Darlene LaBuda
Bradenton,FL
Summary
OSP Program Leader – Looking for next level challenge!
Successful Telecommunications professional with demonstrated track record in management of OSP Projects. Superior leadership skills. Exceptional program or project manager. Skilled at mentoring staff, integrating ideas and customizing approaches to support specific means and goals. In recent past was Director of process improvement for a structured cabling and technical services (splicing/testing) company. Articulate communicator with executives as well as technicians and vice versa. Relocation is an option.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
PMO Consultant
Ramon.Space (Freelance Agreement)
12.2023 - Current
- Established strong relationships with clients, making certain their needs were met throughout the project lifecycle.
- Restructured procedures through coordination with CRO and Program Manager to create and execute projects.
- Ensured successful delivery of client-facing presentations through effective communication skills and compelling visual aids.
- Developed complete business plans and operational strategies for new and existing businesses.
Project Manager IV - Fiber Project Manager for New Site Development Transport Team Executive Reporting
T-Mobile (Contractor)
02.2023 - 10.2023
- Manage all aspects of small to intermediate projects throughout the development lifecycle, including project scope, schedule, resources, quality, costs and change
- Work closely with stakeholders and to define project parameters, then translate customer needs into formal requirements, using knowledge of the industry and delivery methodology
- Develop detailed project schedule, resource plan, and status reports, managing task assignment to project resources and reporting on and managing project scope throughout the lifecycle - Interface with all areas affected by the project, apprise management of risks, issues, and recommended mitigations.
Sr. Network Implementation Program Manager
Lumen Technologies (Contractor)
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Plan, schedule, coordinate, and manage a wide variety of FTTH projects involving fiber networking
- Monitor and manage quality and completion of work, resolving specific issues as they arise
- Review engineering work, tracking installation processes in accordance with company standards.
Director, Process Management – Miscellaneous Duties
FOS Fiber Optics, Inc. (Acquired by Y-COM) FTE
12.2021 - 06.2022
- Provided direction to 10 senior managers on behalf of growing national supplier of fiber optic telecommunication services
- Reviewed organizational structure and operational procedures, identifying varied solutions to boost efficiency
- Conducted vendor research, selecting and implementing cost-effective productivity tools
- Identified strategies to improve cross-functional communication and led bi-weekly staff meetings
- Collaborated with new ownership post-acquisition during transition phase
- Developed training materials, bulletins, and executive reports
- Priced and selected Cloud-based unified communications solution (UCaaS); successfully implemented new dial plan with custom automations that resulted in significant time-savings while adhering to allocated budget
- Took charge of senior management meetings and bi-monthly all-hands events; tracked action items for prompt follow up, steering the flow of discussions to promote an environment of cooperation
- Led field team outreach initiative to enhance communications with corporate office; developed regular news bulletin to share vital company information, bridging the gap between groups.
Senior Engineering Program Manager Market Implementation Manager, Project & Vendor Management
Verizon Communications FTE
06.2017 - 12.2021
- Collaborated with engineering and construction vendors to manage implementations of underground and aerial fiber-optics and oversee installations at wireless cellular sites
- Organized remote discussions and regional meetings, fostering communication among key stakeholders
- Addressed permitting timelines and generated detailed project status documentation
- Identified gaps in vendor performance, resolving challenges to ensure timely project completion
- Performed on-site inspections and reviewed SOWs to meet quality assurance standards
- Deployed modern fiber infrastructure for small cells in major metropolitan area, directing internal engineering resources, project leads, and vendor construction managers to support Verizon Wireless infrastructure 5GUWB network
- Prepared reporting for executive leadership, addressing metrics related to permitting and cabling progress; consolidated up-to-date information on underground fiber optic network and cell tower installs
- Managed enterprise-level circuit expansion project at Orlando Universal Parks & Resorts; met with customer’s head of infrastructure engineering and sales staff to develop proposal and coordinate expedited site survey
- Interfaced with engineering firms and municipalities, driving projects forward towards completion; enforced standards and safety requirements throughout implementation process to consistently optimize outcomes
- Earned multiple corporate awards, gaining recognition from senior leadership for personal commitment and outstanding reporting on effective management of data discrepancies.
