Virginia Kalesić

• Leading AI initiatives for the new Measurement Solution (MSOL) within Emerson
• Engaging with stakeholders to drive AI adoption and implementation
• Spearheading the development and integration of AI technologies to enhance MSOL capabilities

• Managed two key vendors: one providing an AI engine for discount recommendation processing and another for the CPQ workflow, coordinating project deliverables, timelines, and resources to ensure successful implementation of AI-driven solutions.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align project objectives with business goals, partnering with project team members to identify and quickly address problems.
• Kept customers and senior leaders informed on progress and roadblocks, maintaining transparent communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Crafted and maintained comprehensive project plans and schedules to meet organizational objectives, monitoring project progress, identifying risks, and implementing corrective measures to ensure success.
• Proactively monitored contracts and service level agreements to identify potential risks and implement mitigation actions, safeguarding the development process from unforeseen delays and costs.
• Maintained schedules to meet key milestones at every project phase, ensuring timely delivery and successful project completion.
• Transitioned to a full-time role at Emerson upon completion of the contract, demonstrating strong performance and value to the organization.

• Led multiple complex IT projects at Medtronic with budgets exceeding $300,000, proactively addressing project issues to ensure timely resolution and minimize impact on project objectives.
• Monitored and maintained project budgets through comprehensive economic analysis and meticulous financial tracking, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost control.
• Managed cross-functional teams comprised of IT professionals, business stakeholders, and external vendors, aligning priorities and fostering effective collaboration to drive project success.
• Introduced and implemented Agile/Scrum methodologies to enhance project efficiency, adaptability, and transparency, while actively managing project scope to ensure the delivery of high-quality deliverables that meet business requirements.
• Coached and mentored team members on productivity strategies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the IT project management team.
• Actively engaged key stakeholders, including senior management and business leaders, to align IT projects with strategic initiatives and ensure project outcomes support Medtronic's overall business objectives.

• Specialized in driving the development and implementation of Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Vision solutions in healthcare, manufacturing, and 3D printing domains.
• Facilitated seamless inter-team collaboration and introduced iterative development processes, leveraging Agile methodologies to enhance efficiency and adaptability in AI/ML software development.
• Demonstrated strong program management capabilities by leading 11+ AI/ML projects simultaneously, overseeing execution according to SDLC methodology and ensuring successful delivery of cutting-edge solutions.
• Guided diverse teams of data scientists, ML engineers, and software developers through the entire project lifecycle, from ideation to deployment, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment.
• Spearheaded the development of organization-wide technology strategy, aligning AI/ML initiatives with business objectives and identifying opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
• Led sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives, promoting continuous improvement and ensuring that AI/ML projects remain on track and aligned with stakeholder expectations.
• Developed and implemented inter-team collaboration guidelines to reduce dependence and redundancy, accelerating AI/ML development efforts by integrating diverse developer perspectives and fostering knowledge sharing.
• Delivered comprehensive project reports and milestone updates to stakeholders, communicating progress, risks, and key insights to drive informed decision-making and maintain alignment with business goals.
• Closely monitored AI/ML development efforts to maintain high levels of quality control, proactively identifying and mitigating potential issues to reduce the impact of unforeseen challenges on project outcomes.
• Actively engaged with team members to discuss and resolve issues, applying best practices in AI/ML development and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Collaborated with senior leadership to define requirements and build AI/ML projects that achieved or exceeded corporate plans, driving the successful adoption and integration of intelligent solutions across the organization.

As an experienced IT Project Manager, I have successfully delivered key projects for prominent clients such as Apple, Porsche, Johnson & Johnson, and DePuy Synthes. By leading cross-functional teams and implementing best practices, I ensured the successful completion of IT projects while maintaining a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

Key responsibilities and achievements include:

* Wrote, updated, and maintained comprehensive project documentation to ensure clarity, transparency, and effective communication among team members and stakeholders.

* Devised thorough test plans to validate the accuracy and reliability of IT projects, ensuring that deliverables met or exceeded client expectations.

* Monitored customer quality metrics and proactively implemented resolutions to address any issues, consistently maintaining acceptable levels of service and satisfaction.

* Coordinated the delivery of contracted solutions at the program level, ensuring full compliance with outlined cost, scheduling, and quality terms.

* Proactively addressed customer inquiries and complaints, promptly rectifying issues to maintain strong client relationships and foster trust.

* Engaged customers in discussions to understand their evolving business needs and explore opportunities for increased sales and expanded partnerships.

* Ensured alignment between client requirements and project objectives, collaborating closely with stakeholders to deliver solutions that drive business value.

* Partnered with Software and Data Architects to shape product direction, improve processes, and optimize IT solutions for maximum impact and efficiency.

* Continuously monitored and tracked project progress, identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies to support timely completion and successful outcomes.

As an accomplished Engineering Project Manager, I collaborated with executive leadership to analyze operations data, driving strategic adjustments to optimize performance and efficiency. By managing cross-functional teams and implementing innovative automated solutions, I successfully delivered projects that yielded significant cost savings and operational improvements.

Key responsibilities and achievements include:

• Managed diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative environment that encouraged problem-solving from different perspectives to develop comprehensive solutions.
• Reviewed technical drawings developed by CAD technicians and drafters, ensuring accuracy, quality, and compliance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Spearheaded initiatives that achieved annual savings of $250,000 worldwide, demonstrating a strong ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities for cost reduction and process optimization.
• Oversaw design concepts, quality control, and problem-solving teams, providing guidance and leadership to ensure the successful execution of engineering projects.
• Served as a key client liaison, maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and addressing their needs to ensure project alignment and customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated exceptional project management skills, consistently keeping projects on schedule and within budget while effectively leading cross-functional teams.
• Implemented automated solutions to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and reduce manual effort, resulting in increased productivity and reduced operational costs.
• Collaborated with executive leadership to analyze operations data, providing valuable insights and recommendations to drive strategic adjustments and support data-driven decision-making.

• Led RoHS/REACH conversion and quality improvement projects for global suppliers
• Managed electrical components and resolved issues with international suppliers
• Conducted supplier audits and selected raw materials to improve supply chain outcomes.

• Led update of training materials for new ISEs and trained Field Sales Engineers
• Managed 30 customer accounts totaling $10M in business
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve product data sheets
• Developed pricing strategies to enhance sales and profitability.

• Led projects for aerospace firms with deep customer understanding and technical expertise
• Managed 6-month projects with international teams, organized work structures
• Conducted research, interpreted blueprints, and managed technical projects.

Installed and configured advanced software and hardware components for high-security systems at major corporations, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
Contributed to the ongoing development and maintenance of sustaining software projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, scalable solutions.
Designed innovative technology solutions to address specific business challenges, leveraging my technical expertise to create customized, user-friendly systems that streamlined processes and improved efficiency.
Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs, workshops, and user guides to educate users on technical systems, ensuring a thorough understanding of features, functionalities, and best practices.
Provided ongoing technical support and guidance to users, troubleshooting issues and offering expert advice to maintain optimal system performance and user satisfaction.
Collaborated closely with sales and business development teams to identify user needs, provide technical insights, and develop targeted solutions that drove revenue growth and customer success.
Stayed up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends, continuously expanding my knowledge and skills to provide cutting-edge solutions and expert guidance to users and stakeholders.