Debra Jackson- Van Dusen
Titusville,FL
Summary
Accomplished Information Technology Executive and Project Manager with extensive experience serving the State of California, recognized for exceptional leadership and process innovation. Expertise in IT Project Management, Program Management, Accounting, Procurement, and Application Development. Proven track record of enhancing organizational effectiveness through the deployment of new systems, processes, and metrics that drive efficiency and measurable results. Skilled in building strategic relationships with business partners to promote collaborative, merit-based decision-making. Dynamic leader of multi-department organizations and large project teams, with diverse experience across project development, oversight management, procurement, media, education, government (state, federal, and local), corrections, military, and financial services.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Manager
Greentree Group
10.2024 - 10.2025
- Manage IT Projects for various clients. Currently, I am currently managing projects for the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). Manage project teams, develop schedules, project plans, communication plans, risk management, communications plans, and other project plans for each project utilizing the waterfall methodology. Established project files in SharePoint for each project in the centralized project management portfolio. Manage project scope, schedule and costs for each project throughout the project lifecycle. Develop weekly status reports for all projects and send them to sponsors and stakeholders. Develop change orders when scope, schedule and costs exceed the approved plan. Provide project closeout reports on actual tasks completed, status and overages against baseline and the strategic plan.
- Managed projects for the Office of Community Corrections, Office of Programs and Re-entry, Public Affairs, as well as the Communications office. Set up and facilitated team meetings with multiple Office of Technology and the Business staff to ensure effective communication, clarification of requirements, tasks and schedule milestones. Escalate risk and issues per the escalation process. Document all risks, issues and decisions. Update project documentation and maintain in centralized repository.
- Managed and assisted in developing templates for standardizing and aligning the project management templates for FDC to the Florida Administrative Code 60GG standards.
Senior Project Manager
InterVision LLC
04.2023 - 05.2024
- Plans for each project in SharePoint. Established centralized project files within the portfolio. Manage project scope, schedule and costs throughout the project lifecycle. Develop change orders when scope, schedule and costs exceed the approved plan. Provide reports on actual projects completed, status and overages against baseline and the strategic plan. Assist in forecasting technology resources, budgets and maintenance services for customers.
- Established project schedule, milestones, deliverables and weekly status meetings with project team. Communicated project status to all stakeholders regularly. Provided vendor management and contract billing.
Project Manager
Washoe County Technology Services
03.2022 - 02.2023
- Develop and implement Project Management Office for Washoe County. Develop websites for processes, procedures, and templates. Established a centralized project portfolio in SharePoint. Review all business cases for approval. Provide reports on actual projects completed, status and overages against baseline and the strategic plan. Assist in forecasting technology resources, budgets and maintenance services for customers.
- Project Manager for the Broadband Project. Established and acquired funding by collaborating with State partners for grant eRate funding. Developed and finalized contract with State partners and vendors. Established project schedule, milestones, deliverables and weekly status meetings with project team. Communicated project status to all stakeholders regularly. Provided vendor management and contract billing.
Project Manager
California Department of Technology (CDT)
01.2012 - 01.2022
- Leads and supervises staff in their assessment and oversight of highly complex and sensitive IT projects using SharePoint. Ensure staff effectively performs agency portfolio management, corrective action, issue resolution and remediation planning with departments to resolve critical project performance issues timely. Responsible for the ITPOD’s ongoing operations which includes the prioritization and allocation of assignments; review and approval of information technology concepts, projects, Legislative mandates, procurements, and budget actions; the review of oversight assessments/recommendations; and formation and enforcement of the ITPOD’s policies, practices, and procedures. Ensure all policies and procedures are current and aligned with Legislative and Governmental changes. Assisted with the development of the new Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL) policies, practices and procedures which redesigned the feasibility study report process.
- Develop and maintain effective communication and collaboration with departments, control agency partners and Legislative staff. Easily adapt to changing priorities to meet work demands. Provide guidance and leadership to staff regarding complex and sensitive technical issues concerning project, procurement and funding proposals. Develop and approve the monthly Independent Project Oversight Reports on statewide IT projects. Meet with CIOs and AIOs on project issues to ensure timely resolution. Escalate unresolved critical issues as appropriate for action by the State CIO.
