Accomplished Information Systems strategist, experienced leader, decorated Project Manager and Technology Guru with expertise and experience with: information technology, systems architecture, risk assessment, technical writing,
banking, government compliance programs, and telecommunications industry.
RESUME: SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
- More than ten (10) years of information technology management experience, with emphasis on strategic development, project management, technical project implementation, and personnel leadership in diverse industries including: banking, Fortune 500 technology companies, government, and internet security.
- Selected by board of directors to manage all large information technology projects. Expert knowledge of project planning, strategic planning, cost-benefit analysis, system analysis, trend forecasting, scheduling and planning, and results tracking and reporting.
- Led Exchange Server 2007 upgrade and Remote Access Solution in an enterprise environment with more than 3,000 users. Managed budget, personnel, and reporting.
- Architected, coordinated, and managed complex data center virtualization project (120+ servers), complete with relocation and implementation of real-time disaster recovery site.
- Served as project manager for strategic software development projects including: multi-factor authentication for internet banking platform and core operating system upgrade.
- Implemented comprehensive inventory and asset tracking system for more than 10,000 network devices; recovered more than $60,000 in "lost" assets.
- Created, implemented, and tested FDICIA controls and IT risk assessments for multi-billion dollar bank.
- Successfully managed complex software development projects; met or exceeded expectations by working with stakeholders, sponsors, developers, and customers to deliver products on time and under budget. Quickly promoted by consistently exceeding stakeholder expectations.
- Served as a trusted liaison between executives, management, customers, and information systems staff. Translated complex technical concepts and jargon into common, easy to understand language. Adept at troubleshooting issues and concerns and recommending solutions.
- Excellent communications skills. Created and presented dozens of training seminars for various levels of staff, from executive overviews to multi-day courses.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Project Manager
Telephone and Data Systems (TDS), Middleton, WI
June 2009 - Present
- Actively serve stakeholders to deliver projects on-time, on-budget and within scope. Manage both internal and external resources; report directly to senior level management; responsible for managing all aspects of a project, including business case analysis, budget control, design reviews, implementation, resource management, risk management, risk mitigation, reporting, and support.
- Successfully managed and delivered two enterprise-wide projects in 2009: Exchange 2007 upgrade and Remote Access Optimization. Recognized for efforts with Remote Access Optimization project (organized critical response efforts to assist end users and stakeholders during challenging transition phase). Both projects streamlined technology environment and improved efficiencies across all business units.
- Currently tasked with managing two enterprise-wide projects: Thin Client Implementation ($1.5-million budget, 140 offices, 1000 users) and Internet Explorer 8 / Office 2010 client upgrade ($250,000 budget, 3500 users, aggressive timeframe).
- Serve as mentor to aspiring project managers as part of pilot program within project management team; participating in peer coaching program (served as pilot/founding member); member of Leader Of The Future program.
- Consistently earn favorable reviews from business leaders, stakeholders, peers, immediate managers, and supervisors. Assigned by director-level leaders to participate in strategic planning sessions for information systems department and project management group.
Project Manager
VeriSource, LLC: Rogers, AR
November 2008 - March 2009
- Recruited as project manager and technical liaison for $25M MediaCart project. MediaCart project involves development, configuration, testing, and implementation of revolutionary "smart shopping cart." MediaCart partners include Microsoft, eCoupons, ShopRite and Rachel Ray.
- Managed staff of nine software developers and network engineers to deliver server-side software and architecture solutions for implementation at pilot and production sites including the University of Arkansas.
- Performed demonstrations and addressed technical questions for members of media, potential investors, clients, and partners.
- Selected to research, develop, market, and launch Business Operations & Asset Management product suite. Conducted risk assessments, threat analysis, and ROI studies. Developed comprehensive project and product plans, presented findings to board of directors. Project currently under way with 12-month projected development cycle.
Contractor
FDIC as Receiver for ANB Financial, N.A.: Rogers, AR
May 2008 - November 2008
- Identified and selected as a mission critical employee by the FDIC for receivership and assumption process of ANB Financial, N.A.
