Debbie KANNAPIEN
Lemont,IL
Summary
Project Manager with 30+ years of DoD government contracting experience and proven record of improving processes and systems for competitive advantage while ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget. Consistently successful in propelling productivity, quality, safety, and efficiencies through innovative leadership and customer commitment. Skilled in directing project stakeholders and teams to define and achieve multimillion-dollar project goals with strong budgeting and cost management outcomes. Thrives on organization, challenge, responsibility, and helping others to succeed. Strong work ethic. Active Secret Clearance.
Experienced with agile methodologies, ensuring project alignment with business goals and stakeholder expectations. Utilizes effective communication and leadership to drive team collaboration and project success. Track record of implementing continuous improvement practices and resolving impediments swiftly.
Professional dedicated to agile project management with focus on delivering high-quality results. Recognized for fostering collaborative environments and effectively managing team dynamics to meet project goals. Adaptable and reliable, consistently aligning strategies with evolving business needs while leveraging strong organizational and communication skills.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Navy NETTS Scrum Master
IBM, DOD - NAVY
United States
03.2005 - Current
- The Navy NETSS Program provides work to modernize and optimize financial management (FM), Accountable Property System of Record (APSR), and human resource management and workload management the Department of Navy (DON) by fully implementing ERP at the enterprise level as the system of record for the DON. NETSS also performs sustainment activities on all deployed modules within the Navy ERP system.
- As part of the overall NETSS program, the Navy Accountable Property System of Record (APSR) Dependency Epic is comprised of an overarching effort to verify that Navy ERP can meet all requirements to act as the sole financial APSR for Navy, where it makes business sense. This includes the work for four APSR Dependent BSDs that encapsulate the WCF Inventory requirements: ERP-354 Inventory Valuation, ERP-358 Carcass Tracking, ERP-359 DLA to BLA URB, and ERP-362 IDocs. The project successfully delivered 53 Quality Center Events (QCEs). I have successfully completed 2 PI Planning events which led to the team delivering APSR Dependent BSDs accurately and on time.
- I also support the new request from the Navy to implement the Syncada Epic which will transition the processing of Third-Party Payment System (TPPS) / Syncada 810 transactions to the disbursing capabilities within Navy ERP due to OnePay sunsetting.
- Contribution
- I am currently serving as Scrum Master for Supply Team 5 to support APSR-D and Syncada Epics. As Scrum Master, I facilitate the Agile scrum framework:
- Host Daily Stand-ups (DSU) with the client, Lead and Facilitate Sprint Planning, Sprint Reviews and Retrospectives.
- Coach and mentor a team of 11 resources by encouraging change, teaching the team scrum principles (self-organization, cross-functionality, and best practices to include updating Jira.
- Remove any impediments and promote continuous improvements to ensure each 2-week Sprint is better.
- Work with the client Product Owner to resolve issues.
- I have successfully completed multiple Agile Planning events which led to the team delivering APSR Dependent BSDs accurately and on time. Also, I have oversaw the Syncada team in designing, building and testing the Syncada project enhancing existing capabilities in the Navy ERP to entitle and disburse Third Party Pay System (TPPS)/Syncada transactions to be received in an 810-invoice format. The team did so well that the Navy awarded them to continue enhancements to include foreign currency transactions.
Navy NETSS Project Management Office - Staffing
IBM, DOD - NAVY
United States
04.2023 - 03.2025
- The IBM Navy NETSS Program provides services to modernize and optimize financial management, Accountable Property System of Record, and human resource management and workload management for the Department of Navy by fully implementing ERP at the enterprise level as the system of record for the DON. As part of the NETSS award, we also perform sustainment activities on all deployed modules within the Navy ERP system.
- Contribution
- Supported PMO activities for the NAVY ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP) TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES (NETSS) project.
- Specialized in process improvement for the Project Management Office supporting over 800 resources.
- Utilized IBMs Design Thinking methodology for process improvement within the Staffing organization.
- Focused on Staffing Demand.
- Created Staffing SOPs.
- Served as Project Lead to implement Percolator database for tracking over 800 resources from seat creation to candidate selection.
Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) Project Manager
IBM, CIV - VA - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION - VBA
United States
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Project name: Veterans Intake, Conversion and Communications Services (VICCS)
- The Veterans Intake, Conversion and Communications Services (VICCS) is a Multiple Award IDIQ award with a basic ordering period of five (5) years issued by the Department of Veterans Administration which includes three (3) administrations, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) all which provides vital services to America’s veterans. Individual Task Orders may encompass more than one functional area, however the complexity and uniqueness of potential Task Order requirements covered apply across multiple service areas under this award. Under this award, we have provided continuous, multiple services with the intent on the improvement of services for these three Administrations that are key to the survival of our veterans and their families.