- Participate in sensitive IT portfolio meetings with department executives, vendor meetings, DOF Capital Office meetings with Department of Finance and Legislative hearings for budget requests associated to IT projects. Collaborate with other control agencies on project approval process to ensure the business case for the projects are met while complying with the State and Federal policies, procedures, and processes.
- CalCloud Project
- Project Manager for the CalCloud project, which provides CalCloud infrastructure as a service to customers. Provide leadership and guidance to project workgroups; develop and manage the master schedule; ensure project tasks are identified, managed and completed timely; develop formal legislative responses; enhance policies; attend hearings as needed; develop procurement documentation; develop processes and procedures for the various workgroups; develop presentation and communication material; collaborate and facilitate meetings with internal and external stakeholders; and ensure effective communication to internal and external customers. Oversee security monitoring implementation and the process to acquire FedRAMP compliance.
- Security Manager
- Provide Project Director/Manager activities for the Statewide Unified Integrated Risk Management (UIRM) Solution. Develop Project planning and approval documentation for project funding and approval to implement a statewide security governance, risk and compliance (GRC) platform to effectively manage security risks and measure maturity across the statewide enterprise and within each state entity. The platform will centralize and automate security reporting, compliance, program and policy management, asset management, incident management, oversight, audits, assessment tracking and reporting of over 140 state entities, and provide a statewide view of overall risk, program maturity, and trends, thus, significantly improving the decision-making process for addressing risk to the state and Executive Branch oversight. A unified, integrated system governance, risk and compliance system will to:
- Effectively manage security risks and measure maturity across the enterprise statewide using ServiceNow and SharePoint.
- Provide automation and reporting for managing reporting, incidents, risks, assets, policy, programs, audits, assessments, and third-party governance.
- Optimize the State’s ability to respond to incidents and mitigate high risks security compliance, policy management, asset management, incident management, oversight, audits, and independent assessment management.
- Advance statewide compliance and improve overall information security statewide thereby safeguarding mission critical and state critical information while complying with NIST 800-53, FIPPS, and State reporting requirements.
- Allow the integration of strategic and operational IT risk management processes and data.
- Enable and track Optimize compliance with SAM 5300 policies, and SIMM 5300.
- Centralize risk assessments and deficiencies across all systems in order to tackle the highest risk and common issues.
- Centralizes technology recovery plans and provide integrated processes controlling their enterprise risk.
Project Manager
California Student Aid Commission
04.2007 - 04.2012
- Provide leadership and guidance to multiple level staff in the Information Technology Division for application development, configuration management, change control, quality assurance, and procurements; provide project management on all IT development projects to enhance the mission of the agency. Scope encompasses all developing project teams to successfully analyze an organization’s critical support requirements, identify deficiencies and potential opportunities, and develop innovative solutions for increasing reliability while improving productivity. Developing and managing the back-office functions including timekeeping, recruiting, compensation planning, benefits administration, communication, fixed assets, financial reporting, budgeting, and procurement.
- Responsible for the strategic development and implementation of cost-effective training and support solutions that are designed to provide improved productivity, streamlined operations, and faster access to critical information. Provided project management on multiple projects- develop project management plans, schedules, and budgets.
- Oversaw the quality assurance procedures, verifying all development meets the business requirements, completed within schedule, budget and allocated resources. Provide ongoing support for applications per the service level agreements and the specific support levels that have been purchased by the client.
- Promoted policies, policies, and repeatable processes to ensure the system development life cycle is accomplished utilizing IT best practices while conforming to the strategic direction.
- Negotiated contracts and secured consulting resources that minimized total deployment costs.
- Resolved in-depth issues in a methodical manner independently and with internal and external business partners to find appropriate resolutions, efficiencies, and high level of quality.
- Enjoyed sharing knowledge and encouraging development of others to achieve specific team goals. Motives team members to collaborate effectively while achieving team building with the technical staff as well as the business staff.
- Experience in preparing reports and analyzing data for management.
- Ensured effective communication with internal and external customers at all levels via telephone and email.
- Implement effective customer satisfaction strategies by identifying and eliminating the root causes of customer problems.
- Responsible for the planning and managing of overall branch budget, forecasting for future projects, and the annual reporting to the control agencies and the Legislature.
