprise web based applications, both custom and off-the-shelf versions. Software products represented over 30% of corporate revenue.
Vice President, Quality Assurance
Provided providing project planning and management, test planning and management, and process evaluation and improvements for investment planning and investment analysis desktop and enterprise software products. Tested applications. Assessed software development processes and implemented improvements based on an iterative SDLC and principles of SEI-CMM Level 2. Responsible for budget of approximately $1M.

• Increased product reliability and quality for software products worth over $12M in revenue;
• Built an independent test team along with a structured test methodology for validating all desktop and web-based applications;
• Introduced software test automation using Mercury Interactive\'s WinRunner on the desktop investment planning analysis packages, as well as on web based enterprise investment planning application;
• Established basic software configuration management practices and tools, including use of daily build practice, defect tracking tools, and version control tools, which facilitated cross-team communications;
• Improved schedule accuracy by defining and implementing a Software Development Life Cycle for project management;
• Decreased time to market and increased product quality for new software releases by
  building a nine person team of testing and configuration management specialists;
• Coached the project managers responsible for investment planning and investment analysis software packages;
• Promoted from Manager to Vice President July 2004.

Confidential, Chicago IL 1997 - 2000
Global insurance organization serving businesses and individuals.
Manager of SCM/SQA Process Consulting Services (Internal Consulting Group)
Defined processes and procedures for change management, training project teams, and deploying and administering tools. Managed budget approximately $250,000 and staff of 2.

• Implemented SCM standard processes and procedures for systems department of 300;
• Trained, mentored, coached, and supported development teams as they pursued SEI-CMM Level 2 assessment;
• Promoted from Technical Consultant to Manager.

Confidential, Chicago IL 1996 - 1997
Start up company that provided desktop software and handheld devices to physicians groups.
Software Quality Engineer - Process Manager
Led effort to define and implement software development methodology for core business product, a client/server application for ambulatory care providers in managed care networks. Outlined a project life cycle, and followed a "just-in-time" approach to phase definition and standards roll-out. Developed standard templates and guidelines for project documentation.

• Worked closely with developers and project managers evaluating our development practices, achieving consensus regarding improvements, and implementing changes. Development environment included multiple platforms for Client/Server and PC.
• Initiated and facilitated post-project reviews.
• Hosted ongoing "Process Improvement Feedback Forum" to address questions and concerns about process improvements.
• Trained development staff on methodology concepts and practices, i.e., project scoping, requirements analysis, effective meetings, communications, etc.
• Co-Project Manager for PVCS Version Manager/Configuration Management project.

Confidential, Willowbrook IL 1994 - 1996
Providing database and multimedia development services to the publishing industry.
Software Quality Assurance - Process Improvement Analyst
Helped establish quality methodologies, practices, and tools for all software development efforts. Analyzed development and production processes and procedures and recommend improvements on multiple platforms.

• Led project to define and implement software development methodology for division.
• Developed and implemented version control management plans for small and medium scale development projects under Windows and Unix.
• Trained development staff on quality practices.

Confidential, Chicago IL 1990 - 1994
Provider of tax and business law information and software.
QA Configuration Management Supervisor 1993 - 1994
Coordinated version control of production software. Scheduled and tracked monthly update cycles of electronic products. Analyzed production procedures and processes and recommended improvements. Oversaw defect tracking for issues reported in testing and production. Supervised staff of 2. Made recommendations for budgeting and staffing.

Development Supervisor/Acting Manager 1992 - 1993
Programmer 1990 - 1992

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
Minor: Computer and Information Sciences

Writer, publish articles for Confidential, Live a Better Life for Coach for a Better Life 2008 - present
Publicity Writer, Confidential, 2005 - 2009
Publicity Writer, Confidential, 2005
Publicity Writer, Confidential, 2004 - 2005
Published management article, Confidential, 2004