John Taras Email & Phone Number

Springfield, Massachusetts, Us

Working remotely for the organization since 2014, manage enterprise program with annual budget of $16M that focuses on maintaining currency and performance of the organization’s infrastructure and technology services. Program executes 45+ projects annually, using SDLC methodologies (Waterfall and Agile) in a sourcing model comprising multiple vendor partners and internal staff (matrix support model). ► Drive daily operations and execution of program, including resolving portfolio issues and barriers, overseeing financials, conducting analysis and reporting on overall portfolio health, onboarding new project requests, conducting resource planning, securing staff, and developing vendor contracts ► Define annual roadmaps by engaging with key stakeholders; outline portfolio work to execute based on enterprise direction► Oversee development and implementation of multiple upgrade projects, including Windows 2003, Sybase, SQL Server and several vendor business applications

Springfield, Massachusetts, Us

Developed framework for multimillion-dollar enterprise program with focus on production services, including improving system performance, system resiliency, system scalability, process controls, automation of manual support tasks, and conducting technical application upgrades. ► Oversaw program operations, including budgeting, work prioritization, status reporting, and consulting on new work requests ► Forged contracts with multiple vendors and secured internal company support staff to complete work on time and to spec► Played key role in the development and implementation of various projects, including the migration of desktop applications to Citrix server environment, the upgrade of Access databases to SQL Server databases, the migration of XP applications to Windows 7 environment, a major database archive effort, and several vendor software upgrades to keep all applications current

Springfield, Massachusetts, Us

Managed large-scale, highly complex work effort to redirect 44 applications from a legacy database to a modern data enriched database. Led Interface team (matrix staffing model with 10 developers and five testers) through the project life cycle methodology (hybrid of Agile and Waterfall). ► Oversaw all aspects of project, including project plans, resource plans, cost estimates, budget, risk mitigation strategies, issues, scope, change control, and vendor management► Strongly influenced, then modified, program strategy to include more comprehensive application testing as part of service delivery process along with more effectively partnering with Production Services to leverage knowledge of team members► Implemented multiple improvements to the program change control process, reducing operating cost by approximately $5K/month through a streamlined support model and more effective communications► Developed staffing support model that split core team into two separate work groups, resulting in a streamline workflow; improved team member focus on primary responsibilities that provided higher-quality deliverables into production in an organized/accelerated timeframe

Springfield, Massachusetts, Us

Managed broad array of diverse assignments in the Enabling Strategies role. Key focus areas included vendor management activities, development of Competency Center support model, and system resiliency mitigation solutions. ► Facilitated multiple application upgrades from VB to .NET executing SDLC methodology ► Led management team, procurement, and vendor support staff in development of strategic contract for Production Services focused on scaling staff model► Developed RFPs and managed multiple vendor bids on VB to .NET upgrade projects► Led support team to remediate printer and output capacity issues impacting business

Springfield, Massachusetts, Us

IT Director, B&TS Production Services (May 2009 to August 2009)► Managed three teams comprising 26 employees, 18 contractors, and two vendor engagements, focused on exceptional service and application support► Oversaw day-to-day operations and execution of customer service production support platforms► Supported tactical project deliverables and business maintenance activities► Collaborated with IT counterparts to present a “single face” for system supportIT Director & Program Manager, B&TS Production Services (August 2008 to April 2009)► Managed team of 12 Project Managers to support multimillion-dollar project portfolio focused on tactical deliverables► Provided daily governance and oversight and team in execution of SDLC methodology for deliverables► Worked closely with senior management team to establish business priority, provide project status updates, and remediate issues and concerns► Implemented standard operating procedures and tools to promote consistency in execution and delivery, resulting in higher-quality products being produced on schedule and within budget

Springfield, Massachusetts, Us

Managed large-scale, highly complex initiative for strategic admin replacement program with vision to migrate admin products to standardized platform and facilitate sunset of legacy systems. ► Supervised nine direct reports and project-managed system enhancements to 35 interface components for the ULA admin product deliverables► Drove all aspects of project, including planning and resources, cost estimates/budget, risk mitigation strategies, issues, scope, and change control per SDLC methodology

Springfield, Massachusetts, Us

Project Manager (January 2005 to December 2006)► Drove development and implementation of multiple small- to medium-size projects on mainframe, server, and desktop platforms for tax, compliance, and regulatory business areas ► Managed project and resource planning, cost estimates, budget, risk mitigation, project scope, change control, and vendor management in accordance with SDLC methodologyProject Manager & Systems Consultant (January 2000 to December 2004) ► Managed multiple vendor product enhancements and technical upgrades (Windows 2000, F5, and encryption software) for WinRisk application portfolio► Assessed vendor products with underwriting capabilities that enabled agents to enter applications real time► Remediated corporate audit findings with portfolio applicationsSenior Systems Analyst (June 1998 to December 1999) ► Responsible for Y2K initiatives and maintenance of life insurance systems using Visual Basic technology ► As client area representative from systems organization, responsible for monitoring system performance, assessing application stability, analyzing potential problem areas, and making recommendations for improvements

Pune, Maharashtra, In

Oversaw new product development and maintenance of life insurance systems using SDLC methodology, frequently serving as lead project analyst.

Springfield, Massachusetts, Us

Oversaw new product development, enhancements, and maintenance of online and batch claims systems, frequently serving as lead Project Analyst and Quality Assurance Analyst with responsibility for systems monitoring and evaluation, problem analysis, and improvements.

West Hartford, Us

Interfaced directly and extensively with clients to develop specifications in support of claims systems, providing program change requirements, systems testing, and user training.