Project Manager
California Board of Equalization
04.2000 - 04.2007
- As a Program Manager over Quality Assurance, I provided leadership and guidance to multiple level staff for application development, quality standards, processes, configuration management, change control, quality assurance, and scheduling processes for releases to enhance the mission of the agency. Developed project teams to successfully analyze an organization’s critical support requirements, identify deficiencies and potential opportunities, and develop innovative solutions for increasing reliability while improving productivity. Developed and managed the back-office functions including timekeeping, recruiting, compensation planning, benefits administration, communication, fixed assets, financial reporting, budgeting, and procurement.
- Provided project management on multiple projects- develop project management plans, schedules, and budgets.
- Oversaw the quality assurance procedures, verifying all development meets the business requirements, completed within schedule, budget and allocated resources. Provide ongoing support for applications per the service level agreements and the specific support levels that have been purchased by the client.
- Promoted policies, policies, and repeatable processes to ensure the system development life cycle is accomplished utilizing IT best practices while conforming to the strategic direction.
- Negotiated contracts and secured consulting resources that minimized total deployment costs.
- Resolved in-depth issues in a methodical manner independently and with internal and external business partners to find appropriate resolutions, efficiencies, and high level of quality.
- Enjoyed sharing knowledge and encouraging development of others to achieve specific team goals. Motives team members to collaborate effectively while achieving team building with the technical staff as well as the business staff.
- Experience in preparing reports and analyzing data for management.
- Ensured effective communication with internal and external customers at all levels via telephone and email.
- Implement effective customer satisfaction strategies by identifying and eliminating the root causes of customer problems.
- Responsible for the planning and managing of overall branch budget, forecasting for future projects, and the annual reporting to the control agencies and the Legislature.
Active Duty and Reserves
US Air Force
01.1985 - 01.2007
- Family Support Director for the 940th Air Refueling Wing (ARW). Develop and implemented a Family support office for the 940th ARW. Provided information and referrals to military families, assistance in relocation, deployment separations, housing, medical needs, counseling, childcare issues, schooling guidance, post-traumatic stress disorder, death, and reunions.
- Facilitated, coordinated, and implemented various support functions for deployed families and the members to assist families while military members were deployed.
- Implemented video cams at deployed stations to keep families in touch.
- Supervise and train staff on providing services to families and military members.
- Set up Family Support Offices at other bases.
- Reported all family information to the Wing Commander.
- Debriefed all troops upon return from war/deployments on post traumatic experiences.
- Debriefed and educated families on post traumatic experiences and provided counseling.
Project Manager
California State Controller’s Office (SCO)
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Developed and implemented an Information Systems Governance Board and a Project Management Office that supported the strategic plan, agency budget, resource allocation and overall IT savings. The prioritization of enhancements and defects while considering the strategic direction of the agency increased the agency’s return on investment. Implemented processes and procedures for the project management office that enabled the governance board to prioritize projects and resources on an enterprise level. Assisted in the development of the strategic plan and Agency’s Information Technology Plan.
- In an environment of strongly opposing views regarding centralization of the IT vs. multiple IT units by division, they persuaded the CEO, CIO and CFO to align on the position that centralization of resources was optimal for managing the state’s dual requirements for the operation of HR and payroll reporting.
- Improved data integrity and timeliness by centralizing data, web enabling the front end of the system and automating processes on the existing infrastructure.
- Reduced agency project costs by implementing repeatable processes and consolidating the small projects into agency projects to eliminate redundancy and maintenance.
- Leveraged new business intelligence tools to track the enterprise project portfolio and provided an intranet view of project progress.
Project Manager
Department of Information Technology
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Provided IT Project Oversight of projects for multiple Departments/ State Entities. Provided project approval and guidance over multiple projects of various sizes and complexity throughout the State of California.
- Assisted in writing policies and procedures for the State Agencies to use and follow for IT project management. Assisted in updating the Statewide Information Management Manual that guided project managers in utilizing the best IT practices while managing projects.
- Minimize the cost of system development and integration between agencies by collaborating with agencies in sharing IT projects. This reduced overall project costs and maintenance for agencies and provided shared concept with additional agencies.
- Provided IT oversight throughout the project life cycle.
- Oversight of central reporting of project and strategic plans.
- Assisted agencies on project when at risk. Assisted in their risk mitigation and corrections.
