Technical Communicator
Resume:
Lori J. Brown
************@*********.***
Summary of Qualifications:
Has extensive experience in the development of system applications technical documentation and procedures. Is a professional technical communicator with the ability to transfer knowledge of technical concepts to end–users. Provides expertise in the development of deliverables such as user guides, installation guides, and online help for software and hardware products.
Related Work History:
Varec, Inc. An SAIC Company. 07/05–Present
Technical Writer, Norcross, GA
* Developed and maintained user manuals for the FuelsManager® Defence system, a fuels management system used by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) team.
* Supported the efforts of the Australian project training developers by developing new FrameMaker templates for use in their training materials and by providing review comments for their materials.
* Supported the ADF project efforts by editing system design documents (SDDs), often with a quick turnaround time, and collaborating with document authors to ensure accuracy of information.
* Supported the Varec Defense team, including Configuration Management, Quality Assurance, and Engineering, in implementing new projects and meeting required deadlines, such as Service Pack releases and the new Application Extensions. As part of the Configuration Management documentation team, refined our single sourcing approach to developing documentation. This approach helped reduce the need to have a separate tool used for the online help and promoted content reuse by using a common set of files.
* Supported the Defense project testing efforts by assuming the quality engineer role, running test cases, and revising them to support Defense releases. Entered change requests and bugs that documented product errors and recommended changes to support usability. Also participated in the data migration and reports testing.
* Created a new TacFuels Beta Release User manual to support the TacFuels deployment efforts in Afghanistan. The manual explains how to use the TacFuels software, which provides fuel operators with the inventory management tools needed to store, record, and report inventory activity.
* Developed and maintained documentation for the FuelsManager® Defense system, a fuels service and accounting system used by Department of Defense sites.
* Created and maintained user manuals and online help systems that document system applications used by Department of Defense sites.
* Created new Knowledge Base Articles as required and revised existing Knowledge Base Articles to incorporate technical content changes.
* Edited individual papers and reports as required to support Configuration Management team efforts.
* Completed two documentation releases within the first six months of employment.
* Implemented new online help processes and editing standards.
MedQuist Inc., Technical Writer 09/04–07/05
Norcross, Georgia
* Developed guides for a digital station used by physicians to dictate medical documents. Documented procedures used by field technicians to install, configure, and program this station. Developed online help procedures for a telephony–based server that supported these stations.
* Completed a documentation release for a new product within the first quarter of employment. Completed three subsequent releases to coincide with product updates.
Internet Security Systems, Inc., Sr. Technical Writer 03/00–09/04
Atlanta, Georgia
* Developed user guides, installation guides, and online help for intrusion protection software and for hardware appliances used to secure networks. Documented procedures used by network administrators to secure their networks, including installing and configuring security products for multiple platforms.
* Led numerous technical projects for all phases, including planning, writing, and production.
* Established joint Technical Publications/Technical Support focus groups, to bring the writers in contact with support engineers and better respond to user concerns as reported by support.
* Raised level of awareness in engineering and quality assurance groups as to the importance of working together to ensure accurate documentation.
* Received five awards for documentation developed at ISS in the Atlanta Chapter Society for Technical Communication Publications Competition.
eShare Technologies® Inc., Sr. Technical Writer 04/98–03/00
Norcross, Georgia
* Developed end–user documentation for a computer–telephony integration system typically used by call centers in the financial and telemarketing industries. Documented procedures and applications used by system administrators in call centers. Improved departmental procedures and standards by assisting in the development of specifications.
* Assisted in the redesign of and administered department intranet site.
* Supervised team of intern students in developing intranet search engine.
* Developed and delivered Review Process specifications, technical notices, and instruction sheets.
* Validated documentation and assisted in system testing at customer beta site.
XcelleNet, Inc., Sr. Technical Writer 12/97–03/98
Atlanta, Georgia
* Developed technical documentation for client/server remote systems management applications designed for the Microsoft® Windows® NT platform.