- Successfully converted more than 10TB of image and report data from legacy system to FDIC and Pulaski Bank (assuming bank) systems.
- Served as technical contact and service provider for legacy systems during receivership process; provided end-user assistance, technical support, and maintenance of mission critical legacy systems including: core data processing, reporting, imaging, Exchange server, and internet banking system.
AVP, Data & Information Systems
ANB Financial, N.A.: Rogers, AR
April 2005 - May 2008
- Second in command of the Information Systems department; directly responsible for operation and continuity of core and complementary systems; managed support staff for internet banking and all internal-facing programs. Reported directly to executive management and board of directors.
- Researched, created, and implemented comprehensive FDICIA controls program for Information Systems department by utilizing standards and best practices from SOX, NIST, and CoBIT. FDICIA controls exceeded expectations and requirements of Board, auditors, and examiners.
- Led all large technology projects, including: $2M core-system conversion, $2M data center redesign and migration, $1M document imaging and report archival system, $750K internet banking system re-write, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan development, and MultiFactor Authentication implementation.
- Spearheaded and transitioned complex data center with 120+ traditional servers to a fully virtualized Blade/SAN environment with Virtual Machine technology and real-time failover to co-located DR site in Wichita, KS. Project significantly reduced data center operating costs and nearly eliminated downtime due to system updates and common failures/issues.
- Developed comprehensive risk assessment program for evaluating both new and legacy systems and service providers. Provided quarterly and annual reports to auditors, examiners, and board of directors. Identified and recommended solutions that reduced risk by as much as 100%.
- Negotiated and implemented Microsoft Enterprise Agreement that reduced software licensing expenses by more than $300K.
- Developed, implemented, trained, and tested comprehensive set of information systems policies and procedures.
- Created and conducted training classes and materials for all levels of staff.
Vice President, Editor-in-Chief
JUMP Media Group: Vienna, VA
June 2002 - April 2005
- Editor-in-Chief of a multi-media company (print and web); responsible for all aspects of readership growth and success. Oversaw production of two publications that generated more than 1.2 million page views per month and attracted diverse group of sponsors and advertisers.
- Created, wrote, produced and published two magazine titles; grew readership from zero to more than 10,000 over a period of 2 years. Attracted celebrity interest and earned recognition from Fortune 100 companies for quality of content; directly generated more than $100k of annual revenue.
- Responsible for eCommerce; configured and updated eCommerce systems, managed incoming orders, processed payments, oversaw delivery, returns, and general customer service.
- Managed freelance writers, photographers, graphic artists, network engineers, and software developers.
Sales Engineer/Project Manager
VASCO Data Security: Bentonville, AR
November 2000 - June 2002
- Recruited to implement a secure, MultiFactor Authentication solution for high-risk financial transactions at major financial institutions (ABN Amro, Chase, ANB Financial).
- Served as lead project manager for HP-Compaq account; managed $1.7M project to centralize and consolidate HP's intranet and internal resources. Reported directly to HP executive management.
- Designed and demonstrated proof-of-concept projects, created white papers and conducted competitive market analysis to favorably position VASCO products with industry experts, potential customers, and media.
Information Systems Specialist
State of Wisconsin - OJA: Madison, WI
March 1998 - November 2000
- Developed secure website to track and report juvenile detention center records to federal agencies. Recovered more than $250,000 in program funds by bringing the State back into compliance with federal JSDR requirements. Recognized by governor for a job well done.
- Provided technical support (networking, systems implementation, software development, end-user support, and training) for office of 25 employees.
- Chosen to spearhead data warehousing project for several large state agencies. Tasked with identifying and developing a solution to consolidate diverse, cross-platform databases and information stores into a single, centralized database. Worked directly with agency leaders, contractors, and vendors.
- Compiled and delivered UCR reports to FBI by utilizing SQL Server and Crystal Reports. Coordinated with Statistical Analysis Center and local law enforcement agencies to ensure timely and accurate delivery of violent crime data and statistics.
EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Expert knowledge of government compliance programs including: FDICIA, Sarbanes-Oxley, CoBIT and NIST security principles and controls.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Project Management processes and procedures, including: PMBOK, Work Breakdown Structure, Cost Value Analysis, scheduling, problem resolution, escalation, and reporting. Will earn PMP-certification by March 2011.
- Proficient and skilled with the following applications, operating systems, and programming languages:
- Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, XP Professional, Server 2003, 2000, NT 4.0
- Microsoft Exchange Server 2005, 2000
- Microsoft SQL Server 2003, 2000
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Office, Project, SharePoint, Visio
- Adobe Suite (Acrobat, Illustrator, PageMaker, Photoshop)
- Advanced networking concepts (LAN/WAN, WiFi, VPN)
- Apache and Microsoft IIS
- Apple Final Cut Pro Studio 5
- Apple OS X (Server and Client)
- Crystal Reports
- Jack Henry CIF 20/20, Silverlake, Streamline, Synergy
- Real Vision Imaging
- Symantec Norton Ghost
- VMWare
- Web languages: HTML, XML, ASP, Macromedia Flash
- Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, XP Professional, Server 2003, 2000, NT 4.0
- Cisco CSEP certification; working toward CCNA certification.
- Studied Management Information Systems at University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and Whitewater, 1990 - 1993.
Over the past few years, I've been extremely fortunate to work with a bunch of brilliant and innovative people. People who have taught me invaluable skills; people who have provided incredible direction and insight; people who have shared their experiences, and in doing so have helped me learn more than I ever could have from any type of school, class, or text book.
From Gary, who gave me (at age 11) my first paid lawn mowing job to Debra, the President and COO of a multi-billion dollar bank, I've learned traits, techniques, and life lessons that I'll never forget.
Not only am I lucky to have met and interacted with these people, I'm luckier to call many of them friends. So when I was putting together my resume, I contacted some of them to request a brief statement of recommendation. I was shocked, to say the least, with their replies - they're obviously far too kind. But I appreciate their confidence, complimentary words, and support.
Please take a moment to review the following recommendations; I hope you'll take them into consideration when evaluating my skills, experience, dedication, and drive.
"It is my pleasure to recommend Steve Litscher to you. Steve worked for ANB Bancshares, Inc. from April 18, 2005 through May 9, 2008. Steve was hired as the IT Project Manager and promoted to Assistant Vice President July 27, 2006. As far as significant accomplishments, Steve was the principal in building the framework for the business continuity planning process; including the design and implementation of the company’s disaster recovery site. In 2006, Steve was the project manager responsible for the bank’s conversion of its core accounting package. It was a pleasure to work with Steve; he always maintained the respect of his staff as well as those around him. Steve is reliable, dedicated and always willing to go the extra mile. His strengths are many; his project management skills are extraordinary. I don’t hesitate to recommend Steve Litscher."
- Debra Jackson, President and COO, ANB Financial, N.A.
"Steve's first job was to document policies, procedures, and processes as dictated by the US Treasury. I have never seen anyone with better writing skills! Steve's authored policies, risk assessments, and other documentation were used as examples by the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (Department of US Treasury) for other banks to follow. Steve also, was Project Manager on several major projects including conversion of core systems, biometrics, document imaging, and document preparation. I would quickly recommend Steve for any position requiring advanced technical writing skills and major project management."
- Cris Carter, CIO, Rogers Public School District
"What a talent! Steve's IT/IS project management talent is fully borne out by his ability to relate business needs with technological advancements. I have worked with Steve on key system rollouts and conversions in the banking industry - disaster recovery planning, business continuity planning, core loan, deposit, and general ledger system conversions, risk assessments and recommendations to management on software, hardware, e-storage, and equipment, and review and rollout of new software application implementation to the workforce. With each project Steve consistently demonstrated the ability to timely meet the mission critical and risk issues of the client by ensuring IT/IS compliance throughout all phases. We truly could not have done any of it without Steve at the helm."
