Kathy Dinaro Email & Phone Number

Princeton, Nj

Accomplished, detailed and results oriented IT Resource Manager with proven ability to manage resources, projects, forecasting/estimating. Previous experience in education and financial services industry IT projects that support corporate business and financial objectives. Have led key corporate initiatives that enhanced the functionality and usability of testing products and broker/client account applications.

Princeton, New Jersey

In my new role of Technical Project Consultant I am responsible for ensuring both vendor contract and project deliverables are met. Track, monitor, and ensure contractual SLA obligations are adhered to and delivery meets contractual performance expectations. Leads multiple Software Testing and Integration Testing projects teams and identify, manage and mitigate risks as well as solutions. Develop and maintain processes, tools and methodologies/best practices to support ongoing MMF and non MMF activities. Directly accountable for the quality of all Software Testing and Integration projects, within the triple constraint of budget, time and scope as it relates to the Software Testing Organization. Review and approve scope of all releases and integration projects to ensure that the testing approach is aligned to the enhancements and or changes requested/approved by the Business. Strategic responsibility for the identification and implementation of continuous process improvements, metrics and/or policy changes to increase productivity, reduce costs and improve quality. Ensure compliance with all internal IT SDLC processes, Change Management controls. Performs a broad variety of activities that require independent judgment, initiative and follow-through as related to current and potential Software Testing Organization. Communicate effectively in writing and through verbal communications, face to face and through collaborative communication tools. Provide effective, timely and relevant communications in person and to a wide range of people including Senior Management (including presentations/meetings).

Princeton, New Jersey

In my role of Technical Project Lead I have effectively lead, coordinated and managed work across IT projects within a department and/or across departments. Responsible for overall project management tasks and activities from original concept through final implementation. I collaborate with stakeholders to formulate project scope, management and End to End testing of the solution. I lead a team, or teams, to accomplish specific objectives in a given time frame with available resources and within defined budgets. Responsible for reporting status, risks, and issues to higher level management. As well as collaborate with internal groups and external vendors to assure the timely completion of all scheduled tasks.

Princeton, New Jersey

As a Software QA Analyst, Lead I was responsible for the creation and implementation of testing procedures that ensure the integrity and quality of software systems released into production. I provided expert technical and staff leadership for software testing projects and operations. I have worked closely with business analysts, software developers, and other stakeholders in all phases of the software development life cycle to ensure that all internally developed software is free from defects, complies with functional specifications and meets or exceeds end-user requirements.

Asst.Director Quality Assurance Team Manager (2004 – 2008)Managed a team of Quality Assurance analysts within UBS Wealth Management providing manual application navigation and functionality testing for relationship and portfolio solutions for Financial Advisors and clients. Scheduled resource allocations and justifications for all major application releases. Responsible for managing a team consisting of 5 on shore and 5 off shore QA Analysts.

Led projects within team of 5 analysts (one onshore and four offshore); exchanged information to enhance group’s knowledge. Strived for zero defect software and promoted this policy amongst development and business partners. Reported timeline status reports and tracked errors using Mercury Quality Center. Assisted in scheduling application test events and resources. Prepared to discuss issues and explain testing results at all meetings. Provided input to testing schedules; managed time to increase productivity. Conducted Defect Review meetings and tracked status of fixes.

One of a team of 5 QA analysts supporting UBS Wealth Management Client and Public Systems applications. Prepared, maintained and executed manual test plans and test cases. Identified, documented and tracked defects in PVCS Tracker. Scheduled and conducted bug review meetings. Provided support and training to the Technical Support Help Desk on new ConsultWorks platform and Web based applications. This allowed the help desk to answer functional and navigational questions from the user population with knowledge and confidence.

One of a team of 5 QA analysts supporting UBS Wealth Management Client and Public Systems applications. Prepared, maintained and executed manual test plans and test cases. Identified, documented and tracked defects in PVCS Tracker.Coordinated and tested the first release of the web-based Client Account applications which allowed us to retire 2 old mainframe applications.

Managed the telecommunications department, supervised 2 telecom associates and 4 switchboard operators. Supported and maintained voice and data service for 1200 store locations, 4 warehouses and 4 buying offices throughout the US, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the Virgin Islands. Designed and maintained a private direct dial phone network which supported voice, data and credit card authorizations via one dial-up phone line. Negotiated MCI contracts resulting in rate savings of 35%.Review/implement conference calling to operate via corporate MCI T-1 lines, resulting in an annual savings of approximately $100,000.Support and negotiate pager and cellular contracts.

Responsible for the maintaining and trouble shooting problems on POS terminals, dial-up phone lines and leased lines. Maintained and approved telecom bills. Made recommendations on money saving service offerings.

Responsible for writing POS training guides for 1200 store locations. Traveled throughout the US to provide regional training on Point of Sales functionality on the IBM 3680 and 3684 POS terminals.

Itil Foundations Certificate, Information Technology, 80

ITIL Certified

Business Essentials Mini Mba, Business Essentials

Business Essentials Mini MBA Program

Six Sigma Champion Certificate, Process Improvement

Ba, Art/Teaching

Certified in NJ as Teacher of Art (K-12) and as an Elementary School Teacher (K-5).

Education record

Education record