Gretchen Bond Email & Phone Number

Dublin, Oh, Us

Columbus, Ohio, United States

*Connect strategy to execution to continue to drive growth including managing the progress of existing and new product and service commercialization motions. *Create and implement the roadmap for our sales technology stack*Provide people leadership for the Sales Business Applications team

Provide thought leadership, execution experience and strategic thinking. Focus areas: Creating innovative approaches to tough problems, Building teams that deliver results, Go To Market planning and execution, Seamless integration of technology and process.

Columbus, Ohio Area

• Ensured successful redesign launch of the DSW.com e-commerce site and IOS and Android apps resulting in improved comparable sales of over 40 % for the site and over 80 % for the apps• Implemented an automation framework which decreased the need for manual testers applied to monthly releases by two FTE• Implemented standard agile/SCRUM metrics and tracking at the project and department level; set benchmarks and stretch goals resulting in faster time to market• Managed a 3.1 million dollar budget to within 4% variance (negotiated lower external contractor rates and ensured a 90 day forward looking staffing plan)

Columbus, Ohio

* Colloborated with Senior and Executive Leadership to develop the Nationwide Financial Technology Strategy* Developed and directed strategy for capability improvement withinNationwide Financial’s five Business Solution Areas: Nationwide Bank,Nationwide Financial Network, Retirement Plans, Individual Products andSolutions, and Integrated Application Services* Simplified operational quality metrics and transitioned to the new format/process within three months* Identified current state strengths and opportunities and developed a future state roadmap to resolve capability gaps and skill uplift needs

Columbus, Ohio Area

• Re-platformed Nationwide Bank’s lending product systems with the highest quality of any of the vendor’s midsized clients while meeting schedule requirements (Phase 1 of a 72M, multi-year Program)• Created “IT Value” benchmarks using current and forecasted financial data to ensure that Bank IT met or exceeded both tangible and intangible value targets• Partnered with IT and Business representatives to define Build to Run processes and maturity measurement• Created and executed the overall Quality Management Plan for the Bank’s transformation from a traditional to a digital Bank in a fully outsourced model• Responsible for defect management analysis and metrics including plans for standardization and best practice sharing on behalf of the five Nationwide Financial units• Represented Bank Leadership in various Operational, Strategic and Tactical Review forums with Nationwide Financial IT Executive Leadership

In this role I worked directly with CTO, VPs of Application Development, and VP of Change Management to ensure successful delivery of a new custom built application replacing Siebel in multiple European countries. I was responsible for defining and implementing quality standards in key strategic programs and individual client projects for online and offline marketing channels and wholesale and retail partnerships including collection and distribution of overall quality KPIs, enterprise tools standards and enterprise testing process standards. Specifically, I have partnered with other Executive and Senior Leadership to draft, guide and implement agile methodology principles across development, testing and acceptance and laid the foundation for enterprise standards in release management and source code management across 5 diverse Lines of Business. I oversaw a team of geographically dispersed Quality Assurance, Release Management and Configuration Management team members totaling 58 employees (internal and external) and managed combined operating budget of approximately 3 million dollars

• Created and championed a new quality approach which includes not only software development testing but also metrics and tracking, data management, business process improvement and innovation.• Managed the overall quality process for key strategic initiatives for both Affinion International and Affinion North America• Ensured quality and release processes were standardized for membership applications; created and presented process and procedures to IT and business stakeholders• Worked collaboratively with infrastructure, release management, software development, and other quality assurance teams to create the framework for a enterprise-wide Quality model• Purchased and utilized best-in-class quality tools including HP’s QTP for testing automation and HP’s Performance Center for Performance and Load Testing• Created an Enterprise Performance Testing framework and worked with senior leadership to confirm HP software support for same• Automated key North American website flows to decrease overall resource utilization by approximately 55%• Created a Quality competency model to apply to internal and external staff in order to continue to staff at the highest level for continued tactical value and strategic growth• Managed a team of up to 40 internal and external employees in multiple locations and ensured an improved utilization of resources to key areas resulting in a 21% improvement for internal employees and 4% improvement for external employees• Managed a yearly consulting budget of 1.2 MM within 4% variance from forecast

• Managed projects using a agile-based, fast paced, small team approach including:• Development of an Iphone Application• Assessment and Roadmap development for Web Analytics (Omniture)• Updated content management delivery process (OpenDeploy)• Implementation of Search Engine Optimization framework• Managed design and development of a revised Project Management Methodology and Software Development Lifecycle particular to Affinion Group IT projects• Created a “virtual PMO” peer review group of Delivery/ Project Managers to ensure that process improvements to the methodology are adhered to and updated as needed• Created Delivery Manager Onboarding and 360 degree review processes• Created Delivery Manager hiring checklist, phone screen standards and onboarding material• Led team to create and manage the new Quality Assurance project deliverable audit process in order to maintain standards per Sarbanes- Oxley• Managed the implementation of a combined Identity Theft protection product offering tying together two existing applications in 12 weeks (Budget: $250,000) • Managed the re-platform of an online marketing application that allows Affinion Group to co-market with 3rd party websites from a web-centric to a multi-tier solution (Budget: $915,000)• Managed development and implementation of three new product variants for an external clients (Combined Budgets: $110,000)• Managed multiple online and Integrated Voice Recorder (IVR) project assessments with multiple business partners and cross impacts • Recommended staffing and support plans for various web and Integrated Voice Recorder (IVR) application projects• Created and delivered weekly and monthly steering committee dashboard status reports

