Wayne Keels
Sumter,SC
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in the Finance and Technology sectors, specializing in business transformation through Lean Six Sigma methodologies and strategic project management. Demonstrated expertise in business intelligence analysis and cross-functional leadership, resulting in significant efficiency improvements and enhanced decision-making capabilities. Proven ability to optimize resource allocation and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement across various initiatives.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
VICE PRESIDENT, CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT & PMO
SAFE Federal Credit Union
Sumter, SC
12.2022 - Current
- Spearheaded enterprise-wide Business Intelligence strategy, implementing cloud-based data warehouse solution for enhanced data-driven decision making and insights; involved the integration/ETL of over one dozen disparate systems (e.g., loans, deposits, cards, etc.).
- Direct PMO operations, ensuring consistent project delivery and optimal resource allocation across diverse initiatives from inception to completion with focus on a hybrid Waterfall and Agile project implementation and delivery methodology.
- Pioneered Lean Six Sigma methodologies to identify process optimization and automation opportunities, driving continuous improvement and business growth; improving resource utilization, enabling the repurposing of staff as opposed to a reduction.
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT & PMO
SAFE Federal Credit Union
Sumter, SC
12.2021 - 11.2022
- Developed strategy and project management framework, ensuring alignment between projects/initiatives and the enterprise strategies and goals. Created baseline of business process landscapes and process maps for each business unit for value stream analysis.
- Implemented cloud-based learning management system (LMS), streamlined access to procedures leading to improved member service in the branches/lobbies and call center when performing banking transactions or handling general inquiries due to increased efficiency.
- Led Lean Six Sigma workshops, developing KPIs and scorecards, fostering a culture of continuous improvement across business units.
DIRECTOR, PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO)
SAFE Federal Credit Union
Sumter, SC
12.2018 - 11.2021
- Developed Enterprise SharePoint Intranet, boosting employee productivity through enhanced collaboration and communication.
- Implemented Atlassian Jira for service desk issues and project management; Jira is a cloud-based product similar to Microsoft Project but is more cost effective and provides a more extensive range of integrations with other development tools and support for Agile teams.
- Orchestrated $3.7M core conversion program with multiple vendor integrations; the overall program included contract negotiations and management with over a dozen third party vendors (e.g., hub and spoke topology using Jack Henry Symitar core).
- Led the Request for Proposal (RFP) and implementation of new digital banking platform (from Fiserv to NCR/Digital Insights); significantly enhancing members' self-service capabilities, thus increasing user adoption and engagement by 50%.
- Leveraged data-driven insights to optimize project portfolio performance, providing comprehensive KPIs and visual dashboards (e.g., MS Power BI) for heightened transparency to projects' statuses, costs, resource conflicts, issues, and risks.
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION LEAD, DISCOVER LEAN GROUP
Discover Financial Services
Riverwoods, IL
06.2018 - 12.2018
- Optimized business strategies by aligning value streams with organizational goals, leveraging the digital Agile Kanban methodology for a more visual initiative/project management approach and team collaboration.
- Empowered senior managers through Lean Six Sigma and leadership development training, enhancing their ability to develop data-driven strategies and visual management techniques.
- Pioneered daily improvement change management systems, integrating Agile principles to drive an adaptive and responsive business transformation.
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION LEAD, CONSUMER BANKING
Discover Financial Services
Riverwoods, IL
03.2015 - 05.2018
- Led $10M banking core conversion, enhancing origination and disbursement efficiency. Slashed defect triage time, optimized testing, and accelerated loan-boarding process.
- Led cross-functional team consisting of business analysts, data analysts, software engineers, call center agents, and risk and compliance specialists with the business transformation from the home-grown loan origination system (LOS) to a more modernized version.
- Drove efficiency in consumer banking operations, delivering measurable improvements in mortgage loan processing times and customer complaint resolution. Simultaneously led several high-impact projects for the executive office with substantial budgets.
SIX SIGMA LEAN CONSULTANT, DISCOVER LEAN GROUP
Discover Financial Services
Riverwoods, IL
06.2014 - 02.2015
- Through process mapping and value stream analysis, Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) was conducted, identifying high-risk processes and implementing targeted control measures to mitigate organizational vulnerabilities within the software.
- Leveraged Six Sigma and Lean methodologies to optimize project workflows, resulting in substantial efficiency gains and cost reductions across the organization; also established the baseline system and process architecture for banking core conversion.
- Optimized the mortgage loan process workflows using Six Sigma and Lean methodologies, resulting in increased loan originations via reduced application abandonments and reduced cycle time from 45-days to 30-days.
SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
Evanston, IL
06.2013 - 06.2014
- Drove technical upgrades for hardware and software, fostering seamless system integration and driving business growth for scholarship program while overseeing the management of resources/contractors for two separate vendors for the system modernization program.
