Zachary Starr
Director Of IT
Bloomington,Illinois
Summary
Have a deep history of leading teams of Developers, Engineers, Scrum Masters, Project Managers, and Product Owners to deliver great outcomes while growing team cohesion and capabilities. With over nine years of experience in IT management and project delivery, have successfully overseen multiple programs and portfolios that support and improve various business functions and operations, such as Insurance and Subrogation, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Client Services, Resource Management, Finance, Technology Infrastructure, Construction, and Sales. Holding the PMP, PMI-ACP, SAFe SPC, and ITIL certifications, which demonstrate proficiency and expertise in agile project management, software development methodologies, analytical skills, and IT service management. Fosters great teams who are self-sufficient and have the freedom to adapt by providing them the tools and guidance to achieve the highest successes possible and allowing them room to thrive. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
1
1
Language
Work History
Director of IT
Afni, Inc.
11.2021 - Current
- Oversight of 40 concurrent projects spanning multiple portfolios and clients.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Optimized resource allocation across multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
- Improved team efficiency by implementing Agile and Scrum methodologies for project management.
- Developed performance metrics to evaluate IT department success and identify areas for potential improvement.
- Led technical projects for clients by working and coordinating with consultants and developers for integrations.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through development of innovative solutions
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting
- Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Acted as team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems
Senior Agile Program Manager
Afni, Inc.
11.2019 - 12.2021
- Served as primary liaison between technical teams, business units, and external partners during product development stages.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Leveraged technology tools for enhanced project tracking, reporting, and information sharing among team members.
- Managed multiple strategic projects with numerous sub-projects or workstreams.
- Engaged and worked alongside cross-functional stakeholders to manage strategic initiatives.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives
- Engaged and worked alongside cross-functional stakeholders to manage strategic initiatives
Manager - IT PMO
Afni, Inc.
11.2017 - 11.2019
- Generate project management standards for IT Project Management to ensure consistent and accurate delivery of projects by standardizing project delivery processes, project communication processes, and work management processes and tools
- Managed 5 independent IT Project Managers across 30 concurrent IT projects.
- Oversaw allocation of personnel through capacity and demand management for 3 primary development teams.
- Other key improvements to processes include implementing measures for allocation of resources to highest value projects through proper portfolio management and aligning project value to organizational goals
- In addition to processes consideration has also been placed on enhancing value of IT PMO by providing PMO health metrics based on realization of critical success factors on project work to set performance indicators for continual improvement.
IT Project Manager
Afni, Inc.
10.2017 - 11.2017
- Assessed and analyzed customer requirements to develop effective IT project plans.
- Managed projects across multiple IT areas including infrastructure, finance, software, construction, networking, and business expansions.
- Concurrently managed up to 8 independent projects across various scopes and areas.
- Managed budgets and billing for several billable contracts.
- Generated reports for IT project progress and performance.
- Reduced software development timeframes by identifying bottlenecks and optimizing development process.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Coordinated with external vendors to deliver IT project components
- Managed budgets for multiple projects concurrently, tracking expenses and reallocating resources as needed to stay within budget constraints
Delivery Manager
eGain Corporation
04.2017 - 09.2017
- Project types: - Cloud-based chat, mail, analytics and co-browse implementations
- On-Premise implementations for chat, analytics, and mail including UCCE integrations - Guided help and AI software implementations for external customers - Chat Deflection and Knowledge Base implementations for external customers-
- Customer invoicing for Fixed Price and T&M project work - Communications with internal project teams and external customers
- Coordination and planning using tools specific to each project and customer type
- Internal management and administration of resources and resource workloads
- Coordination with global resources across several time zones including Asia and Europe
- Agile projects for implementation of guided processes
- Supervised delivery staff and general productivity
- Monitored customer quality metrics and took proactive steps to implement resolutions and restore acceptable levels
IT Project Manager
Afni, Inc.
10.2015 - 04.2017
- Project types: - IT Infrastructure: Networking, Data, Voice, Server, Cloud, Security - Software Development: C++, C#, JAVA - Website Design and application development - Networking infrastructure migrations, upgrades, and implementations - Telephony upgrades and implementations include Cisco and Avaya technologies - Microsoft Enterprise Systems new and existing: Active Directory, Exchange, and supporting Microsoft Enterprise Systems implementations, Office365, Azure - PCI Infrastructure and Security adherence and upgrades - New business partner implementations - New systems implementations including new clients, vendors, and site construction - Vendor selection/upgrade projects - Business process improvements/efficiency initiatives Contributions: - Project management throughout project life cycles to successful completion and implementation
- Utilize Waterfall and AGILE methodologies dependent on work effort and type - High level risk analyses, monitoring and control, - Continual process analysis and input to overall project management processes - Communication and Coordination with cross-functional team - Budgeting, procurement, and scheduling from external vendors for technology and equipment - Monitoring and controlling of implementations to ensure processes are working as designed
- Development/management of continuous process improvement activities to ensure quality and efficiency objectives are met
- Leadership of intercontinental virtual project teams - Successfully led client sponsored projects by realizing aggressive implementation timelines and goals
- Coordination of resource allocation to meet cost and schedule objectives.
