Sarah Nicholson
Pataskala,OH
Summary
Professional, ambitious, and team-oriented leader with a proven track record of success. Recognizes the importance of collaboration and empowering others to achieve their goals. Respected by colleagues for leading by example, fostering employee growth, taking responsibility, and striving for excellence in all endeavors.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Learning and Development Manager
American Electric Power
Pataskala, OH
03.2019 - 02.2024
- Responsible for leading a team of eight people in the development and creation of e-learning and competency-based learning programs, enterprise-wide.
- Collaborate with AEP matrix partners, community leaders, and educational institutions to analyze and develop training for employees.
- Create and update training programs to align with the business unit's strategy.
- Guide process improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies.
- Collaborate with departmental and business unit leaders to create standard work procedures.
- Utilize change management methods to ensure successful people’s adaptation.
- Ensure effective utilization of the LMS by understanding specific requirements and providing ongoing support.
Manager, Customer Processes and Systems
American Electric Power
Columbus, OH
02.2014 - 03.2019
- Lead a team of 17 in ensuring optimal development and support for customer IT systems.
- Oversee all stages of CIS development, implementation, and support initiatives.
- Implement Lean techniques to enhance process efficiency.
- Lead Product Owners in supporting various product lines.
- Direct the selection and prioritization of IT projects to align with business goals.
- Oversee setting and reaching departmental targets.
- Manage financial planning and cost-effective operations.
- Negotiate and coordinate the services of outside vendors and contractors.
Supervisor, Customer Systems Support
American Electric Power
Columbus, OH
12.2010 - 02.2014
- Lead a team of 12 people, providing functional support for the customer information system.
- Manage business case creation, system testing processes, and post-implementation maintenance.
- Organize and lead efforts to optimize processes.
- Resolve system issues through application functionality expertise, and understanding of business processes.
- Lead a team of Product Owners in the agile methodology implementation at AEP.
- Accepted into an elite, competitive program designed for top-tier leader growth.
Functional System Analyst, Customer Systems Support
American Electric Power
Columbus, OH
09.2006 - 12.2010
- Project Manager of a 4.2 million dollar project; Acting Supervisor supervising six employees and one contractor; Sub-team Lead on a high-profile Real Time Pricing project for AEP Ohio.
- Collect requirements, perform testing, and provide support.
- Investigate, analyze, and resolve application issues.
- Collaborate with business unit employees to establish and enhance business processes.
- Communicate recommendations, requirements, and options to internal partners.
System Administrator, Information Technology
American Electric Power
Columbus, OH
11.2004 - 09.2006
- Manage multiple projects efficiently.
- Develop systematic procedures for operational guidelines.
- Generate comprehensive cost projections for each project.
- Monitor performance by setting up and configuring IT infrastructure.
Software Developer, Information Technology
American Electric Power
Columbus, OH
04.1998 - 11.2004
- Build moderately complex systems utilizing modern technology.
- Perform software coding, testing, and debugging for the Legal Department.
- Manage small to medium-sized projects with efficient project management skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Education
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio01.1995
Skills
- Instructional strategies
- Training delivery
- Organizational development
- Stakeholder management
- Program optimization
- Coaching and mentoring
- Application support
- IT governance
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Value stream mapping
- Cross-functional team leadership
References
- Kim Jenkins, Portfolio Manager, American Electric Power, (614) 557-5716, kajenkins@aep.com
- Marketta Franklin-Thomas, Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Director, Zane State College, (614) 327-0744, markettathomas@icloud.com
- Kathy Robinette, Director, Customer Applications, Retired, American Electric Power, (614) 361-7377, kwrobinette@att.net
- Kris Britton, OCM Tech Adoption Capability Lead, Centric Consulting, (720) 289-6330, Kris.britton@centricconsulting.com
Certification
- Business Analyst Certification
- DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) certified
- SCID (Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development) certified
Timeline
Learning and Development Manager
American Electric Power
03.2019 - 02.2024
Manager, Customer Processes and Systems
American Electric Power
02.2014 - 03.2019
Supervisor, Customer Systems Support
American Electric Power
12.2010 - 02.2014
Functional System Analyst, Customer Systems Support
American Electric Power
09.2006 - 12.2010
System Administrator, Information Technology
American Electric Power
11.2004 - 09.2006
Software Developer, Information Technology
American Electric Power
04.1998 - 11.2004
- Business Analyst Certification
- DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) certified
- SCID (Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development) certified
Bachelor of Science - Business Education
The Ohio State University
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