- Contribution
- Supported the Department of Veterans Administration (VA) Human in the Loop (HIL) Automation Project.
- Created and managed the production staffing schedule for CAPRI HIL and GFEs.
- Collaborated with the Rocket Center HIL Managed Service Lead to onboard and train personnel working at the Rocket Center in VA.
- Created and managed SOPs (CAPRI execution, CAPRI requests, Uipath installation) and maintained required documentation.
- Performed automation task in the CAPRI application utilizing GFE computer and UI path installation to perform the automation.
- Worked with PMO for onboarding new personnel to ensure timely and accurate start dates with all access and clearances executed.
- Ensured management visibility of any issues.
- VA PIV approved.
Deputy Project Manager
IBM, DoD Department of Commissary - DeCA
United States
08.2017 - 09.2022
- Project name: Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) Commissary Advanced Resale Transaction System (CARTS) Replacement/Modernization (RM)
- The CARTS RM program is an IDIQ FFP contract with an average monthly revenue of $2.5M. IBM provides DeCA with O&M of Point of Sale (POS) systems at 238 DeCA Commissaries worldwide, replacement of legacy POS hardware (Toshiba) at all Commissaries with new POS hardware (NCR), as well as Integration/Interface Services in support of DeCA’s parallel Enterprise Business Solution (EBS) program.
- Contribution
- Responsible for assisting the Program Manager to ensure all consumable products are ordered, delivered and available for both Legacy and RM projects as well as all new equipment required for RM installations.
- Executed Purchase Requisitions (PR) in SAP Ariba to produce supplier Purchase Orders (POs) for all consumables, required store equipment for new installs, and spare parts based on site surveys.
- Ordered and delivered $48M worth of equipment to date for the Re-modernization installation project while ensuring consumable and Legacy items were ordered for maintenance and use.
- Interfaced with Procurement and suppliers to expedite orders for on time delivery resulting in customer satisfaction.
- Initiated an Ariba training manual and provided hands-on training for colleagues.
- Created and utilized processes for disposal of Legacy equipment in accordance with DeCA policies and procedures to ensure smooth transactions with the client were utilized throughout the project.
- Engaged with IBM Geodis, ARS, and Procurement to manage, schedule, and oversee inventory and disposal.
- Approved weekly PCLAIM timecards for subcontractors and oversee the approval process for international shipping of consumables.
- Contributed to customer satisfaction by successfully upgrading DET hard drives to Windows 10 and installed replacement UPS batteries for commissary checkouts at numerous commissaries within the United States. Also contributed on-site support by upgrading pin pads for contactless use at several commissaries within Colorado and Missouri.
- Coordinated with DeCA Transportation to ensure all equipment was booked for overseas deliveries on time to meet schedule.
Project Management Office (PMO) Manager
IBM, STATE OF MISSOURI
United States
01.2016 - 08.2017
- Project name: State of Missouri Eligibility Determination Enrollment System (MEDES)
- The MEDES program, of which there are 7 Fixed Price contracts, is intended to provide the State of Missouri with a Cúram based Medicaid Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) system for purposes of enrollment and adjudication of Medicaid applications. The program is currently staffed with 62 IBMers and 71 Sub-contractors to include Watson Health and TruVen IBM employees. The program is managed by the State of Missouri through the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in Jefferson City, MO.
- Contribution
- Assisted the Program Manager by maintaining the project control book, and all financial management on a $80M Firm Fixed Price (FFP) budget with POC accounting rules achieving average 38% GP.
- Created an execution budget spreadsheet for forecasting and inputting data into the Integrated Project Planning and Forecast (IPPF) tool for GBS.
- Interfaced with the client and IBM Accounts Receivable (A/R) for timely and accurate monthly deliverables and expense invoicing and payment.
- Directed A/R reconciliation of manual invoices for shared revenue accounts with Watson Health and TruVen to ensure accurate GBS released invoices amounts and payment to inter-companies.
- Accomplished delivery of milestone deliverables to the client by working with PM and Project Leads.
- Subcontractor Management to include managing all supplier purchase orders and invoices for time and material (T&M) and Fixed Price (FP) subcontractor resources and expenses.
- Created Buy on Demand (BonD) carts and working with Procurement to create Purchase Orders for subcontractor services such as rent, internet, and phone.