Senior Project Manager, Consultant to Verizon
Tekmark Global Solutions (Now Orion Innovations)
08.2015 - 01.2017
- Gathered business requirements for network transformation project
- Managed logistics related to complex data center relocation and application upgrades in a short period of time triggered by M&A purchase of wireline assets.
Senior Manager, IT Enterprise Networks
Panduit
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Directed global staff with eight direct reports for global network infrastructure and industrial electrical wiring solutions firm
- Provided oversight for infrastructure and managed networking, audiovisual (AV), and 3rd party hardware/software vendor relationships
- Held primary responsibility projects, taking charge of VoIP implementation, call center services, and IT security.
Technical Program Manager / Network Engineering Manager
Verizon FTE
01.2000 - 01.2011
- Took charge of multi-million-dollar capital and expense budget for engineering
- Collaborated with corporate sourcing department, developing RFIs, RFQs, and SOWs for engineering dept
- Projects
- Met with turf managers to carefully assess subcontractor costs and evaluate timelines
- Managed Video on Demand relationship with Motorola
- Monitored numerous programs to maintain compliance, conducting on-site inspections of work as needed
- Held multiple leadership positions with increasing levels of responsibility prior to reduction in force (RIF) in 2011
- Directed cross-functional teams with up to 60 internal/external stakeholders; met on-site to clarify project scopes and redirect workers, conveying corporate vision and smoothing operational processes significantly
- Implemented highly visible executive projects, managing end-to-end planning and deployments; oversaw systems integration and test engineering, leading two telco labs and serving as program manager
- Served as project liaison, aiding leaders during creation of video engineering department; assessed site electricity/space needs, interfaced with vendors, trained team, and identified time-saving procedures.
Education
Master of Science - Business Administration
University of Maryland, University College (UMUC)
Adelphi, MD12.2011
Master of Science - Technology Management
University of Maryland, University College (UMUC)
Adelphi, MD05.2007
Master of Arts - Strategic Planning of Innovation
University of Maryland, University College (UMUC)
Adelphi06.2006
Skills
- Safety
- Leadership (Servant)
- Program Management
- People Management
- Budget, Cost Control, Tracking, Reporting
- Executive Reporting and Readouts
- Construction Management
- Schedule oversight/adherence/Issue Management
- Process Adherence (Safety most important)Process Improvement
- Fiber Optics/FTTx/Technical KnowledgeEngineering Applications (GIS)
- Vendor Management/Quality Assurance/Negotiation
Affiliations
Women In Leadership (WIL Leadership)
Mentoring
Mentor – Support college students and early professionals via LinkedIn Groups
Availability
Negotiable
Timeline
PMO Consultant
Ramon.Space (Freelance Agreement)
12.2023 - Current
Project Manager IV - Fiber Project Manager for New Site Development Transport Team Executive Reporting
T-Mobile (Contractor)
02.2023 - 10.2023
Sr. Network Implementation Program Manager
Lumen Technologies (Contractor)
08.2022 - 02.2023
Director, Process Management – Miscellaneous Duties
FOS Fiber Optics, Inc. (Acquired by Y-COM) FTE
12.2021 - 06.2022
Senior Engineering Program Manager Market Implementation Manager, Project & Vendor Management
Verizon Communications FTE
06.2017 - 12.2021
Senior Project Manager, Consultant to Verizon
Tekmark Global Solutions (Now Orion Innovations)
08.2015 - 01.2017
Senior Manager, IT Enterprise Networks
Panduit
01.2012 - 01.2014
Technical Program Manager / Network Engineering Manager
Verizon FTE
01.2000 - 01.2011
Master of Science - Business Administration
University of Maryland, University College (UMUC)
Master of Science - Technology Management
University of Maryland, University College (UMUC)
Master of Arts - Strategic Planning of Innovation
University of Maryland, University College (UMUC)
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