- Led Agile team to develop a user-centric scholarship web application portal, resulting in increased engagement and application rates.
- Implemented CRM software (Salesforce), revolutionizing sponsor relationships and enhancing support mechanisms for improved program outcomes and increased scholarship awards budget.
- Optimized call handling processes through strategic cross-training initiatives; improving call handle time and abandonment rates.
LEAN SIX SIGMA CONSULTANT, ALLSTATE TECHNOLOGY
Allstate Insurance Company
Northbrook, IL
09.2012 - 05.2013
- Drove software delivery model by consolidating key methodologies employed across six business partner units (BPO). Utilized predictive analysis for quality improvement, resulting in +$300K in potential cost avoidance by leveraging the Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ) KPI.
- Analyzed software development procedures to identify inefficiencies. Worked with team to integrate ServiceNow ITSM with ClearCase software configuration tool, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing customer-impacting incidents via root cause analysis.
- Partnered with executive team to streamline release planning. Facilitated cross-functional cooperation, leading to unified delivery methodologies across six business units.
SUPPLY CHAIN QUALITY MANAGER, MOBILE DEVICES
Motorola Mobility
Libertyville, IL
07.2006 - 08.2012
- Led process improvement initiatives, saving $2M annually in warranty costs by developing the Supplier Chargeback Process. Boosted manufacturing productivity through lean principles and global training, reducing First Article Inspection (FAI) failure rates.
- Pioneered multidisciplinary project management approach within a heavy matrixed environment. Implemented data-driven strategies for supplier negotiations and product return mitigation.
- Analyzed warranty data trends to optimize supplier agreements and leverage output during contract negotiations with vendors. Developed metrics-based approach for non-conforming material liability, reducing product returns, scrap, and reclaiming time lost due to rework.
- Fostered cross-functional teamwork to streamline supply chain quality processes. Facilitated global training programs, enhancing operational efficiency.
PROJECT MANAGER / LEAD SYSTEM ENGINEER
Motorola Networks & Global Telecom Solutions
Arlington Heights, IL
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Led cross-functional teams to deliver complex telecom projects on schedule and within budget.
- Coordinated with global stakeholders to align project goals, fostering collaborative solutions.
- Wrote and analyzed system requirements, optimizing processes and reducing operational costs.
- Implemented strategic initiatives, resulting in significant service quality enhancements.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER / ARCHITECT
Motorola Networks Global Telecom Solutions
Arlington Heights, IL
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Developed embedded software solutions using C and C++, enhancing system efficiency and reliability.
- Architected scalable and fault tolerant systems, improving performance and user satisfaction (5 nines).
- Led the Release Change Control Board (CCB), triaged complex base station issues, providing innovative and effective solutions.
Education
MBA - PROJECT MANAGEMENT & MARKETING
DeVry University
Gurnee, ILMASTER OF SCIENCE - COMPUTER SCIENCE
Purdue University
West Lafayette, INBACHELOR OF SCIENCE - MATHEMATICS
Shaw University
Raleigh, NCSkills
- Program and project management
- Lean Six Sigma methodology
- Contract negotiation
- Budget oversight
- Business intelligence analysis
- Balanced scorecard development
- Strategic planning
- Business transformation initiatives
- Cross-functional leadership
- Change management strategies
- Microsoft Office 365 proficiency
- Atlassian tools expertise
- Software development lifecycle (SDLC), Waterfall, Agile
- Root cause analysis (RCA)
- Business process management
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP)
- Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE)
Timeline
VICE PRESIDENT, CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT & PMO
SAFE Federal Credit Union
12.2022 - Current
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT & PMO
SAFE Federal Credit Union
12.2021 - 11.2022
DIRECTOR, PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO)
SAFE Federal Credit Union
12.2018 - 11.2021
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION LEAD, DISCOVER LEAN GROUP
Discover Financial Services
06.2018 - 12.2018
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION LEAD, CONSUMER BANKING
Discover Financial Services
03.2015 - 05.2018
SIX SIGMA LEAN CONSULTANT, DISCOVER LEAN GROUP
Discover Financial Services
06.2014 - 02.2015
SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
06.2013 - 06.2014
LEAN SIX SIGMA CONSULTANT, ALLSTATE TECHNOLOGY
Allstate Insurance Company
09.2012 - 05.2013
SUPPLY CHAIN QUALITY MANAGER, MOBILE DEVICES
Motorola Mobility
07.2006 - 08.2012
PROJECT MANAGER / LEAD SYSTEM ENGINEER
Motorola Networks & Global Telecom Solutions
01.2003 - 01.2006
SOFTWARE ENGINEER / ARCHITECT
Motorola Networks Global Telecom Solutions
01.1999 - 01.2003
MBA - PROJECT MANAGEMENT & MARKETING
DeVry University
MASTER OF SCIENCE - COMPUTER SCIENCE
Purdue University
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - MATHEMATICS
Shaw University