Quality Assurance Manager

Joann Heck

Email: *********@********.***

Address: **** ******** **** #***

City: Fairfax

State: VA

Zip: 22033

Country: USA

Phone: 703-***-****

Skill Level: Management

Salary Range: 150

Willing to Relocate

Primary Skills/Experience:

See Resume

Educational Background:

See Resume

Job History / Details:

Summary: Ms. Heck, PMI-PMP, PMI-RMP, ASQ CSQE, has more than 20 years experience in real-time and business systems development on government and civilian programs including functions such as quality and product assurance, project / program / portfolio management, risk management, process improvement, systems engineering, software design and development, and test and evaluation (DT&E, OT&E). Ms. Heck has 18 years of experience with the Software Engineering Institute`s (SEI`s) Capability Maturity Models including the FAA`s Integrated i-CMM, the SEI`s CMM Integration for Development (CMMI-DEV) v1.3 and the CMMI for Services (CMMI-SVC) v1.3. Ms. Heck has been an auditor involved in performing external baseline ISO 9000 audits and internal and external CMMI SCAMPI audits.

SPECIALTIES

Project Management

Risk Management

Software Size Estimation

Quality Management

Continuous Process Improvement

EDUCATION

B.S. (Science and Mathematics), Eastern Michigan University, 1968

Graduate courses in Computer Science, Organizational Behavior, Dynamics of Change, Concurrent Engineering, Statistics, Lean Six Sigma and Industrial Quality Control.

EXPERIENCE

SRA International, Inc., Fairfax, VA, 1999 to present. Senior Principal.

Program Management & Execution Quality (PM&EQ) Lead Process Manager. Responsible for the consistent interpretation, approach, and tailoring of SRA processes across 826+ projects monitored by five individual geographically dispersed Process Managers responsible for 4 unique business groups (Civil, Defense, Health, and Intel).

* Supports the implementation of the Project Management Handbook (PMH) processes and the ELITE Methodology (engineering processes) within the company. Mentors and guides project managers and project teams in the use and understanding of SRA management and engineering processes. Participates in monthly Contract Risk meetings. Facilitates process improvement including the collection of appropriate measures, root cause analysis techniques, and pilot initiatives to improve the effectiveness and the efficiency of the work being performed.

* Instrumental in coordinating the efforts of the 5 Process Managers to prepare projects for external (ISO 9001:2008, CMMI-DEV and/or CMMI-SVC Level 3 SCAMPI) audits and participates as a member of the SCAMPI audit team. Assists project team members to resolve action items resulting from internal and external audits. Develops and conducts informal training of SRA`s processes and tools.

* Supports proposals, as requested, during the year to help ensure that SRA`s standard processes are used as the basis for management and technical approaches.

* Performs size based estimates for software development and software maintenance proposals and projects using appropriate estimation tools (function points, user stories, code counters, component sizing models, and the QSM SLIM tool suite).

* Develops and conducts Brown Bag Lunches (BBLs) or Lunch and Learn (L&L) sessions to provide overview training for policy, process, and tool changes within SRA.

* Participates on the Learning and Development faculty for SRA University courses and the internal SRA PMP Boot Camp.

Defense Sector AITS Program, Project Quality Assurance Official. Performed the quality assurance activities defined by the AITS QA Program Plan (QAPP) which included inspections, reviews, certifications, process audits, and product audits of the requirements, design, development, test, maintenance, operations, enhancement (all functions and features of the database) and web site system.

Civil Sector Process Manager, SRA Process Management Group (PMG). Maintained contact with and guided project managers and project teams in the use of SRA processes. Successfully led the Civil Sector through three external Software Capability Evaluations (SCEs) for the SW CMM Level 3 rating, one external Standard CMMI Appraisal Method for Process Improvement (SCAMPI) for the SE/SW CMMI Level 3 rating, and one internal assessment to ensure the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) met the contract required service level agreement (SLA) to have implemented SRA`s CMMI Level 3 processes on their program. Was responsible for tasks across the full spectrum of process management and improvement tasks, including providing technical, process implementation, size estimation, and management support to HS projects and proposal efforts. Assisted projects in the preparation for and the resolution of action items resulting form SRA`s Full Scale Process Audits. Planned, developed, and conducted informal training of SRA`s processes and tools. Conducted formal Peer Review Training, Project Management Handbook Training for PMs in the week-long PM course, Process Improvement Orientation, and mentored HS Project Managers on the appropriate application and tailoring of SRA processes to their contractual requirements. Worked with project teams to implement PMH, ELITE(R), Peer Reviews, Subcontract Management, DAR, and other CMMI Level 3 processes. Facilitated lessons learned sessions, guided task team members in the development of Brown Bag Lunches or BBLs to communicate their use of SRA processes and alternate processes, and harvested project best practices for the PMG. Actively involved in developing successful processes that conform to the SEI CMM Integration (CMMI) Level 3 requirements. Served as an SRA Estimating Specialist during proposal activities and project planning/re-planning activities. Produced Basis of Estimates (BOEs) based on Function Points Analysis and on the Graphic User Interface (GUI) Sizing Model and the QSM SLIM tool suite. Provided proposal writing support, as needed, for SRA Processes, Software Development Life Cycle technical approaches, and performance measurements and metrics.

