WILLIAM J. ZSEMBERY
Viera,FL
Summary
Senior program manager with experience leading enterprise technology initiatives, budget planning, and cross-functional delivery. Known for improving operations through system modernization, incident response, and asset management while aligning stakeholders around business goals and measurable results. Brings a steady record of managing complex work, reducing costs, and supporting team development.
Overview
2
2
Languages
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Program Manager
Walt Disney Corporation
Orlando, FL
01.2022 - Current
- Results-driven Senior Program Manager with a proven record of delivering transformative technology solutions and operational efficiencies for Walt Disney Corporation. Expert in leading cross-functional teams, driving digital transformation, and optimizing resource utilization across large-scale enterprise initiatives. Achieved $2M in cost savings by modernizing room and space booking systems, and spearheaded IT asset management strategies targeting a 50% reduction in software footprint. Recognized for advancing enterprise security, implementing innovative AUDIO-VISUAL projects, and piloting mobile credential solutions to enhance user experience. Demonstrated leadership in project delivery, process automation, and agile development, consistently exceeding business objectives and fostering team growth.
- Achieved $2M in cost savings by leading the transition from legacy room and space booking systems to Appspace, integrating digital displays to optimize resource utilization.
- Fast-tracked approval for replacement of non-Sox compliant AI data build and analytics software, projected to save Disney over $1.6 million and avoid costs exceeding $12 million over five years.
- Secured cost-effective agreement with vendor for AI data analytics tool, enabling increased flexibility in tech transformation project spending for FY27.
- Managed and delivered the installation of LogicMonitor as the primary enterprise network monitoring tool while retiring legacy tools, improving network visibility and operational efficiencies.
- Delivered actionable data analytics and strategic recommendations for IT asset management (ITAM), aiming for 50% reduction in software footprint by 2027.
- Identified and mitigated risks associated with potentially harmful software on TWDC devices, enhancing enterprise desktop governance and security.
- Directed the successful implementation of Audio Visual (A/V) projects throughout the NY Galaxy Building, ensuring seamless technology integration.
- Piloted a mobile credentials Proof of Concept, enabling cast members to access facilities via smartphones and advancing digital transformation initiatives.
- Modernized printing operations by retiring obsolete hardware, deploying new systems, and launching a corporate campaign that reduced printing costs and environmental impact by 50%.
- Engineered and deployed domain controller hardware, boosting performance and scalability for critical business functions.
- Ensured the successful launch and on-time delivery of the Galaxy DX program, adhering to ASTM guidelines and project objectives.
- Provided leadership and mentorship to DX project managers, fostering team cohesion and professional growth.
- Spearheaded the development and rollout of the Galaxy Mobile Application, introducing advanced features for wayfinding, IT ticketing, room reservation, catering, HR messaging, visitor management, credentials, security alerts, transportation, Wi-Fi, facilities ticketing, and event planning.
- Led design efforts for the Galaxy Building Digital Design Center, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies.
- Drove agile development processes, crafting user stories, requirements, and adaptive project schedules using Smartsheet templates.
- Developed onboarding and transition checklists, as well as standardized workflows, to empower project and program managers in delivering digital experience projects.
Deputy Program Manager
Huntington Ingalls Industries
Fairfax, VA
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Acquired two re-competes in the government sector, resulting in contracts worth a combined $500M.
- Directed budget allocation, collaborating with government stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure successful project delivery while negotiating timelines to mitigate delays.
- Coordinated cross-portfolio systems and applications for MEPT, optimizing resource allocation and enhancing program efficiency for a critical $500M component.
- Oversaw team implementation of 3K+ code release updates across diverse project scopes, maintaining integrity and functionality of MEPT portfolio applications and systems.
- Offered Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates for various client initiatives, facilitating informed decision-making. Steered the integration of the DevOps approach into the existing ITIL framework, fostering innovation. Led team in maintaining the operation of release build configuration and change management for the USPS portfolio, encompassing primary system oversight. Attained quality program outcomes through strategic budget management and team leadership of forty-five members.
- Aligned program with US government standards, including ISO 9000, OSHA, ASTM, OFCCP, FARA, SAP, and FASA.
- Decreased incident resolution time via monitoring strategies with AppDynamics, SolarWinds, and Contrast.