Project Manager
California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Managed the Web Develop Unit which provided enhancements to the department’s aging legacy systems. Managed a team of programmers, testers and analysts that assisted in the development of web applications to meet the ever-changing Legislative mandates to the legacy systems. Developed an internal project approval (internal feasibility study report) process and framework for identifying and prioritizing all projects. Established a governance framework, facilitated the governance committee, and provided recommendations to executive leadership.
- Developed and maintained policies and procedures for the internal project documentation and governance.
- Minimized the cost of system development while complying with ever changing legislative changes.
- Provided IT project management over all web projects.
- Provided monthly project status reports to executive management and budget expenditures.
- Documented and managed project risks and issues. Managed the projects’ risk mitigation and corrections.
Project Manager
California Department of Corrections
01.1995 - 01.2000
- Responsible for preparing, facilitating, documenting, and implementing information technology projects per the state regulations and IT best practices for system development life cycle (SDLC). Prepared and managed a variety of information technology plans as part of the SDLC including requirements, systems analysis, design, development, implementation, procurement, and maintenance and operations plan in connection with information technology systems (mainframe enhancements, web development, and new multi-platform systems). Prepared feasibility study reports, special project reports, budget change requests, request for proposals, system test plans, system documentation, training manuals, help desk procedures, operational procedures, post implementation evaluation reports and all correspondence for the project team, sponsors, and stakeholders. Developed procurement documentation, statement of work and amendments for vendor contract and monitored project progress. Performed operational duties including quality assurance, database administrator, and web master for the LEADS system.
- Prepared all control agency documentation timely and participated in all control agency meetings and legislative hearings.
Correctional Officer
California Department of Corrections – Folsom State Prison
01.1990 - 01.1995
- I acquired my POST certification at the Correctional Academy and acquired the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work effectively within the prison and carry out the primary duty of public protection. Provided custodial and supervisory service of inmates at a maximum level facility (including duties in towers, housing units, visiting center, reception centers, kitchens, outside crew supervision, search and escort, control booths, yard, and gun posts) as well as level one camp, the emergency firefighting camp, clean-up crews within the community and hospital custodial assignments. Per the post order, I performed my duties in my assigned area. I ensured I was prepared by reading the daily journal, facility rules, procedures, regulations, and other formal written materials relevant to job performance. I prepared various reports, memoranda, and correspondence related to inmates per my post to ensure the safety of the institution, and inmates, at all times, per the regulations.
- I controlled, directed, and instructed inmates individually and in groups; interpreted and enforced institutional rules and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality; read and interpreted written material accurately and rapidly; wrote effectively; prepared accurate and objective written reports using good grammar, composition and correct spelling; promoted socially acceptable attitudes and behavior of inmates; rated the conduct and productivity of inmates accurately and impartially; think and act quickly in emergencies; reasoned logically and communicated effectively; correctly follow oral/written directions; accepted the requirements of the Department and institution; accurately distinguish inmates and correctional staff from a tower or elevated position; accepted the role as authority figure; made appropriate use of disciplinary options; deal tactfully and professionally with the public, inmates, and staff; followed chain of command; operated departmental vehicles and equipment, including firearms and mobile radio; physically perform a variety of tasks including carrying accident victims and subduing combative inmates; and analyzed situations accurately and adopted an effective course of action.
- Using my knowledge of computer systems, I assisted executive staff in developing automated tools to track the staff allocation and costs within the facility as well as inmate assignment. These tools provide staff cost reports, monthly staff cost/savings reports and provide overtime usage information for the projected staff budgets. The information provided annual costs and projections for future years. My knowledge of working at various posts in the prison allowed me to assist in the development of the SOMS automated system and the Parole LEADs system.
Accountant 1
California Department of Corrections – Folsom State Prison
01.1990 - 01.1995
- Supervised Accounting staff and two assigned inmate clerks in the accounts payable, accounts receivable and inmate welfare fund division. Perform the more difficult accounting work and maintenance of accounts and records for specialized agency activities, departmental systems, and for central fiscal control activities.