- Camille Phillips, EVP, ANB Financial, N.A.
"Steve was a true asset to our agency. I could always count on him to accomplish any project or task, no matter how big or small. His work on the JSDR compliance program not only resulted in the State recovering funds that would have otherwise been forfeited, it forever changed the way in which we collected data from state, county, and local agencies. His technical skills are second to none, but what is most impressive is the manner in which he can address an audience and explain complex technical ideas without resorting to 'geekspeak.' I have complete confidence that Steve will add value to any organization - he's intelligent, innovative, and can perform under any circumstance."
- Jerry Baumbach, Secretary of the Office of Justice Assistance, State of Wisconsin
"It was pure pleasure to work with Steve. He was dedicated, creative, dependable, and fun--what more could you want in a team member?! I would recommend him for any position for which he might apply."
- Kim Guptill, Project Manager, Hewlett Packard
"If you've heard the expression 'one in a million' then you're familiar with Steve. I've worked on several projects that he's led and can say that each of those projects have been the best projects I've ever experienced. He has the rare ability to identify and fix problems before they become a problem and you can usually count on him to find pitfalls that no one else had considered. Yet he keeps things on track without micromanaging people or processes. He's one of those guys who not only 'gets it' but 'gets it done,' and that's refreshing. I've seen him come in to a project that's on the brink of disaster, recover it and get it back under way in no time. His measure of value is beyond compare. I'd recommend him for any project or job and wish him the very best."
- Karl Mack, Software Developer, VeriSource, LLC
I'm not quite certain what to do with this section; I'd like to think that my resume demonstrates my professional experience and strengths. So perhaps I'll share some background information, some quirky "little known facts" about me, throw in a few links, and maybe a picture or two. I'll try my best to present the information so that it doesn't sound like I'm bragging - if I get out of control, send me an e-mail and put my head back into check.
HIGHLIGHTS / FACTS / FUN STUFF
+ Active triathlete: train 6 days per week, run 25+ miles/week, ride 100 miles/week, swim a little (my least favorite part)
+ Animal activist: coordinated Great Dane Rescue efforts for Northwest Arkansas (home visits, foster care, fund raisers, promotion)
+ Authored and published 100+ articles in various publications and web sites (contact me for a complete list)
+ Built a 450 sq-ft Home Theater (did 100% of the framing, wiring, HVAC, finish/trim, & electronics work) w/7.4 surround & 133" HD screen
+ Details oriented: produced 3 magazines about automotive detailing; appeared on national TV shows to promote/share tricks; presented seminars
+ Enjoy cooking: specialties include homemade pasta, mushroom dishes, grilled anything, and breakfast foods
+ Gadget Guru: proficient with anything electronic - from cameras to computers to AV to R/C - I'm the "goto guy" for help/recommendations/set-up
+ iPod/Apple fanatic: I own 7 iPods (including a 1st gen 5GB iPod that still works great); have owned Apple computers since 1985.
+ Jetsetter: I've lived in Wisconsin and 4 other states; I've traveled to many countries outside of the USA.
+ Mechanically inclined: was an ASE certified Master Gold technician for 4 years; served as crew chief for mid-sized race team; restored cars
+ Musical: Played piano for 6 years, drums for 8 years, guitar (still hacking away); did FOH (Front of House) sound engineering for bands
+ Original: I'd like to think I'm the "original" geekysteve; there are several geekysteves online, but I've been around (online) since 1998.
+ Product developer: served as consultant for development projects with 3 Fortune 100 companies (automotive-related); 2 products "well known"
+ SCUBA fan: I need to get recertified and do some more diving. I'd also like to try my hand at some skydiving or Wingsuit flying!
+ Touring fool: Enjoyed motorcycle riding/racing; once rode with 300+ cyclists from Madison, WI to Washington DC and back to promote MIA/POW awareness
+ Video editing: have edited several hundred hours worth of video on Apple's awesome Final Cut Pro.