- Managed IBM security required activities to include on-boarding and off-boarding personnel and ensuring training requirements are completed from a DS&P security standpoint.
- Coordinated with Contract Registration Specialist (CRS) for setting up the contract and amendments in PACESETTER and create work codes and billing schedules.
- Engaged with the Project Support Center (PSC) and shared services at the Rocket Center for ILCA timecard, and WWER approval, expense invoicing, and IPPF reconciliations.
Project Manager
IBM, NATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
United States
07.2013 - 01.2016
- Project name: Fire and Aviation Management Operations & Maintenance - FAMWEB
- The FAMWEB project provides support services for the operation and maintenance of Fire and Aviation applications and components that are managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS) National Information Systems Team (NIST) in Boise, Idaho. The applications and their products are designed for use by the Interagency Fire community. These applications collect, maintain and disseminate fire, weather and Incident data in support of budget development, fire planning, fire fighter safety, public affairs information dissemination and public and private research and development.
- Contribution
- Provided effective and efficient project management from startup through execution including scheduling, tracking deliverables, customer interface, managing team members and work activities while meeting contractual requirements and objectives.
- Winner of IBM 2013 Distinguished Project of the Year.
- Consistent high Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) scores.
- Consistent 10 out of 10 IBM Conditions of Satisfaction (COS) scores.
- Responsible for staffing, maintaining the project control book and all PMO business management for current and new task orders.
- Managed an average $4.9M Firm Fixed Price (FFP) annual budget with multiple task orders.
- Interfaced with the client and facilitates Quarterly Client Reviews in Boise, ID
- Managed all supplier purchase orders BOND/PO and invoices.
- Managed IBM and Customer security required activities to include onboarding and off-boarding personnel, ensuring training requirements were met and the project was audit ready from a DS&P security standpoint.
- Participated in proposal efforts for follow-on Task Orders and Proposal Change Requests (PCRS).
- Submitted DCA packages for new task orders.
- Completed monthly invoices to the client.
- Managed team members/subcontractors and work activities to meet client schedules for SOW deliverables in an Agile Development environment.
Project Office Specialist
IBM, USDA/ARS
United States
07.2011 - 07.2013
- Project name: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) for the Data Warehouse Development & Support (DWDS)
- IBM provides Business Intelligence solutions and services for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for the Data Warehouse Development & Support (DWDS) project providing effective and efficient management of schedule and performance utilizing integrated project management processes.
- Contribution
- Implemented and maintain project-level framework necessary to support the management and oversight of all activities performed by Team IBM to satisfy client requirements to include an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) and successful Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBR).
- Edited and submitted technical deliverable documents.
- Managed an average of $4.9M annual budget with multiple task orders.
- Managed all supplier purchase orders, invoices, and DDUs.
- Managed DS&P activities to include onboarding and off-boarding personnel.
- Participate in proposal efforts for follow-on FSA DWDS Task Orders and Proposal Change Requests.
- Approved of all eTime and PCLAIM timecard submittals.
- Advanced level of proficiency in IBM related tools such as Windows MPM, PCLAIM, Buy on Demand, Team Room, Invoice Payment Verification, COGNOS 8 DIV16 IMAPS reports and financial applications, IBM WWQA Program Management Reviews, IBM Directory Record Management System (DRMS).
Program Management Administrator
DOD - MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA)
United States
08.2010 - 07.2011
- Project name: Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Defense Agency Decision Support System (DSS)
- IBM provides Business Analytics and Optimization (BAO) for the Missile Dense Agency
- Contribution
- Supported the Program Manager with all areas of Program Management to include financial reporting, resource management, facility management, risk management, EVMS, and security.
- Created and maintained Earned Value Management System (EVMS) for Missile Defense Agency Decision Support System (MDA DSS) project managing $9.1M budget.
- Supported and participated in Alpha Contracting efforts to write the management volume for the follow-on $10M MDA DSS proposal.
- Advanced level of proficiency in IBM related tools such as Windows MPM, PCLAIM, Buy on Demand, Invoice Payment Verification, COGNOS 8 DIV 16 IMAPS reports and financial applications, IBM WWQA Program Management Reviews, IBM Directory Record Management System (DRMS).
- Reinstated Secret Clearance
Owner/Consultant
DEBKAN Solutions, LLC
United States
01.2010 - 08.2010
- Consultant as Lean Six Sigma Program/Project Management with RIO Tinto Mining Company:
- Streamlined Contract to Cash (CTC) business processes for invoicing and eliminated duplication and reduced process steps in change management resulting in potential savings of $71.5M.
