Carmen Koestler
Grantsburg,WI
Summary
Results-driven professional prepared for this role with extensive experience in software release management. Known for ensuring timely and efficient deployments while maintaining high standards of quality. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability to meet evolving project needs. Expertise in project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Release Manager, Product Owner & Documentation SME
Johnson & Johnson
01.2021 - 12.2025
- Managed approximately 23 software packages per quarter
- Managed the work of 25 engineers
- Developed SOPs, PRD (Product Release Documents) and Release Planning Documents
- Led cross-functional teams to coordinate release schedules and minimize downtime.
- Developed and implemented release management processes to enhance product delivery efficiency.
- Facilitated communication between development, QA, and operations teams for seamless transitions.
- Monitored project timelines and aligned resources to ensure on-time releases.
- Identified risks in deployment processes and proposed mitigation strategies to prevent issues.
- Established best practices for documentation and reporting of release activities across teams.
- Mentored junior team members in release management best practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the organization.
- Collaborated with project developers, quality assurance team members and business analysts.
- Chaired daily project meetings using Agile methodologies and Scrum formats.
- Coordinated testing efforts across various departments to validate release readiness, ensuring high-quality products before deployment.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches, incorporating valuable feedback from stakeholders.
- Facilitated post-release debriefs with team members to identify areas of improvement, driving continuous process refinement over time.
- Implemented feedback loops between customers and development teams, incorporating user insights into future releases for improved functionality and user experience.
- Developed comprehensive release documentation for seamless handoff to support teams, improving end-user satisfaction postlaunch.
- Streamlined release processes by implementing automated tools and standardizing procedures, reducing delays and errors.
- Managed release schedules effectively, ensuring timely delivery of multiple projects with tight deadlines.
- Monitored and tracked project progress to support timely completion.
- Partnered with project team members to identify and quickly address problems.
- Created and implemented contingency plans to address potential risks.
- Wrote, updated and maintained project documentation.
- Trained personnel on use of IT tools and applications.
- Devised test plans to validate accuracy of IT projects.
- Prioritized product backlog to align with stakeholder goals and market needs.
- Facilitated sprint planning, review, and retrospective meetings to enhance team performance.
- Developed detailed user stories and acceptance criteria to guide development processes.
- Mentored junior team members on Agile methodologies and best practices for product ownership.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables that aligned with business goals.
- Broke project into epics and implementable user stories.
- Attended Agile ceremonies, demos and production proving activities.
- Built trust among team members by encouraging open communication channels, resolving conflicts professionally, and promoting collaboration across functions.
- Improved team efficiency by coaching members on Agile principles and best practices.
- Served as the primary liaison between technical teams, business units, and external partners during product development stages.
- Facilitated sprint reviews, retrospectives, and daily stand-up meetings to ensure transparency in the development process.
- Owned and prioritized product backlog.
- Jira, Confluence, Itential and ServiceNow
Lead Technical Writer
Bend-Tech
12.2020 - 09.2021
- Led documentation projects, ensuring clarity and compliance with industry standards.
- Developed and maintained technical manuals, enhancing user understanding and accessibility.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to gather information for complex product documentation.
- Established best practices for technical writing, improving consistency across all materials.
- Streamlined documentation processes, reducing turnaround time for project deliverables.
- Conducted thorough reviews of technical content, guaranteeing accuracy and completeness before publication.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms from users to continuously improve documentation relevance and quality.
- Conducted thorough reviews of existing documentation, identifying areas for improvement and revising content as needed.
- Championed the adoption of plain language principles within the organization to improve clarity and usability of written materials.
- Developed comprehensive technical manuals for software products, resulting in improved user experience and satisfaction.
- Streamlined content management processes by implementing a centralized repository for all project documents.
- Managed multiple documentation projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality content.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of documentation by soliciting feedback from end-users and making necessary revisions based on this input.
- Reduced customer support requests by creating easy-to-understand online help resources and tutorials.
- Improved documentation quality by implementing standardized templates and style guides.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by adhering to strict guidelines during the documentation creation process.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather product information, ensuring accurate and up-to-date documentation.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing training on advanced authoring tools and techniques.
- Followed company policies and editorial guidelines to craft thorough, well-written content.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Carefully documented technical workflows in private wiki for education of newly hired employees.
- Proofread copy written by colleagues to correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
- Edited and proofread technical documents for accuracy and consistency.
- Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
- Worked closely with software engineers, product managers and other departments to determine accuracy and completeness of technical documentation.
- Observed in-progress operations to identify important steps for technical instructions.
- Developed detailed technical documents and user guides for technical products.
Project Manager / Program Manager (Owner / CEO)
Koestler’s Consulting
03.2007 - 03.2020
- Lead approximately 5 major projects at any time. This included: the Wisconsin Department of Corrections kiosks, the local hospital, Walmart, multiple financial institutions and Target.
- Acted as primary liaison and point of contact between major stakeholders. Led and conducted multiple in person meetings with the Mayor, utility (gas & electric) companies, council members, and clientele for an ongoing project involving a major logistics initiative for the area. A few clients inc
- Led project planning and execution processes to ensure alignment with client objectives.
- Managed cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive project documentation for stakeholder review.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced operational efficiency across multiple projects.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering professional growth and skill development.