* Revised Release Notes to accompany major product release.
* Edited and revised Administrator’s Guide and Getting Started Guide for integrated systems product.
* Revised Software Manager Guide and online help.
IBM/CGI Systems, Inc., Information Developer 03/97–12/97
Atlanta, Georgia
* Developed training courses for global, client/server human resources applications based on relational database architecture, working with team members in the United States and France. Product targeted to large, international corporations.
* Mentored team members in applying instructional design principles to development of training courses.
* Revised Navigation and Security modules within first month to include in Level 1 release.
* Analyzed compensation application and wrote Compensation modules.
* Contributed to team effort to revise Level 1 training courses and quick reference guide to meet established deadlines for translation/localization project.
* Prepared test scenarios and facilitated testing efforts for payroll application. Met required deadline for testing completion. Worked with application developers to resolve bugs.
* Revised Lotus Notes End-User Training Guide and edited Lotus Notes Customization Training Course.
* Edited Impromptu Reporting technical documentation.
* Developed with team member Lotus Notes Customization Guide targeted to developers integrating Notes with HR Access application.
User Technology Services, Consultant 03/96–03/97
Atlanta, Georgia
* Developed instructor–led training, self–study guides, and quick reference pieces for clients implementing PeopleSoft applications. Key areas included compensation, performance reviews, relational database tables, benefits, and general ledger. Met all client deadlines for development of materials.
* Analyzed client business rules, processes, and software customizations to determine deadlines and development approaches.
* Created system databases to accompany classroom instructional modules and self–study guides.
* Traveled to client sites for data gathering, testing, deliverable development, and meetings with subject-matter experts.
* Developed training referenced to online help processes, or “help–based” training.
Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Documentation/Training Specialist 11/87–03/96
Atlanta, Georgia
* Developed documentation including technical and user manuals for mainframe, midrange, and PC platforms. Managed documentation projects through all phases, from research to final production.
* Trained users on Local Area Network (LAN) and Microsoft Mail™ for network implementation.
* Developed Sales Force Automation training for field sales managers, including Microsoft Mail™ remote and customized spreadsheet and reporting applications.
* Researched applications and wrote user documentation for sales order entry, inventory, purchasing, milling and manufacturing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, price maintenance, moulding and millwork, reload transportation, systems operations, and freight management applications for building products environment.
* Coordinated production of and edited information systems newsletter targeted to computer users.
* Prepared and distributed quarterly system enhancements documentation.
Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Branch Systems Coordinator 04/85–11/87
Atlanta, Georgia
* Participated in comprehensive project to convert locations from Digital DEC to IBM System/36. Responsible for converting computer systems as well as training users in a live environment, using “just–in–time” training principles.
* Trained users on sales, purchasing, and accounts receivable applications and on hardware at numerous sites throughout the United States.
* Provided hardware and application level 1 and level 2 Help Desk support to distribution division branch users.
Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Administration 06/82–04/85
Tyler, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia
* Prepared EEOC Goals and Timetables reports, calculated sales salary distributions, organized Service Awards, recorder for Hay Committee job evaluation meetings.
* Supervised branch administrative procedures to ensure compliance with standards, reconciled inventory and accounts payable, calculated and posted inventory, operated computer, coordinated physical inventories.
Education:
M.S., Technical Communication Management Mercer University, Atlanta, GA
M.A., Interdisciplinary Studies University of Texas, Tyler, TX
B.A., French Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
Achievements and Recognition:
* Received the rank of Associate Fellow, International Society for Technical Communication (STC), May 2009.
* Received Distinguished Chapter Service Award, Atlanta Chapter Society for Technical Communication (STC), April 2004.
* Received Award of Merit with colleague, Atlanta Chapter 2011 Printed Publications Competition, JFIMS Finance Management Lesson Plan and Student Workbook set.
* Received Awards of Excellence, Atlanta Chapter 2003 Printed Publications Competition, Proventia™ G Series Appliances Quick Start Guide, and Online Competition, Proventia™ G Series Appliances User Guide.
