Cullen (CJ) Pickering
Austin,TX
Summary
Dynamic IT adoption leader and Microsoft ecosystem specialist with 6+ years of experience designing and delivering enterprise-level training, user adoption strategies, and change management programs across public and private sector environments. Proven track record in leading multi-day workshops, driving Microsoft 365 Copilot and Dynamics CRM adoption, and mentoring cross-functional teams. Skilled in training diverse audiences—from end users to developers—and translating technical systems into clear, engaging learning experiences. Microsoft Certified and Prosci-certified practitioner with a passion for empowering teams through hands-on, human-centered education.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. User Adoption Specialist
VERDTEK
Austin, TX
04.2022 - Current
- Leads a team of 6 adoption specialists across multiple enterprise-level Microsoft rollouts, including Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Power BI, and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
- Designed and delivered multi-day, instructor-led and remote trainings for over 2,600 public sector end users, including TtT (Train-the-Trainer) programs.
- Drove successful AI governance initiatives, including rollout of Microsoft Copilot 365 with compliance guardrails and literacy training.
- Created Power BI dashboards for training impact and adoption metrics, reporting usage trends and ROI to stakeholders.
- Developed custom learning materials and hands-on enablement paths tailored to various user personas (caseworkers, analysts, IT staff).
- Facilitated cross-functional training including service desk agents, developers, and engineers.
User Adoption Specialist
VERDTEK
Austin, TX
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Supported Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Gov Cloud training initiatives across tribal and state government clients.
- Delivered 200+ tailored training experiences for over 2000+ end users, optimizing adoption through comms strategy, and support resources.
- Led user feedback loops and refinement cycles for training programs in Agile environments.
- Enabled stakeholder decision-making through adoption analytics and Power BI visualization.
Help Desk Specialist
VERDTEK
Austin, TX
07.2020 - 10.2021
- Provided tier-1/tier-2 IT support for enterprise environments.
- Created internal documentation and onboarding material for help desk procedures.
- Supported end-users across Windows 10, Microsoft 365, Dynamics, and Azure environments.
Independent Insurance Agent
T Blackwell Insurance Group
Garden Ridge, TX
12.2018 - 06.2020
- Built and managed a diverse book of personal and commercial insurance clients by delivering tailored risk management solutions and maintaining long-term, trust-based relationships. Combined consultative sales strategies with proactive client service and community-based marketing to drive business growth and customer retention.
- Prospected and secured new clients across both individual and business markets through referrals, digital outreach, and local engagement
- Assessed client needs to recommend appropriate life, health, property, casualty, and business insurance products from multiple carriers
- Maintained and serviced existing client accounts, ensuring timely policy reviews, renewals, and claims support
- Represented the agency at in-person events including networking groups, trade shows, and community sponsorships
- Executed grassroots and digital marketing campaigns, including regular content and promotions on social media platforms
- Navigated complex underwriting and compliance requirements while advocating for clients’ best interests
Financial Advisor
NYLIFE Securities LLC
San Antonio, Texas
06.2017 - 12.2018
- Empowered individuals and families to build secure financial futures through personalized planning and solutions across insurance, investments, and retirement products. Leveraged a consultative sales approach to assess client goals, deliver tailored recommendations, and maintain long-term relationships built on trust and results.
- Delivered comprehensive financial plans incorporating life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, and retirement strategies
- Prospected, developed, and retained a diverse client base through networking, referrals, and relationship-building
- Educated clients on complex financial topics, translating technical details into clear, actionable insights
- Maintained full compliance with industry regulations and firm policies (FINRA, state insurance laws)
- Collaborated with internal specialists to provide holistic solutions and optimize client outcomes
- Completed NYLIC University training and pursued professional designations
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Business Management
University of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX05-2017
Skills
- Platforms: Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics CRM, Power BI, Copilot 365, Copilot Studio, Adobe Creative Cloud, TechSmith Suite
- Tools: Azure DevOps, ServiceNow, Zoom, Teams, SharePoint, Power Platform
- Specialties: In-person & Remote Instructor-Led Training, User Enablement, AI Governance, Change Management, Train-the-Trainer Delivery, Adoption Analytics, Stakeholder Engagement, Cross-functional Collaboration
- Certifications: CompTIA A, Microsoft Modern Desktop Administrator Associate (MDAA), Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, PMP Project Management Professional (In progress)
Accomplishments
- Delivered Dynamics CRM enablement across 2,500+ users in a state-wide WIC agency rollout & on an ongoing basis, including the deployment of an integrated mobile app (myWIC Mosaic).
- Spearheaded TtT programs enabling rapid scale-up of internal and external trainers.
- Provided trainer coaching and materials development support for the delivery of Dynamics 365 CRM implementation for Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC).
- Partnered with Microsoft/Vexcel to align adoption with secure public sector governance frameworks.
- Delivered 200+ In-person & Remote Training sessions across 3 states and 10 Indian Tribal Organizations.
Certification
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Modern Desktop Administrator Associate
- Prosci Certified Change Practitioner
- PMP (In Progress)
Keywords & Tags
Microsoft 365 | Azure | Power BI | Dynamics CRM | Copilot 365 | Instructor-Led Training | Adult Learning | User Adoption | AI Governance | Change Management | Public Sector | Prosci | Train-the-Trainer | Analytics | Enterprise Software Rollout | Remote Training Delivery
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sr. User Adoption Specialist
VERDTEK
04.2022 - Current
User Adoption Specialist
VERDTEK
09.2021 - 05.2022
Help Desk Specialist
VERDTEK
07.2020 - 10.2021
Independent Insurance Agent
T Blackwell Insurance Group
12.2018 - 06.2020
Financial Advisor
NYLIFE Securities LLC
06.2017 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Business Management
University of Texas At San Antonio