Melissa Bender Email & Phone Number

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Mobile and software solutions for field services and truck tracking.

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Portfolio and Communications Program Leader driving strategic initiatives for Enterprise Data Strategy [03/2018 - 12/2022] Portfolio and Program Leader partnering with agile coaches, business and technical leaders in providing visibility, driving value, risk and compliance to the Enterprise Data Strategy Portfolio Product Owner for Data and Intelligent systems enterprise agile planning tool that drove consistency, efficiency and visibility across all levels, from teams to the data portfolio. Created structure in agile planning tool for reporting providing visibility to organizational goals, progress, risks, issues and decisions at the portfolio, product and team level. Participated in the yearly financial planning, alignment and created reporting structure that aligned to organizational goals. Created a communications framework focused on cross-departmental strategic alignment with internal stakeholders. Change agent and Agile Program Leader for Agile transformation to SAFe assisting with program guidance on different products. Change agent and Agile Program Leader supporting an enterprise change initiative to improve decision making and delivery focused on specific outcomes for Data and Intelligent Systems. Program Manager – Model Operations and Analytics Ecosystem [01/2022-12/2022] Managed a product development program for Model Operations and Analytics Ecosystem addressing business, technology, compliance, performance and process improvement initiatives to accelerate the discovery and development of data insights/decisions and improve tools/technology to enable research exploration and analytic development. In partnership with Data and Analytics product and technology teams executed milestones aligned to strategic corporate initiatives.

Greater Chicago Area

Chief of Staff to the Senior Tax Partner for the Strategic Tax Application Center driving strategic initiatives focusing on improving project management processes/reporting; Provided Product Management and Program Management expertise for tax application software application development and security projects. Developed Executive communications to assist STAC leadership in securing funding for Q1 FY'18 STAC project portfolio. Developed Executive communications to assist STAC leadership with 2017 CTO Conference securing global interest for the use of the STAC Platform. Developed Portfolio standards for consistent communications. Improved, automated and trained STAC teams on agile project reporting processes for improved contract delivery. Product manager: Delivered a tax software application tool for companies to analyze tax reform alternatives under consideration in Washington -Tax Reform Navigator (TRN); Created the FY'18 product and budget roadmap for TRN. Managed end to end delivery using Agile methodology. Facilitated communication between the executive leadership and functional teams. Managed communications with the project stakeholders to ensure their ongoing involvement with program leadership. Served as a liaison with other departments and vendors to ensure timely completion of project tasks and ensure ongoing involvement of key stakeholders. Tools: MS Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Confluence and VSTS

Glenwood, Il

Managed a product development program for IoT devices for a global leader of radiation science and services. The business transitioned from an order fulfillment product to IoT devices providing ease of access to data to support industry compliance initiatives. Developed high level and detailed project plans. Prioritized tasks, made work assignments, and established deadlines. Served as liaison with other departments and vendors to ensure timely completion of project tasks. Managed the communication to project stakeholders and ensure their ongoing involvement.Program consisted of R&D device engineering, software and IOS development, manufacturing and business process modifications. Coordinated and orchestrated status report meetings and tasks for cross-functional teams including Architects, Business Analysts, Embedded, Software and Manufacturing Engineers, Developers, and Executive Leadership. Developed and executed Program Governance and Risk Management with executive leadership. R&D Technology/Embedded Systems Engineering: Developed detailed project plans for research and development partnering with Universities, vendors and consultants for new radiation measurement IoT devices.

Chicago

Lead and managed full life-cycle enterprise projects for a global leader of online financial services. Assisted with the development of a newly established PMO. Provide project management leadership, expertise and experience, and training to project teams for initiating, planning, guiding implementations and project completions.Developed high level and detailed project plans. Prioritized tasks, made work assignments, and established deadlines. Served as liaison with other departments and vendors to ensure timely completion of project tasks. Managed the communication to project stakeholders and ensure their ongoing involvement.Incorporated project management administration with best practice methods and standards that were either based on Enova’s strategic plan or single in purpose and scope; ensured consistency is applied effectively and scalable to be administered across various sized projects. Documented procedures and developed strategies for adherence in a fast-pace environment.Assisted IT senior management in developing a roadmap for infrastructure strategy and systems implementation that met strategic business and technical objectives.Participated, supported and promoted continuous professional development within the PMO Mentor Program.

Lombard, Illinois

Developed lifecycle of organization in operations, project management, and engineering. • Maintain continuous alignment of program scope with strategic business objectives, and make recommendations to modify the program to enhance effectiveness towards the business result and strategic intent; • Manage compliance with municipal and government mandated regulations;• Direct all aspects of local, county and state Department of Transportation permit process for municipalities;• Crafted, implemented and managed new processes on new policies developed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), County Department of Transportation and ComEd while meeting project timelines; • Talent leadership creating a client-focused team with operational expertise instrumental for growth and expansion; • Innovative leader in change management; • Manage investor, senior management and client expectations; • Facilitate contractual agreements with high political sensitivity and conflicting interests;• Oversee communication for project information and updates on all phases of the project;