* Co–presented single sourcing presentation, Atlanta Chapter Currents Conference, February 2004.
* Presented “FrameMaker and Source Control,” Atlanta Chapter FrameMaker Special Interest Group, April 2004.
* Participated in panel discussion, “Preparing for Single Sourcing,” Atlanta Chapter Writing and Editing SIG, July 2003.
* Received President’s Award, Atlanta Chapter STC, 2002.
* Received Award of Excellence, Atlanta Chapter 2002 Printed Publications Competition, RealSecure Network Sensor and Gigabit Network Sensor Installation Guide.
* Received Award of Excellence, Atlanta Chapter 2001 Printed Publications Competition, RealSecure Installation Guide.
* Awarded Internet Security Systems’ World Class Achievement Award, 2001.
* Received Award of Merit, Atlanta Chapter 2000 Printed Publications Competition, RealSecure Getting Started Guide.
* Served as a judge in Atlanta Chapter Technical Publications Competitions (1998-2011) and first Student Competitions (2006).
* Held elected office in the Atlanta Chapter STC, including president, 1st and 2nd vice president, and Nominating Committee chair. Served as associate manager of the Writing and Editing Special Interest Group (SIG).
* Served as volunteer in various capacities, including registration manager, facilities manager, and hospitality manager, for Atlanta Chapter annual Currents Conference (1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2005).
* Presented topic, “Project Management: Your Passport to the New Century,” Mercer University Region 3 Student Conference, March 1999.
* Participated in panel discussion, “Using the Web to Do Asynchronous Distance Learning Graduate Course Work,” Mercer University Student Conference Discovering New Worlds, March 1996.
* Peer reviewed articles for Society for Technical Communication Tech Comm journal (1996, 1998).
* Presented paper, “Working Solo: How to Thrive as the Only Writer in Your Office,” 17th Annual Practical Conference on Communication, November 1993.
Associations:
Senior Member, Society for Technical Communication (STC)
Lori J. Brown
************@*********.***
Summary of Qualifications:
Has extensive experience in the development of system applications technical documentation and procedures. Is a professional technical communicator with the ability to transfer knowledge of technical concepts to end–users. Provides expertise in the development of deliverables such as user guides, installation guides, and online help for software and hardware products.
Related Work History:
Varec, Inc. An SAIC Company. 07/05–Present
Technical Writer, Norcross, GA
* Developed and maintained user manuals for the FuelsManager® Defence system, a fuels management system used by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) team.
* Supported the efforts of the Australian project training developers by developing new FrameMaker templates for use in their training materials and by providing review comments for their materials.
* Supported the ADF project efforts by editing system design documents (SDDs), often with a quick turnaround time, and collaborating with document authors to ensure accuracy of information.
* Supported the Varec Defense team, including Configuration Management, Quality Assurance, and Engineering, in implementing new projects and meeting required deadlines, such as Service Pack releases and the new Application Extensions. As part of the Configuration Management documentation team, refined our single sourcing approach to developing documentation. This approach helped reduce the need to have a separate tool used for the online help and promoted content reuse by using a common set of files.
* Supported the Defense project testing efforts by assuming the quality engineer role, running test cases, and revising them to support Defense releases. Entered change requests and bugs that documented product errors and recommended changes to support usability. Also participated in the data migration and reports testing.
* Created a new TacFuels Beta Release User manual to support the TacFuels deployment efforts in Afghanistan. The manual explains how to use the TacFuels software, which provides fuel operators with the inventory management tools needed to store, record, and report inventory activity.
* Developed and maintained documentation for the FuelsManager® Defense system, a fuels service and accounting system used by Department of Defense sites.
* Created and maintained user manuals and online help systems that document system applications used by Department of Defense sites.
* Created new Knowledge Base Articles as required and revised existing Knowledge Base Articles to incorporate technical content changes.
* Edited individual papers and reports as required to support Configuration Management team efforts.