- Implemented best practices to drive quality IT project delivery
- Organized internal audits and led efforts to determine and remedy deficiencies
- Devised test plans to validate accuracy of IT projects
Information Technology Project Coordinator
12.2014 - 10.2015
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Facilitated frequent progress reports and presentations to keep management informed about ongoing activities within their respective domains.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
- Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
- Liaised between departments to facilitate communication and keep appropriate parties updated on project developments
- Tracked hours and expenses to keep project on task and within budgetary parameters
- Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed
Business System Analyst
07.2013 - 12.2014
- Evaluated vendor proposals to select best fit solutions for business needs while maximizing cost efficiency.
- Improved decision-making capabilities with accurate reporting tools that provided valuable insights into key performance metrics.
- Educated stakeholders on data protection tactics to reduce breaches.
- Enhanced and reconstructed computer systems to increase efficiency.
- Coordinated data migration and consolidation efforts
- Improved systems with addition of new features and infrastructure
- Helped deploy system enhancements to improve operations
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables for successful implementation
- Improved decision-making capabilities with accurate reporting tools that provided valuable insights into key performance metrics
Recovery Program Coach
02.2013 - 07.2013
- Counseled debtors on payment options and arranged installment agreements.
- Improved overall portfolio performance through consistent monitoring of accounts and proactive identification of potential issues.
- Compiled and analyzed data for review by senior management to measure portfolio performance.
- Increased productivity levels through efficient time management and prioritization of daily tasks.
- Analyzed customer financial records to determine appropriate payment plan.
Associate Coach
11.2012 - 02.2013
- Resolved customer disputes and disagreements through professional, calm communication to find mutually beneficial solutions.
- Maintained high volume of calls and met demands of busy and productive group.
- Leveraged strong negotiation skills to secure favorable settlements from debtors while maintaining professional relationships throughout these processes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing empathetic support, understanding their financial situations, and offering tailored solutions.
Explosive Ordinance Disposal Sergeant
US Army
02.2005 - 06.2009
- Provide on-site knowledge and leadership in military and civilian operations to render safe explosives ranging from improved explosives (homemade), conventional, chemical, nuclear, and biological weapons
- Knowledge to perform operations includes electrical and mechanical engineering including focus on explosive physics and post-blast analysis
- Scope of Work: - Planning, scheduling and coordination of joint task force teams in missions to reduce and eliminate improved explosive device threats globally - Developing and executing training for multicultural teams to perform in high risk environments - Generating, planning, and executing ad hoc solutions to adapt to ever changing environments - Working close with governmental agencies such as EPA to develop procedures and documentation on disposal of munitions - Post blast analysis and forensics used to determine origination and habits of bomb-makers - Coordination and planning with Secret Service to detect and secure elements intended to harm VIP personnel - Provide bomb-squad and military ordnance removal support to regions of US lacking local expertise.
- Responsibilities also include: - Managing and handling highly sensitive and confidential information - Supporting secret service for Presidential and VIP missions, - Training US and foreign employees and soldiers
- Maintenance of tools and equipment required for EOD operations
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Information Technology
Illinois State University
Bloomington 01.2009 - 05.2018
Skills
Project Portfolio Management
undefinedCertification
PEGA Business Architect
Company Location
Bloomington, Illinois
Timeline
Director of IT
Afni, Inc.
11.2021 - Current
SAFe Practice Consultant
06-2020
Senior Agile Program Manager
Afni, Inc.
11.2019 - 12.2021
Manager - IT PMO
Afni, Inc.
11.2017 - 11.2019
PEGA Business Architect
10-2017
ITIL Foundations
10-2017
Professional Scrum Master
10-2017
IT Project Manager
Afni, Inc.
10.2017 - 11.2017
Delivery Manager
eGain Corporation
04.2017 - 09.2017
ACP - PMI Agile Certified Practitioner
02-2017
PMP - Project Management Professional
10-2015
IT Project Manager
Afni, Inc.
10.2015 - 04.2017
Information Technology Project Coordinator
12.2014 - 10.2015
Business System Analyst
07.2013 - 12.2014
Recovery Program Coach
02.2013 - 07.2013
Associate Coach
11.2012 - 02.2013
Bachelor's Degree - Information Technology
Illinois State University
01.2009 - 05.2018
Explosive Ordinance Disposal Sergeant
US Army
02.2005 - 06.2009
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