In my current role, I spearhead the administration of applications, data, and databases within the organization. My responsibilities include:- Business Strategy: Developing and implementing strategies to optimize data management and application performance.- Project Management: Leading projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.- Data Science and Analytics: Utilizing data-driven insights to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.- Application and Database Administration: Overseeing the administration and maintenance of critical applications and databases.- Data Visualization and Predictive Analytics: Creating visualizations and predictive models to inform strategy and improve service delivery.I am committed to leveraging technology to support the mission of the organization and drive impactful results.

In my role as Chief Business & Data Officer, I oversee business strategy, data management, and project execution. Key achievements include:- Leadership: Directing planning, organization, and supervision of business and data initiatives to drive operational excellence.- Product Development: Conceptualizing and launching Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) for various business operations.- Digital Solutions: Leading the design and development of comprehensive solutions for digital wallets and remittance platforms.- Data Reporting: Creating detailed Financial and Sales Reports using Power BI, employing DAX for complex calculations and insights.- Data Infrastructure: Establishing Power BI and Data Engineering environments, managing app workspaces, and configuring Power BI Gateway setups.- Product Launch: Successfully launching Person-to-Person (P2P), Business-to-Business (B2B), and digital remittance products while ensuring compliance with FinCEN and FINTRAC regulations.- Strategic Partnerships: Building strong relationships with Visa, Mastercard, and payment processors to enhance issuing, digital banking, and acquiring capabilities.- Compliance Leadership: Leading PCI-DSS projects to achieve Level 1 certification for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards.I am dedicated to leveraging data and innovative technology to drive business growth and enhance customer experiences.

As an Adjunct Faculty Instructor, I taught the Information Technology Project Management course based on the PMBOK curriculum to Computer Science and Software Engineering students. My key responsibilities included:- Course Delivery: Designing and delivering engaging lectures and hands-on activities to facilitate student learning and comprehension.- Project Management Expertise: Sharing practical insights and best practices in project management to prepare students for real-world challenges.- Research and Development: Staying current with industry trends and integrating relevant research into the curriculum to enhance learning outcomes.I am passionate about fostering the next generation of technology professionals and equipping them with the skills needed for success in the field.

In my role as Director of Growth Markets, I focused on project delivery and business expansion while ensuring client satisfaction. Key responsibilities included:- Project Management: Overseeing project delivery between Bloom and assigned markets, with an emphasis on driving business growth and enhancing client relationships.- Product Development: Spearheading the development of Person-to-Person (P2P), Business-to-Business (B2B), and digital remittance products in compliance with market regulations.- Collaboration: Assisting engineering and business teams with product conceptualization, ideation, and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development.- Partnership Leadership: Leading partnerships and managing project delivery to ensure alignment with organizational goals.- Compliance Initiatives: Directing Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) projects to achieve Level 1 certification.I am committed to fostering innovation and growth within the financial services sector through strategic project management and collaboration.

In my role as Senior Country Director at Visa, I focused on driving business growth and expanding market presence. Key achievements included:- Business Development: Successfully met and exceeded business targets by enhancing existing operations and identifying new growth opportunities.- Project Implementation: Led the execution of strategic projects to introduce innovative products and services tailored to market needs.- Market Expansion: Fostered relationships and collaborated with stakeholders to optimize market entry strategies and boost customer engagement.I am dedicated to leveraging my expertise in the financial sector to drive impactful results and create sustainable growth.

As COO and Project Manager, I led operations and strategic initiatives to drive business success. Key accomplishments included:- System Implementation: Successfully procured and implemented issuing and processing systems, managing projects with Visa, MasterCard, and UPI across both physical and digital platforms.- Operational Leadership: Established and managed the organization's operations and business functions to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.- Strategic Development: Developed a robust business model focused on achieving operational excellence and enhancing service delivery.- Team Leadership: Led the customer service, project, and business teams to foster collaboration and drive results.I am committed to optimizing operations and delivering high-quality service in the payments industry.

In my role as Country Manager for the Horn of Africa, I led business development and managed profitability across multiple markets. Key achievements included:- P&L Management: Developed and managed the profit and loss for Mastercard's operations in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan.- Strategic Execution: Implemented tactical and strategic initiatives, including marketing campaigns, channel development, and public relations to enhance brand presence and market penetration.- Stakeholder Representation: Acted as the primary representative to local authorities and industry boards, advocating for Mastercard's interests in the region.- Advisory Role: Provided strategic advice to business leaders and ensured alignment of objectives and operations across various teams in the region.I am dedicated to driving growth and establishing strong partnerships within emerging markets in the payments industry.

In my role as Project Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, I led implementation projects and provided consultancy services in the electronic payments sector. Key responsibilities included:- Project Management: Successfully managed the implementation of payment solutions across various Sub-Saharan African markets.- Consultancy Services: Offered business and technical consultancy to clients, helping them navigate the complexities of electronic payments.- Business Development: Developed and maintained strong customer relationships, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty across all accounts in the region.I am passionate about driving innovation in payment systems and enhancing customer experiences in emerging markets.

As Vice President of Information Technology and Digital Banking Services, I led the strategic direction and operational management of multiple departments. Key responsibilities included:- Leadership & Coordination: Planned, directed, and coordinated the activities of the Information Technology Department, e-Banking Services, and the Project Management Office.- System Oversight: Supervised the design, development, and implementation of organizational information systems, software applications, IT support, business continuity plans, and infrastructure systems.- Policy Development: Developed and revised policies, procedures, and strategies specific to Information Technology, e-Banking Services, Agency Banking Services, and Project Management.I am committed to advancing technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experiences in the banking sector.