* Completed two documentation releases within the first six months of employment.
* Implemented new online help processes and editing standards.
MedQuist Inc., Technical Writer 09/04–07/05
Norcross, Georgia
* Developed guides for a digital station used by physicians to dictate medical documents. Documented procedures used by field technicians to install, configure, and program this station. Developed online help procedures for a telephony–based server that supported these stations.
* Completed a documentation release for a new product within the first quarter of employment. Completed three subsequent releases to coincide with product updates.
Internet Security Systems, Inc., Sr. Technical Writer 03/00–09/04
Atlanta, Georgia
* Developed user guides, installation guides, and online help for intrusion protection software and for hardware appliances used to secure networks. Documented procedures used by network administrators to secure their networks, including installing and configuring security products for multiple platforms.
* Led numerous technical projects for all phases, including planning, writing, and production.
* Established joint Technical Publications/Technical Support focus groups, to bring the writers in contact with support engineers and better respond to user concerns as reported by support.
* Raised level of awareness in engineering and quality assurance groups as to the importance of working together to ensure accurate documentation.
* Received five awards for documentation developed at ISS in the Atlanta Chapter Society for Technical Communication Publications Competition.
eShare Technologies® Inc., Sr. Technical Writer 04/98–03/00
Norcross, Georgia
* Developed end–user documentation for a computer–telephony integration system typically used by call centers in the financial and telemarketing industries. Documented procedures and applications used by system administrators in call centers. Improved departmental procedures and standards by assisting in the development of specifications.
* Assisted in the redesign of and administered department intranet site.
* Supervised team of intern students in developing intranet search engine.
* Developed and delivered Review Process specifications, technical notices, and instruction sheets.
* Validated documentation and assisted in system testing at customer beta site.
XcelleNet, Inc., Sr. Technical Writer 12/97–03/98
Atlanta, Georgia
* Developed technical documentation for client/server remote systems management applications designed for the Microsoft® Windows® NT platform.
* Revised Release Notes to accompany major product release.
* Edited and revised Administrator’s Guide and Getting Started Guide for integrated systems product.
* Revised Software Manager Guide and online help.
IBM/CGI Systems, Inc., Information Developer 03/97–12/97
Atlanta, Georgia
* Developed training courses for global, client/server human resources applications based on relational database architecture, working with team members in the United States and France. Product targeted to large, international corporations.
* Mentored team members in applying instructional design principles to development of training courses.
* Revised Navigation and Security modules within first month to include in Level 1 release.
* Analyzed compensation application and wrote Compensation modules.
* Contributed to team effort to revise Level 1 training courses and quick reference guide to meet established deadlines for translation/localization project.
* Prepared test scenarios and facilitated testing efforts for payroll application. Met required deadline for testing completion. Worked with application developers to resolve bugs.
* Revised Lotus Notes End-User Training Guide and edited Lotus Notes Customization Training Course.
* Edited Impromptu Reporting technical documentation.
* Developed with team member Lotus Notes Customization Guide targeted to developers integrating Notes with HR Access application.
User Technology Services, Consultant 03/96–03/97
Atlanta, Georgia
* Developed instructor–led training, self–study guides, and quick reference pieces for clients implementing PeopleSoft applications. Key areas included compensation, performance reviews, relational database tables, benefits, and general ledger. Met all client deadlines for development of materials.
* Analyzed client business rules, processes, and software customizations to determine deadlines and development approaches.
* Created system databases to accompany classroom instructional modules and self–study guides.
* Traveled to client sites for data gathering, testing, deliverable development, and meetings with subject-matter experts.
* Developed training referenced to online help processes, or “help–based” training.
Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Documentation/Training Specialist 11/87–03/96
Atlanta, Georgia
* Developed documentation including technical and user manuals for mainframe, midrange, and PC platforms. Managed documentation projects through all phases, from research to final production.
* Trained users on Local Area Network (LAN) and Microsoft Mail™ for network implementation.