- Consultant as Technical and Quality Proposal Writer for a major Army Base Operations proposal for ITT Systems Corporation:
- Wrote and Submitted Quality Management volume and Facilities Management volume
Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt
ITT Systems Corporation, DoD US Army, USAF
United States
04.2008 - 01.2010
- Advanced productivity and quality goals by applying Lean Six Sigma DMAIC, Kaizen events, Value-Stream Mapping, and similar methodologies to improve company’s business operations worldwide. Led teams whose members included senior executives, managers, and staff. Trained and mentored 200+ Greenbelts globally to strengthen skills.
- Led Kaizen event that achieved $37K annual savings by reducing invoice cycle time and invoice errors for Army contract in Curacao and Virginia, resulting in customer satisfaction, timely payment, and decrease in fines.
- Completed internal audits using ISO 9001:2000 quality standards, analyzed quality trends, and developed Quality Assurance programs to achieve product and service quality.
- Delivered competitive advantage for contract wins by implementing self-performing procedures (Make/Buy Models) for Middle East projects.
- Selected for ITT Systems Division 2009–2011 Strategic Plan team charged with providing market research, competitive position, and Voice of the Customer data.
Deputy Program Manager
ITT Systems Corporation, DoD United States Army
Qatar
11.2005 - 04.2008
- Served as #2 manager of Base Operations Services (BOS) program on As Sayliyah U.S. Army Camp. Collaborated with Army Contracting Command to ensure compliance with Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Statement of Work (SOW). Developed award fee presentations for government officials. Spearheaded recruitment, hiring, and retention of employees for Quality Control, Safety, Public Works, Logistics, MWR, Postal, Troop Medical Clinic and other key functions. Balanced $31M budget on a 5-year cost-plus award fee contract. Supervised 14 direct reports with impact on 81 US employees and 600+ Third Country National (TCN) employees.
- Forged customer-focused, ISO 9001-certified program that received multiple quarterly 100% award fees for meeting all SOW objectives for performance, program management, and quality.
- Established procedures for Quality Control, Safety, public works, Logistics, DFAC, Transportation Motor Pool, Civil Engineering, Minor Construction, Fire Department, Troop Medical Clinic, Postal/Mail Services, Public Affairs, and Protocol.
- Received 8 continuous 100% award fees resulting in $168K/quarter in company revenues.
- Selected for 4-month Public Works manager assignment to direct Engineering, Housing, Roads & Grounds, Minor Construction, Maintenance, Custodial, Fire Department, and Power Plant functions.
- Launched monthly leadership training forum for all supervisors that turned around a dysfunctional environment, resulting in improved morale and collaboration.
- Delivered multiple improvements that boosted employee productivity, retention, and pride, including employee award program, employee orientation manual, and superior expat housing/vehicle management. Saved company $3K/employee/year for each retained employee.
- Applied project management expertise to initiate Lean Six Sigma Kaizen project for new Internal Job Orders (IJOs) procedure that produced fair quotes and best practices, and $5M in annual revenue.
- Designed interactive and valuable intranet SharePoint site that improved communications between program employees, customers, and contracting command.
- Saved US Army $47K/month in oil and labor costs by recommending use of streetlights with solar panels instead of generator-powered emergency lights.
- Maintained Secret Clearance.
Software Programming Agency & Lab Manager
ITT Systems Corporation, DoD US Air Force
United States
08.2001 - 11.2005
- Directed operations of several ITT computer labs and Software Programming Agencies (SPAs) charged with developing and testing Systems Engineering and Sustainment Integrator (SENSOR) software projects for US Air Force PAVE Phased Array Warning System (PAWS) and Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS).
- Managed $285K annual budget and 27 direct reports. Directed, scheduled, and evaluated employees working in 24/7 operations in 2 work centers.
- I interviewed and hired new recruits.
- Achieved strong and sustainable financial enhancements.
- Re-aligned budget to appropriately manage funds by using Earned Value Management System (EVMS) and Microsoft Project.
- Saved US Government and taxpayers $100K/month by evaluating software options and recommending purchase of computer licenses rather than leases.
- Delivered products above and beyond customer expectations by developing SOPs, award fee inputs, corrective action plans, and other documents, as prior SENSOR contractors provided no SOPs or policies.
- Mapped all processes to enable written procedures.
- Achieved profitable 95%+ award fee scores.
- Strengthened communication with customers and all equipment users by creating weekly metrics to disclose equipment and test scheduling status.
- Maintained Secret Clearance.