In my role as Director of Digital Banking for Cards and Payments, I was responsible for shaping the strategic direction of e-banking services. Key accomplishments included:- Strategic Planning: Developed and implemented strategic plans and policies for e-banking services, aligning with organizational goals.- Policy Development: Created and revised policies, procedures, and strategies specific to the payment card business.- Target Setting: Established targets and goals for the Payment Card Department, ensuring alignment with the overall strategic plan.- Implementation Oversight: Monitored the implementation of strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure effective execution.- Product Development: Spearheaded the development and launch of new products and services, enhancing the customer experience and driving business growth.I am passionate about leveraging technology to innovate and improve digital banking solutions in the payments landscape.

As Deputy Director of Digital Banking for Cards and Payments, I managed key operational areas to enhance service delivery. Key responsibilities included:- Operations Management: Oversaw the entire operations of the Payments and Cards Department, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.- Payment System Technology: Managed the implementation and maintenance of payment system technologies to support seamless transactions.- Human Resources: Led human resource initiatives within the department, focusing on team development and performance management.- Customer Service: Directed customer service efforts to ensure high levels of satisfaction and support for cardholders.I am dedicated to driving operational excellence and enhancing customer experiences in digital banking.

In my role as Head of the Project Delivery Division for Cards and Payments, I was responsible for overseeing critical payment system infrastructures. Key achievements included:- Infrastructure Management: Designed, managed, and administered the hardware, software, databases, and connectivity related to the bank's payment systems.- Comprehensive Oversight: Managed the entire payment systems ecosystem, including card processing, terminals, switches, and connectivity with Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and UPI via VSAT and the Core Banking System.- Support and Administration: Provided ongoing support and administration to ensure optimal performance and reliability of payment systems.I am committed to delivering robust and efficient payment solutions that enhance banking operations and customer satisfaction.

As Senior Project Lead for Cards and Payments Infrastructure, I played a key role in managing critical projects related to payment systems. My responsibilities included:- Project Leadership: Led initiatives focused on the design and implementation of infrastructure for card payment systems.- Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment with business objectives and timelines.- System Integration: Oversaw the integration of payment processing systems, ensuring seamless operation and compliance with industry standards.I am passionate about driving innovation in payment infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences.

In my role as Senior Information Technology System Administrator, I was responsible for maintaining and optimizing IT systems to support organizational operations. Key responsibilities included:- System Administration: Managed and supported various IT systems, ensuring reliability and performance for all users.- Network Management: Oversaw network infrastructure, including configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting to ensure seamless connectivity.- Technical Support: Provided technical support to staff, resolving issues and implementing solutions to enhance productivity.- Security Implementation: Ensured the security of IT systems by implementing best practices and monitoring for vulnerabilities.I am dedicated to fostering robust IT environments that drive efficiency and support business goals.

As Chairman of the Technical Committee for the National Interoperable Switch Project, I led critical initiatives to enhance the payment system infrastructure in Ethiopia. Key responsibilities included:- Committee Leadership: Led an ad-hoc Technical Committee composed of five members from EthSwitch and member banks to assess the current connectivity landscape and its impact on the national payment system.- Project Management: Organized and managed the technical committee’s efforts on a complete turnkey project to establish a national interoperable switch.- RFP Development: Oversaw the preparation and evaluation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), including site visits, demonstrations, and selection recommendations for implementing the Ethiopian National Interoperability Project.I am committed to driving technological advancements in payment systems to foster financial inclusion and efficiency.

As a member of the Legal Working Group for the National Payment Systems Modernization Projects, I played a key role in developing the legal framework for electronic retail payments. Key contributions included:- Document Design and Organization: Designed and organized the legal documentation necessary for the modernization program, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.- Editing and Finalization: Edited and finalized legal documents for the National Payment System Modernization Program, funded by the World Bank Group, to facilitate smooth implementation.- Collaboration: Worked closely with stakeholders to align legal requirements with the objectives of the modernization project.I am dedicated to advancing legal frameworks that support efficient and secure payment systems in emerging markets.

As a Full Stack Engineer, I was responsible for developing and maintaining web applications to support the organization's mission. Key responsibilities included:- Application Development: Designed and built robust web and client-server applications, ensuring seamless functionality across both front-end and back-end systems.- Database Management: Managed database design and integration to optimize data storage and retrieval processes.- Collaboration: Worked closely with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues, and implement enhancements based on user feedback.- Technical Support: Provided ongoing technical support and maintenance for existing applications to ensure high availability and performance.I am passionate about leveraging technology to create impactful solutions that serve communities and support organizational goals.

In my role as Head of Technical Project Lead and Lecturer, I was responsible for both educational and technical project initiatives. Key contributions included:- Project Leadership: Led technical projects to enhance educational infrastructure and improve technology integration within the college.- Curriculum Development: Developed and delivered course content on educational technology and related subjects, fostering a comprehensive learning environment for students.- Student Engagement: Engaged with students to facilitate hands-on learning experiences, promoting critical thinking and practical application of concepts.- Collaboration: Worked with faculty and administration to align technical projects with the college’s educational objectives and mission.I am committed to advancing educational practices through technology and fostering the next generation of educators.