Lead Project Quality Assurance Official (PQAO). Responsible for the implementation of an appropriate quality assurance approach to support the National Practitioner Data Bank and Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (NPDB-HIPDB) program for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Quality Assurance (DQA). The quality assurance activities include inspections, reviews, certifications, process audits, and product audits of the requirements, design, development, test, maintenance, operations, and enhancement (all functions and features of the database) and web site system. The NPDB-HIPDB is a relational database that serves over 15,000 registered customers and processes 86,000+ queries per week.

Dynamic Security Concepts, Inc., 1998 to 1999. Senior Systems Engineer.

Test Engineer on the FAA's Security Equipment Integrated Product Team (SEIPT) Data Collection, Reduction, Analysis, Reporting, and Archival program. Team member performing independent operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) activities on the Threat Image Projection (TIP) Ready X-ray devices. Responsible for creating, documenting, and improving IOT&E processes, performing data collection, reduction, statistical analysis, and reporting to the FAA. Also responsible for reviewing and validating records to comply with program quality standards and to ensure proper configuration management of interim and final products.

Lead FAA-iCMM Process Improvement Specialist on the FAA's HOST and Direct Access Radar Channel (DARC) programs. Responsible for consulting with the HOST and DARC technical staff to create FAA-iCMM compliant work processes and diagram flows of technical work performance. This included training the management and technical staff on the requirements of the FAA-iCMM; mapping HOST and DARC work processes and flows to the requirements of the FAA integrated Capability Maturity Model (FAA-iCMM); documenting deficiencies, working with the staff to resolve deficiencies; and recommending improvements where necessary.

Computer Sciences Corporation, 1989 to 1998. Senior Computer Scientist.

Quality Assurance Manager assigned to the En Route Software Development and Support II (ERSDS II) contract for the Chief Information Officer - Solutions and Partners (CIO-SP) contract. Responsible for implementing an appropriate Quality System for each contract as well as standalone quality plans for each task under the respective contracts. Managed a team of five quality assurance specialists performing quality activities for systems integration, software development, independent test, training, and software maintenance on 13 task orders within the two contracts with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Utilized Corporate and System Sciences Division business plans and ERSDS II strategic plans to create long & short range quality management plans to implement levels of quality system monitoring which ensured compliance to contract requirements and conformance to company standards and procedures. Responsible for the development and conduct of formal presentations, proposal writing, proposal red-team reviews, and technical reviews with the customer. Designed, developed, and maintained a quality corrective action system to monitor problem tracking and resolution. Evaluated and reported on the quality of the 11 subcontractors' work efforts and the subcontractors` conformance to the prime's standards and procedures. Reported metrics on quality assurance progress and quality system effectiveness. Facilitated task team efforts in understanding and creating effective work processes. Provided independent verification of management and technical activities to improve the maturity of company assets. Worked closely with the FAA's Quality Reliability Officer (QRO) and Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives (COTRs) to ensure that customer objectives are being met. Responsible for the administration of the quality system management activities including staffing, budgeting, personnel management, personnel evaluations, and training. Instrumental in CSC's achievement of a SEI SW-CMM Level 2 rating in June 1997.

Site Manager, Technical Operations and Support Services (TOSS) for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Six-Month Temporary Duty Assignment. Directed staff of 42 non-exempt and exempt personnel performing information system management for the EPA. Responsible for on-site program management of delivery orders and the successful close down of the CSC contract at the Philadelphia site. Placed 38 out of 42 staff in similar jobs and positions with new companies, completed delivery order assignments to the satisfaction of the customer, reconciled property (GFE/GFP/CAP) and related issues dating back nine years. Ended the contract within the prescribed budget and on schedule.

Support Software Manager, En Route Software Development and Support (ERSDS) contract, Data Link Processor, Build 2 (DLP/2). Directed a staff of 17 exempt personnel. Responsible for the management of the activities of the independent test group, software support group (that maintained daily computer room operations), and for creating and implementing a technical training program in accordance with the FAA`s Instructional Systems Development methodology to provide software maintenance training to FAA personnel. Served as prime customer interface. Performed planning, budgeting, and status reporting on independent test work activities, system/acceptance test development, and software maintenance training.

