Rick Hester Email & Phone Number

Learning how to be retired

Gainesville, Ga

Responsible for maintenance and enhancement of two buildings including interior, exterior, HVAC, security systems, communication systems, computer systems, grounds, supervision of maintenance staff, and tenant (2 schools) relationships. * Developed policies and procedures for requesting facility use that reduced scheduling conflicts and increased utilization of the facility.* Replaced and repaired several security systems resulting in higher user convenience, increased reliability and lower costs.* Implemented ongoing programs for cost reductions in utilities and building maintenance.

Accomplished IT professional with the unique combination of experience and skills in project/program management, quality, and software development. Known for strong project management and problem solving skills. Quick learner with a track record of redesigning testing processes to significantly reduce the time to market of high quality products.

Developed test plans, assigned testing tasks, monitored testing progress, coordinated testing with development, management and test teams in China, India, Ireland and the US for testing and release of HP Insight Remote Support Software.* Developed test planning methods that resulted in better test coverage and fewer test configurations.* Implemented cross-team defect management process for more efficient management of multi-program defects, reducing time to resolve defects and lowering the possibility of overlooking a reported defect.* Used technical experience to help less experienced testers resolve testing problems with equipment and configurations which kept testing on schedule.

Defined and oversaw execution of test plans for Red Hat and Novell (SLES) Linux distributions on new and existing HP Integrity server systems. Met weekly with Red Hat and Novell (SLES) representatives to discuss release status, prioritize defects and escalate defect repairs as needed.* Coordinated the testing of test teams in US and China as well as test contract companies; including the definition of test plans, transfer of necessary equipment, and monitoring of testing.* Managed contract workers including interviewing, task assignment and review of results.* In coordinating the testing of multiple IO and server programs, used background in computer systems and hardware to improve the accuracy of estimates of required prototype hardware and the installation and support of that hardware. Achieved fewer delays from insufficient resources/equipment downtime. * As team lead, assigned team member objectives and coached progress through one-on-ones. I monitored status and defect submittals. These activities resulted in improved tester performance, quicker defect resolution times, and more effective testing.* Developed tools for estimating testing resource requirements and testing schedule durations over diverse set of testing programs improving test execution predictability and ensuring that testing was completed on time and within budget.

Managed the interface between the Linux Open Source Lab Linux release programs and Integrity Server platforms, IO, and Storage to coordinate the Linux release programs with these platforms.* Established the role of hardware enablement program manager; adding weekly project reviews, a weekly newsletter, and a single point of contact for Linux hardware enablement. As a result, then number of Linux team members attending multi-team meetings was reduced and Linux commitments were met on time due to the increased communications and oversight.* Implemented and supported parts of a Linux release life cycle resulting in improved development efficiencies and on time delivery of commitments.

Managed a project team of between 10 and 13 engineers developing a high precision Digital Multi-meter, including development of firmware, hardware, and mechanical components. Coordinated project-related activities of cross-functional partners - manufacturing, procurement, finance, and marketing.* Led project from definition to prototype. Project was on track for 50% reduction in manufacturing cost of the product being replaced.* Implemented a project tracking process handling more than 500 tasks and 15 resources that gave improved status tracking of the development program and enabled accurate schedule predictability.* Managed and represented Agilent side of joint development project with major custom IC developer resulting in system-on-chip IC that will serve as the CPU platform across a family of test instrumentation products. This component was utilized in multiple products, reducing material costs/development time.

Msee, Electrical Engineering

Bsee, Electrical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Tau Beta Pi, Student Government, IEEE