- Secured timely payments from a previously disorganized client through proactive communication and escalation, upholding seamless financial transactions.
- Acquired the contract re-competed for HII by providing multiple written contributions that influenced the winning proposal.
- Directed Reduction in Force (RIF) processes, guiding decisions about employee layoffs.
- 2013 To 2022: Manager, Configuration & Systems Integration
- Assured seamless operation across a broader spectrum of technologies, expanding the team's scope from supporting three applications to overseeing 12+ applications and systems.
Incident Manager
Navy Federal Credit Union
Vienna, VA
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Supervised four operational specialists, ensuring continuous operation of Navy Federal's global production systems including software applications, banks, and ATMs, while offering prompt resolution to downtime/issues and safeguarding $60B in assets.
- Collaborated with incident managers to establish metrics for tracking issue resolution, root cause analysis, and downtime. Developed process documentation and email templates to optimize computer operations. Partnered with vendors and internal teams to assess release impacts, ensuring seamless integration with Navy Federal systems. Refined incident management processes using ITIL and SDLC best practices.
- Enforced disaster recovery protocols and tracked system changes, collaborating with Asset Manager to enhance IT asset processes.
- Monitored enterprise-wide applications and systems, using APM tools, such as AppDynamics and Solarwinds.
- Leveraged Microsoft SharePoint for efficient document management, streamlining incident resolution procedures.
Release Manager
Navy Federal Credit Union
Vienna, VA
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Guaranteed timely delivery and communicated changes to IT and business executives while leading build and release schedule. Oversaw design of new procedures and policies for release, change, configuration, and asset management, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance. Organized meetings for release coordination and timing for Navy Federal production releases, fostering effective communication.
- Managed test and production code releases for Navy Federal Applications, adhering to deadlines and successful deployments.
- Led Change Advisory Board in evaluating and sanctioning change requests and releases for NFCU applications and systems.
- Ensured smooth project operations by analyzing change impact, risk factors, schedules, and implementation methods.
- Played a pivotal role in guiding the Windows 7 upgrade project as the primary release manager.
- Spearheaded the restructuring of the Desktop Governance Board at Navy Federal, defining protocols for the employment of new applications and defining roles.
- Drove efforts in designing the UCMDB system, assuring seamless integration and functionality across all departments.
- Revamped CCRM section's online SharePoint presence, improving user experience and accessibility.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Management Studies and Leadership
Norwich University
Northfield, VT01-2019
Skills
- Program management
- Project management
- Release coordination
- Change coordination
- Agile delivery
- Stakeholder management
- Risk assessment
- Budget management
- Financial management
- Cost optimization
- Performance tracking
- Performance monitoring
- Risk mitigation
- Analytical skills
- Hardware and software installation is
- Requirements analysis
- Implementation strategy
- Strategic development
- Problem-solving skills
- Systems integration
- Cross-functional leadership
- Cross-team leadership
- Team leadership
- Personnel management
- Training development
- Strategic communication
- Decision-making
- Contingency strategy
- Project integration
- Scope management
- Goal setting
- Best practices adoption
- Agile practices
- Software lifecycle
- Deployment strategy
- Control system deployment
- Work breakdown analysis
- Complex problem resolution
- IT asset management
- Vendor management
- Operations oversight
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Analytical thinking
- Staff motivation
- Policy analysis
- Program evaluation
- Performance oversight
- Project management
- Decision-making
- Performance monitoring
- Problem-solving skills
- Cost optimization
- Budget management
- Vendor management
- Performance oversight
- Operations oversight
- Time management
- Release management
- Change management
Personal Information
Title: SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER
LANGUAGES
English (Fluent) | French (Limited Working Proficiency)
AWARDS AND VOLUNTEER WORK
Certificate of Appreciation, Camber Corporation | Merit Award, Camber Corporation/Avaya Government Solutions | RTT Manager - Hurricane Katrina Relief, American Red Cross | Certificate of Appreciation, Sytex
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Limited
Timeline
Senior Program Manager
Walt Disney Corporation
01.2022 - Current
Deputy Program Manager
Huntington Ingalls Industries
01.2016 - 01.2022
Incident Manager
Navy Federal Credit Union
01.2012 - 01.2013
Release Manager
Navy Federal Credit Union
01.2011 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Science - Management Studies and Leadership
Norwich University