Consulting Engineer, ERSDS contract and NEOPS contract. Served as advisory staff member to the ERSDS Program Manager by providing technical assistance for all ERSDS tasks. Performed definition of technical requirements, needs analysis, feasibility studies, technical guidance of software development personnel, and orientation training for new staff. Developed and implemented ATC and NAS training seminars. Acting Independent Test Manager for NEOPS tasks (Conflict Alert Enhancement, 25 Radar, and Conflict Resolution Advisory).

RMS Technologies, 1986 to 1989. Program Engineer.

Software Support Computer Complex (SSCC) Manager. Managed staff of six in a contract-monitoring role for the Advanced Automation System (AAS). Provided technical direction for the AAS software team at FAA Technical Center; provided direct support to Software Team Lead in Washington, DC. Work efforts included creating plans, writing specifications, performing feasibility studies, and engineering analyses. Also responsible for monitoring the Hughes and IBM evolving software design for the AAS, evaluating vendor's choice of a high order language, responding to requests for information (RFIs), clarification of requirements, and engineering change requests (ECRs). Conducted studies related to performance and modeling of Ada compiler capabilities, assessing adequacy of proposed Advanced Automation System (AAS) training, and assessing the adequacy of the proposed Computer Human Interface (CHI).

RCA Aerospace and Defense, 1982 to 1986. Senior Member of the Engineering Staff (SMES).

AAS Systems Engineering and Technical Analysis (SETA) and Technical Evaluation Team. Supported software team lead and the AAS training team lead. Conducted specialty studies in the use of Ada as a programming language, Computer Based Instruction (CBI) evaluation techniques, display technology, Flight Data Processing, Route Conversion Systems, Posting Determinations (POST), and Adaptation. Drafted a specification of requirements for CBI. As a member of the AAS Technical Evaluation Team, responsibilities included supporting the software team lead in evaluating multiple vendors' proposals and designs for the AAS. Extensive travel and customer interface was required. Held a Secret Security Clearance during this period.

International Business Systems, Inc., 1980 to 1982. Software Programmer.

Programmer/Analyst for the National Airspace System (NAS) Support program. Provided system engineering, design, code, test, and implementation of the Permanent Echo Verification (PEV) program, created simulation scenarios for system test, and performed many code streamlining and functional enhancement activities to the En Route Automated Radar Tracking System (EARTS) and Automated Radar Terminal System IIIA (ARTS IIIA) programs. Code was developed in BAL and JOVIAL.

OAO Corporation, 1978 to 1980. Member of the Technical Staff.

Programmer, On-Line Certification Program. Created simulation scenarios and test tapes to validate the National Airspace System (NAS) On-Line Certification (OLC) program. Plotted scenarios on the Universal Data Set (UDS), created flight plan routing, fix posting determination, and unique boundary crossing situations to validate functional tests. Created related DoD-STD-2167 documentation for delivery to the customer. Code was developed in BAL and JOVIAL.

FAA/DOT/Indianapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center, 1975 to 1978. Manual Controller.

Low Altitude En Route Manual Controller. Responsible for safe and expeditious flow of air traffic in the northwest low altitude sectors of Terre Haute/Lewis, Indianapolis, and Lafayette/Grissom in the Indianapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center. Completed certification for all sectors at the manual or "D" controller position.

Licenses & Certificates:

Private Pilot License, Single Engine, Land

Permanent Teaching Certificate - Grades K-8; New Jersey, and Michigan

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA), #1157, achieved on 1 June 2002, lifetime certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certified

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate - exam for certification planned, Villanova University

ITIL Foundation Certification v1.3

Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, #1272043, achieved 16 June 2009, expires 15 June 2015

Project Management Institute (PMI) Risk Management Professional (RMP) Certification, #1458084, achieved 19 September 2011, expires 18 September 2017

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Computer Software Quality Engineer (CSQE), #4570. achieved 9 December 2009, expires 31 December 2012

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE SKILLS

Microsoft Office Tool Suite (MS Word, Excel, Access, Visio, Project), QSM SLIM tool suite, Function Point Workbench, SCOPE, Krakatau (code counting tool) and CodeMetrics (code counting tool).

HONORS AND AWARDS

SRA Knowledge SuperSTAR Award - 2010, 2011, and 2012

SRA Individual Excellence Award - 2009

Toastmasters Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Award - 2008

SRA Project Team Excellence Award - 2006

Letter of Exemplary Performance from FDIC PM - 2005

SRA Project Team Excellence Award - 2003

Boy Scouts of America (BSA) District Award of Merit - 1998

CSC President`s Excellence Award - 1995

ASQ Certificate of Appreciation - Multiple

SJ SPIN Certificate of Appreciation - Multiple

NYC SPIN Certificate of Appreciation - 1996-97

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Toastmasters International, Inc. - member & officer (2000 - 2011)

Project Management Institute (PMI) - member (2006 - Present)

American Society of Quality (ASQ) - member (1995 - Present)

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