* Developed Sales Force Automation training for field sales managers, including Microsoft Mail™ remote and customized spreadsheet and reporting applications.
* Researched applications and wrote user documentation for sales order entry, inventory, purchasing, milling and manufacturing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, price maintenance, moulding and millwork, reload transportation, systems operations, and freight management applications for building products environment.
* Coordinated production of and edited information systems newsletter targeted to computer users.
* Prepared and distributed quarterly system enhancements documentation.
Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Branch Systems Coordinator 04/85–11/87
Atlanta, Georgia
* Participated in comprehensive project to convert locations from Digital DEC to IBM System/36. Responsible for converting computer systems as well as training users in a live environment, using “just–in–time” training principles.
* Trained users on sales, purchasing, and accounts receivable applications and on hardware at numerous sites throughout the United States.
* Provided hardware and application level 1 and level 2 Help Desk support to distribution division branch users.
Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Administration 06/82–04/85
Tyler, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia
* Prepared EEOC Goals and Timetables reports, calculated sales salary distributions, organized Service Awards, recorder for Hay Committee job evaluation meetings.
* Supervised branch administrative procedures to ensure compliance with standards, reconciled inventory and accounts payable, calculated and posted inventory, operated computer, coordinated physical inventories.
Education:
M.S., Technical Communication Management Mercer University, Atlanta, GA
M.A., Interdisciplinary Studies University of Texas, Tyler, TX
B.A., French Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
Achievements and Recognition:
* Received the rank of Associate Fellow, International Society for Technical Communication (STC), May 2009.
* Received Distinguished Chapter Service Award, Atlanta Chapter Society for Technical Communication (STC), April 2004.
* Received Award of Merit with colleague, Atlanta Chapter 2011 Printed Publications Competition, JFIMS Finance Management Lesson Plan and Student Workbook set.
* Received Awards of Excellence, Atlanta Chapter 2003 Printed Publications Competition, Proventia™ G Series Appliances Quick Start Guide, and Online Competition, Proventia™ G Series Appliances User Guide.
* Co–presented single sourcing presentation, Atlanta Chapter Currents Conference, February 2004.
* Presented “FrameMaker and Source Control,” Atlanta Chapter FrameMaker Special Interest Group, April 2004.
* Participated in panel discussion, “Preparing for Single Sourcing,” Atlanta Chapter Writing and Editing SIG, July 2003.
* Received President’s Award, Atlanta Chapter STC, 2002.
* Received Award of Excellence, Atlanta Chapter 2002 Printed Publications Competition, RealSecure Network Sensor and Gigabit Network Sensor Installation Guide.
* Received Award of Excellence, Atlanta Chapter 2001 Printed Publications Competition, RealSecure Installation Guide.
* Awarded Internet Security Systems’ World Class Achievement Award, 2001.
* Received Award of Merit, Atlanta Chapter 2000 Printed Publications Competition, RealSecure Getting Started Guide.
* Served as a judge in Atlanta Chapter Technical Publications Competitions (1998-2011) and first Student Competitions (2006).
* Held elected office in the Atlanta Chapter STC, including president, 1st and 2nd vice president, and Nominating Committee chair. Served as associate manager of the Writing and Editing Special Interest Group (SIG).
* Served as volunteer in various capacities, including registration manager, facilities manager, and hospitality manager, for Atlanta Chapter annual Currents Conference (1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2005).
* Presented topic, “Project Management: Your Passport to the New Century,” Mercer University Region 3 Student Conference, March 1999.
* Participated in panel discussion, “Using the Web to Do Asynchronous Distance Learning Graduate Course Work,” Mercer University Student Conference Discovering New Worlds, March 1996.
* Peer reviewed articles for Society for Technical Communication Tech Comm journal (1996, 1998).
* Presented paper, “Working Solo: How to Thrive as the Only Writer in Your Office,” 17th Annual Practical Conference on Communication, November 1993.
Associations:
Senior Member, Society for Technical Communication (STC)
Contact this candidate