- Analyzed project risks and developed mitigation strategies to minimize impact on timelines.
- Collaborated with clients to refine project scope and deliverables, ensuring satisfaction with outcomes.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
- Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution.
- Managed projects from procurement to commission.
- Provided detailed technical and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
- Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing quality materials at competitive prices for efficient use of resources.
- Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
- Created accurate budgets based on resource requirements, allowing for optimal allocation of funds across all aspects of the projects.
- Effectively managed scope creep by establishing clear boundaries on requested changes while keeping projects aligned with original objectives and budgets.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project outcomes while maintaining costeffectiveness.
- Enhanced overall project success by conducting thorough post-project evaluations and incorporating lessons learned into future efforts.
- Fostered a culture of innovation and creativity within the project team, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced outcomes.
- Remote Home Office
- Program manager / Project Manager / Project Coordinator
- Public speaking / meetings with high level stakeholders / executives
- JIRA / Confluence
- Connectwise
- SQL / HTML scripting and programming
- End user setup and training
- Kiosk, server, and PC deployment and installation
- Zoom, WebEx and virtual meetings end user support
- Managed Services Provider
- Anti-Virus Manager
- CRM Database Management / Analyst
- Sales and Service
- Reporting and analysis
- Invoicing and procurement / logistics
- Entrepreneur
- Technician
- Technical Writer
- Manager / Leadership
- Agile Scrum / Waterfall Project Management Methods
- HPE Proliant Certified - Hardware installation and set-up - Road Warrior
- Enhanced team performance with targeted training programs, addressing skill gaps and promoting professional development.
- Maintained compliance with industry standards and regulations, conducting regular audits and updates to project practices.
- Completed projects within tight deadlines, coordinating team efforts and prioritizing tasks effectively.
- Achieved high levels of team engagement and morale by promoting collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Optimized project schedules, identifying critical path tasks and reallocating resources to maintain momentum.
- Reduced project costs, negotiating contracts with suppliers and optimizing resource allocation.
- Developed comprehensive risk management plans, minimizing project delays and unexpected challenges.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, conducting post-project reviews to identify lessons learned and best practices.
- Improved stakeholder satisfaction with detailed project updates and proactive issue resolution.
- Achieved significant improvements in project quality by establishing rigorous quality control processes.
- Facilitated smoother project transitions, ensuring thorough documentation and effective handovers.
- Improved client relationships, consistently meeting or exceeding project expectations and maintaining open lines of communication.
- Streamlined procurement process for project materials, reducing wait times and avoiding potential delays.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Recruited and oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets.
- Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
- Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
- Developed and implemented strategic program plans to enhance operational efficiency.
- Facilitated stakeholder communication to ensure alignment on project goals and expectations.
- Monitored project progress, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies proactively.
- Oversaw resource allocation, optimizing team performance across multiple projects simultaneously.
- Conducted regular project reviews, driving continuous improvement initiatives based on feedback.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
- Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
- Managed multiple strategic projects with numerous sub-projects or workstreams.
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
- Met with project stakeholders on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Addressed and resolved technical, financial, and operational concerns by working with team members and directors.
- Optimized resource allocation, effectively balancing priorities and managing competing demands.
- Delivered high-quality results by setting performance metrics and monitoring progress against targets.
- Championed best practices in project management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Improved program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving solutions.
- Streamlined communication channels to facilitate efficient collaboration among team members and stakeholders.
- Developed and maintained logistics workflows, procedures and reports.
- Leveraged technology tools for enhanced project tracking, reporting, and information sharing among team members.
- Demonstrated strong writing and presentation skills to develop briefs, memorandums and analytical reports for clients.
- Leveraged project management processes and tools to define and execute projects.
- Participated in pilot tests and revised programs based on feedback and results.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms that supported budgetary constraints.
- Interacted with customers and clients to identify business needs and requirements.
- Devised creative solutions to critical customer and user needs.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Mentored junior consultants, fostering professional development and improving team performance.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, enhancing trust and collaboration on initiatives.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
- Streamlined operations to improve efficiency, enabling more time to be spent on strategic planning and decisionmaking.
Education
Business Systems Analysts Bachelor's Degree -
Rasmussen College
01.2015
Computer Programming AAS - undefined
Pine Technical College
01.2009
Networking & Micro Processing AAS - undefined
Pine Technical College
01.2008
Computer Networking Degree - undefined
Pine Technical College
01.2007
Skills
- Release Management
- Scrum Agile
- Jira & Confluence SME
- Itential Network Automations
Certification
- Certified Release Train Engineer 2025
- Advanced Certified Scrum Master 2025
- Certified Scrum Project Owner 2025
- Certified Agile Scrum Master 2022
- PMI-CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) 2017
- Six Sigma White Belt 2014
- Rasmussen Leadership Academy 2014
Timeline
Release Manager, Product Owner & Documentation SME
Johnson & Johnson
01.2021 - 12.2025
Lead Technical Writer
Bend-Tech
12.2020 - 09.2021
Project Manager / Program Manager (Owner / CEO)
Koestler’s Consulting
03.2007 - 03.2020
Computer Programming AAS - undefined
Pine Technical College
Networking & Micro Processing AAS - undefined
Pine Technical College
Computer Networking Degree - undefined
Pine Technical College
Business Systems Analysts Bachelor's Degree -
Rasmussen College