• Developed IT skills monitoring process using a custom IT competency framework and integrated employee training programs• Standardized contractor vendor management including creating preferred vendor criteria, performance standards, and organizational and individual metrics• Provided analysis of external labor data by function, recommend changes to process and procedure to improve external labor requisition, acquisition and monitoring• Worked with internal team to redesign the IT Project Management Office and its attendant methodology• Developed custom project management training course to be implemented enterprise-wide

• Assigned all existing curriculum to a competency framework and provided a competency map to move from position or role based training to competency based• Developed new material and targeted updates to leadership and management training for District and General Managers• Worked with internal team to recommend new training metrics system• Helped to incorporate Lotus Quickplace utilization for shared resources into the training and store management functions• Assisted in the implementation of new Franchise Area Director curriculum system-wide

• Led “Unified Process” project focusing on development of internal employee intellectual capital in order to drive efficiencies and effectiveness in a training and consulting environment (recommended implementation of streamlined business processes, a comprehensive competency model, a new performance measurement process and an HR scorecard to track HR’s performance towards goals)• Managed various internal operations functions including setting up a client testing and assessment process for job candidate pre-screening, streamlining of management functions (organizational restructure) to support client needs, and job-type competency mapping.• Supervised a team of rotating subject matter experts, sales support and business partners• Presided over the introduction of a new client base for Babbage Simmel including clients from various state agencies and commercial businesses in the Central Ohio area (lead product development and marketing for Business Process product and service offerings, develop pricing and marketing strategies focusing on business users)• Worked with the Organizational Growth Team to develop and deliver Concept Application workshops and mentoring opportunities for clients based on various business “soft skill” competencies• Co-wrote and managed the development of a leadership skill development curriculum • Developed and implemented a comprehensive Business Analysis/Systems Analysis curriculum including courses in industry standard Business Analysis concepts, Vendor Management, Process Analysis, and Requirements Elicitation and Documentation Methods and Best Practices. Developed custom project management training based on the Project Management Institute methodology including presentation material, quizzes and discussion material.

American Electric Power, Commerical Operations Business Process Improvement

• Managed cross dependencies between three related projects (SPP Integration, Settlements Re-Architecture and Power Scheduling Improvement)• Identified, documented and tracked critical schedule, scope, human resources and cross-project issues• Managed cross-functional team of technology, process improvement and subject matter experts • Created communication and change management plans to assist in the implementation of new processes and roles in addition to new systems• Acted as Testing Manager and created an integrated testing plan including unit, system, integration, user acceptance and Market Trials Testing• Reported project schedules, milestones, budgets and issues to senior management• Recommended risk management planning methods and techniques• Provided project management training and support for internal team member

• Responsible for the implementation of the PowerPlant Consolidated Fixed Asset System including business process re-engineering, system integration, data conversion, budget tracking and metrics reporting to the Corporate Controller (Budget: $5.7 million)• Managed the implementation of a new technical architecture strategy incorporating Citrix and AIX technology• Led a team of thirty business and technical specialists to complete the design phase of the PowerPlant Consolidated Fixed Asset system consolidation • Managed business case development including return on investment, implementation cost estimates, cost avoidance, business process engineering and risk analysis• Negotiated consulting and licensing agreement contracts • Responsible for staffing assignments and recruiting team members from various locations including Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Massachusetts, and Georgia• Managed the design of a comprehensive Environmental, Health and Safety Information System (Budget: $150,000)• Managed virtual teams located in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Massachusetts • Led two successful internal process improvement teams to redesign Business Services Applications request management and workflow using Project Management Institute best practice recommendations• Recommended resource utilization standards, recruiting and job type analysis and training/ development plans per department that were aligned with the organization’s Enterprise Architecture standards• Led successful consolidation of Accounts Payable functions from Charleston, WV and Merrillville, IN to Columbus, OH • Provided gap analysis of current and future state capabilities• Assisted with skill set mapping of labor union and internal resources• Helped staff temporary positions through interface with Human Resources and staffing agencies

• Led four projects managing transition from mainframe-based reconciliation & General Ledger environments to SAP-FI• Created current and target state process designs to incorporate process improvement and standards across nine geographically dispersed lines of business• Identified key requirements based on legacy system functionality and business needs• Coordinated testing of business process requirements and system functions• Led successful upgrade of SAP-OIM from 3.0f version to 4.6b version• Managed two technical team members• Coordinated incorporation of functional changes into change management and training documentation as well as technical and functional testing• Documented test cases and coordinated results • Developed two enterprise-wide training courses including curriculum design and development, distribution, communication, and participant performance tracking.• Reconciliation Certification Program (RCP): Trained over 300 reconcilers, account owners and reconciliation managers face-to-face and over 30 new reconcilers/ account owners through \"Tele-Training\" on an as-needed basis• SAP-Open Item Management (SAP-OIM): Trained over 40 Trainers to effectively communicate the SAP-OIM training courses to over 1000 employees • Managed 15 SAP-OIM Line of Business/ Staff Unit Training Coordinators• Certified Bank One SAP-FI Trainer, Certified Bank One SAP-OIM Trainer

• Streamlined reporting, information collection and information tracking by implementing the use of standard business software • Standardized staff functions and job descriptions within the five state Area • Assisted in re-engineering order entry, inventory and specific account maintenance to more efficiently service customers.• Developed and implemented process improvement standards for Regional customer sales team• Assisted with staffing and employee development for a team of three Customer Sales Representatives• Developed and maintained efficiency benchmarks• Handled customer inquiry and created escalation standards

Master'S Degree, Labor And Human Resources

Activities and Societies: Phi Kappa Phi- recognizing the top 10% of seniors and graduate students

Ba, American Studies

Activities and Societies: Captain, Varsity Swimming; Officer, Kappa Alpha Theta

Education record