- Performed private banking activities for inmates. Make journal entries, posts ledgers, takes trial balances, audits claims, and perform preliminary reconciliations and adjustments of financial records and reports; gathers data for a variety of financial reports requiring the application of accounting principles and judgment. Compiled and analyzed budget data for accuracy. Reviewed and approved deposit receipts submitted by the mail room; prepared remittance advise to the State Controller's Office; kept track of interest due on stocks, bonds and other securities; maintained and performed follow-up and collections of dishonored checks; reviewed invoices for contracts, interagency agreements, and billings by the department; issued invoices to departmental employees for overpayment or misuse of departmental equipment; maintained unclear collection account; closed out account general ledgers annually; and provided training for all assigned staff and inmates.
- Assisted in the requirements definition, development, and testing of the Canteen system while manager at Folsom. Oversaw the pilot implementation and tested all enhancements prior to the statewide rollout of the system.
Education
Certificate Courses -
California State Training Center
College credits - undefined
Consumnes River College and Sierra College Project Management
US Air Force Technical School - Accounting and Finance
US Air Force
Skills
- Oversight and Portfolio Management – Lead team of oversight managers to ensure successful project delivery, perform complex and sensitive tasks related to statewide information technology management, policy, and provide advice and guidance to executive management on critical project issues, budgetary concerns, and Legislative mandates
- Leadership - Solutions-focused, team proven ability to identify staff strengths and leverage potential by maximizing personnel and business opportunities Committed to lead and develop teams through the exchange of knowledge, experience, process, and information, optimizing development and performance
- Organizational Change Management - Direct the development and implementation of organizational processes, policies, governance framework and procedures ensuring communication occurs to assist stakeholders in accepting and embracing changes to achieve departmental goals and objectives
- Project Management Knowledge - Solutions-focused, team oriented, technical and project management experience with broad-based knowledge and hands-on skills in the successful implementation of highly effective applications and daily operations Performance driven with innovative processes to meet customer business and technical strategies Proven ability to successfully analyze an organization’s requirements, identify deficiencies, provide potential opportunities, and develops innovative solutions for increasing reliability while improving productivity A broad understanding of hardware and software, including development, installation, configuration, management, troubleshooting, operations, procurements, and on-going support
- Complete ERP system integration
- Regulatory compliance
- IT project leadership
- Business continuity planning expertise
- Enterprise application design
- Enterprise data design
- Business Intelligence
- IEEE Compliance
- Effective communication skills
- Customer Relations Management
- Operational enhancements
- Comprehensive policy deployment
- Detailed bill review
- Program/Project Portfolio Management
- Organizational Change Management
- CA-PMM Methodology
- Service Oriented Architecture
- Finance and General Accounting
- Capital Management IT Plan and Strategic Management
- Contracts and Vendor Management
- Legislative Hearings
- Control Agency experience
- Software Development Lifecycle (Waterfall, RUP, and Agile)
- Project Management Trainer
- Leadership and Team building
- Project Oversight/ Management
- PMP Certified
- Project Management Methodology Implementation
- Risk and Issue Management
- Budgets and Procurements
Certification
- Project Management Institute – PMP
- Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Cert # 3447259
- Certified April 2023
- Current to April 2026
- Leadership Training - Dual Emphasis in Business Management and Accounting Various courses in Leadership, Management, IT Project Management
- 38 Professional Development Units for PMP Renewals
Timeline
Project Manager
Greentree Group
10.2024 - 10.2025
Senior Project Manager
InterVision LLC
04.2023 - 05.2024
Project Manager
Washoe County Technology Services
03.2022 - 02.2023
Project Manager
California Department of Technology (CDT)
01.2012 - 01.2022
Project Manager
California Student Aid Commission
04.2007 - 04.2012
Project Manager
California State Controller’s Office (SCO)
01.2002 - 01.2005
Project Manager
Department of Information Technology
01.2001 - 01.2002
Project Manager
California Board of Equalization
04.2000 - 04.2007
Project Manager
California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
01.2000 - 01.2001
Project Manager
California Department of Corrections
01.1995 - 01.2000
Correctional Officer
California Department of Corrections – Folsom State Prison
01.1990 - 01.1995
Accountant 1
California Department of Corrections – Folsom State Prison
01.1990 - 01.1995
Active Duty and Reserves
US Air Force
01.1985 - 01.2007
College credits - undefined
Consumnes River College and Sierra College Project Management
US Air Force Technical School - Accounting and Finance
US Air Force
Certificate Courses -
California State Training Center