Project Lead
Northrop Grumman, DoD US Air Force
United States
06.1981 - 06.2001
- Fast-track career with promotions from Intern to Electrical Technician to Material Control to Supervisory and Project Management roles. Acquired deep foundation in engineering, manufacturing, and operations. Charged with analyzing, enhancing, and maintaining multimillion-dollar Material Resource Planning (MRP) system with 600+ users. Engaged in process design and re-engineering to improve functionality of planning, manufacturing, and receiving organizations.
- Recognized as Subject Matter Expert for company’s legacy ERP system, tapped for troubleshooting and expertise about system and processes.
- Partnered with computer programmers to test and implement integration of legacy MRP with SAP R/3 ERP system focusing on Material Inventory Management (MM), Quality Management (QM), and Production Planning and Control (PP) modules.
- Created SAP training guides and led training seminars for 600+ end users to maximize full potential of the system.
- Applied Total Quality Management (TQM) expertise to ensure a smooth supply pipeline for engineering labs and accurate inventory to meet production schedules and customer obligations.
- Obtained Top-Secret Clearance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Western Governors University
US01-2009
Skills
- Collaborative Leader
- Organized Planner
- Customer-Focused
- Project Management
- SAFe Agile Methodology
- Agile best practices
- Scrum framework expertise
Certification
- Certified SAFe 6 Scrum Master - 2025
- Agile Fundamentals - 2024
- Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner - 2023
- IBM Experienced Project Manager - 2016
Languages
English - Fluent
Timeline
Navy NETSS Project Management Office - Staffing
IBM, DOD - NAVY
04.2023 - 03.2025
Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) Project Manager
IBM, CIV - VA - VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION - VBA
09.2022 - 04.2023
Deputy Project Manager
IBM, DoD Department of Commissary - DeCA
08.2017 - 09.2022
Project Management Office (PMO) Manager
IBM, STATE OF MISSOURI
01.2016 - 08.2017
Project Manager
IBM, NATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
07.2013 - 01.2016
Project Office Specialist
IBM, USDA/ARS
07.2011 - 07.2013
Program Management Administrator
DOD - MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA)
08.2010 - 07.2011
Owner/Consultant
DEBKAN Solutions, LLC
01.2010 - 08.2010
Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt
ITT Systems Corporation, DoD US Army, USAF
04.2008 - 01.2010
Deputy Program Manager
ITT Systems Corporation, DoD United States Army
11.2005 - 04.2008
Navy NETTS Scrum Master
IBM, DOD - NAVY
03.2005 - Current
Software Programming Agency & Lab Manager
ITT Systems Corporation, DoD US Air Force
08.2001 - 11.2005
Project Lead
Northrop Grumman, DoD US Air Force
06.1981 - 06.2001
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Western Governors University
Key courses and training
- Agile SAFe 6 Scrum Master Training 2025
- IBM Agile Fundamentals with ICP Certification 2024
- IBM Intern & Associate Interviewing 2022
- IBM Procurement Services - 2020
- IBM Ariba Training and Troubleshooting - 2019
- IBM Project Manager - 2018
- IBM Band 8 Bee School - 2017
- IBM Sink or Swim: Resolving Difficult PM Challenges Event - 2017
- IBM Agile Academy - Agile Operational Fundamentals - 2016
- IBM Experienced Project Manager - 2016
- IBM Overview of Agile Methodologies - 2015
- IBM Seven Keys of Success - 2013
- IBM PMP Bootcamp - 2014
- IBM Project Management Fundamentals - 2013
- IBM Federal Project Financial Fundamentals - 2011 & 2012
- IBM Earned Value Management (Online Edition) - 2011
- IBM PMP Overview - 2011
- Leadership Effectiveness Train the Trainer - ITT, 2009
- Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt – ITT/George Group, 2007
- Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt Certified – University of Michigan, 2005
- Management & Leadership Skills – The Flippin Group, 2005
- Management & Leadership Skills – Franklin Covey Workshops, 2004
- PMBOK Fundamentals Certified – PMI Pikes Peak Regional Chapter, 2004
- Management & Leadership Skills – Rockhurst University, 2003
Additional information
- COMPUTER / SOFTWARE COMPETENCIES
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project)
- Adobe Acrobat
- MS Visio 2010
- Minitab 15
- Excel QE Tools
- X-Mind (mind mapping tool)
- Lean View (Visio add-in)
- MS SharePoint
- IBM WinMPM
- BOX
- PIVC
- SAP Ariba
- Confluence
- Jira
- Tableau
- Mural
- Trello
- Percolator
- Monday Workspace