Quality Assurance Manager
Resume:
Christopher Spera
Email: *********@********.***
Address: ** ********** ****
City: Oswego
State: IL
Zip: 60543
Country: USA
Phone: 615-***-****
Skill Level: Management
Salary Range: 115
Willing to Relocate
Primary Skills/Experience:
See Resume
Educational Background:
See Resume
Job History / Details:
Christopher H. Spera
35 Ridgefield Road
Oswego, IL 60543
630-***-**** (Home)
615-***-**** (Cell)
*********@********.***
Summary
As a Quality Manager/Director with more than 16 years quality management experience, my specialties include engineering, implementing and managing quality management systems; and developing quality information systems.
* Domestic and international Quality System Development, Specializing in: Manufacturing, Sales & Marketing, & Software Life Cycle, including both Manual and Automated Testing Efforts
* A Dynamic, Hands-On Manager of Management-Varied, Multi-Location, Multi-Cultural Teams
* A Proven Track Record in Process Engineering, Dedicated to Discovering the Value-Added Level of Process
* A Proven Enterprise-Level Project Manager determined to bring Projects in On Time, as Specified, and Under Budget
* An Effective Team Builder, Facilitator, and Trainer capable of Designing Materials which Educate to the Most Common Denominator
* A Process Driven, Analytical Problem Solver dedicated to Thorough Root Cause Analysis, Waste Elimination, and Budget-Evident Continuous Improvement
Galmont Consulting, Chicago, IL
Sr. Consultant Test Coordinator, QA Manager, Defect Manager
5/26/10 - Pres.
An independent consulting firm providing software testing, project management and IT infrastructure support.
Responsible for complete quality implementation for HCSC (BCBS of IL, NM, OK and TX) including testing scope, assessment of risk and issue/defect management of noted projects
* SPP: multi-million dollar, tool implementation designed to improve interaction with participating providers and provider groups
o Develop, design & implement all quality strategies and policies while working within SDM framework
o Coordinate all unit, system & integration and user acceptance testing efforts across all BCBS Plans in 4-8 different facilities
* ANSI 5010: multi-million dollar, regulatory and legislation mandated, EDI transformation project
o Responsible for Post April OT&RP
o Manage to-do`s and WBS targets for 9 workgroup coordinators
o Assess and manage testing-based issues and risks and escalating to TEO and Program Management as necessary
o Function as Defect Manager, from August 2011 forward
* ICD-10: multi-million dollar regulatory and legislation mandated, medical claim, diagnosis codes upgrade
o Function as backup Test Coordinator for Benefit Coding and Claims Workgroups
o Function as Defect Manager
* Develop Defect Process
* Develop and present training materials to all Workgroups
* ACA - Uniform Summaries: multi-million dollar legislation mandated, development of uniform health plan summaries in support of the Affordable Care Act
o Function as Regulatory SME for project core team
* Insure all SBC regulatory functional and testing requirements were captured and documented
* Act as Coverage Example Calculator SME and train the Core, Implementation Teams and Temps on its functions and use
o Provide technical and regulatory project leadership to the Implementation Team, under Program Manager's direction
o Develop, design & implement all quality strategies and policies while working within SDM framework
o Manage testing scope, risks and issues
Professional Experience
NueVista Group
Chicago, IL
Manager, IT Service - Quality Assurance Nicor Gas
2/1510 - 5/2010
An independent consulting firm providing software testing, project management and IT infrastructure support.
Responsible for a staff of 8, assess and redefine Quality Assurance & Testing Infrastructure Nicor CC&B. Assess Quality Assurance staff and make staffing recommendations to management on retention. Define and establish QA Department and Process including Manual and Automated Test, Configuration Management and Release Management and Environment Management functions. Provide guidance, direction and mentoring for remaining staff. Develop and implement a long term Quality Assurance Road Map.
* Developed and implemented both manual and automated testing strategies
* Redefine and reorganize the Testing Repository
* Championed Environment & Release Management Process Development
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, IL
Project Leader, Quality Assurance & Change Management
5/2008 - Present
Responsible for a matrix-managed staff of 20, assess, recommend and define standardized Quality Assurance and Integration Testing processes for all Clinical and Non-Clinical software implementations, such as Epic, DataTel, and internal development efforts for Rush University Medical Center. Chair and facilitate Change Review Boards for all ISD-RUMC functions, campus-wide. Develop and implement a long term Quality Assurance Road Map.
* Defined and Implemented a Campus Wide Quality Management System and SDLC
* Standardized Integration Testing processes and methodologies across all development efforts
* Optimized Interface Testing for all Epic Systems and Clinical Interfaces
* Standardized Change Management practices and processes for all of Rush
* Implemented a Release Management Process insuring the best possible customer experience, while minimizing code churn and regression issues/errors.
Olenick & Associates
Chicago, IL
Sr. Manager, Quality Assurance & Testing,
Crawford & Company
1/2008 - 5/2008
An independent consulting firm providing software testing, project management and IT infrastructure support.
Responsible for a staff of 15, assess and redefine Quality Assurance & Testing Infrastructure for Crawford & Company`s RiskTech Risk software implementation. Assess Quality Assurance staff in both Lake Zurich, IL and Atlanta, GA facilities and make staffing recommendations to management on retention. Define and establish QA Department and Process including Manual and Automated Test, Configuration Management and Release Management functions. Provide guidance, direction and mentoring for remaining staff. Develop and implement a long term Quality Assurance Road Map. Responsible for a $2.1M department budget.
* Developed and implemented both manual and automated testing strategies
* Redefine and reorganize the Testing Repository
* Define and implement an off-shoring QA Strategy to implement cost savings
* Championed Requirements Management Process
R.H. Donnelley Interactive/
LocalLaunch, Inc
Chicago, IL
Director, Quality Assurance & Compliance
7/2007 - 2/2008
Manager, Quality Assurance
3/2007 - 7/2007
A fully owned subsidiary of R.H. Donnelly Corporation, providing SEO optimized, local internet marketing and advertising services to small to medium sized businesses.
Establish and define Quality Assurance and Release Management Processes and SDLC Methodology in both Chicago and Denver RHDi offices. Responsible for Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance for RHDi Division of R. H. Donneley. Staff a new Software QA Department (including Manual and Automated Test, QA Process, and Configuration Management and Release Management). Define the partner points and interfaces within the overall Life Cycle organization. Responsible for a $1.7M department budget.
* Developed and implemented both manual and automated testing strategies
* Developed and implemented a Defect Tracking Process
* Developed and implemented Configuration and Release Management Processes
* Responsible for SOX Compliance Process and Implementation
* Championed Requirements Management Process
* Responsible for testing of new enterprise level servers in the data center migration project
WUGNET Publications, Inc.
Media, PA
Sr. Content Editor
8/2006 to Present
(Home Office in Nashville, TN and Chicago, IL)
A privately held, web based Windows resource specializing in making complex technology oriented concepts accessible to and understood by non-technical users.
Making use of information readily available on the internet, provide content for a number of different Microsoft and WUGNET sponsored/partnered websites. Act as a technology and informational resource to all WUGNET partners on Windows, Mobile and Cellular technologies. Provide WUGNET and Microsoft Partnered shareware developers and with project management, business analysis, and software testing services, on existing and new products identified by the WUGNET marketing team.
* Provide technical content "for the masses" dealing with Security, Privacy and Productivity in conjunction with Software Online
* Create technical and editorial content "for the masses" to assist with WUGNET's e-mail marketing programs
* Create and maintain WUGNET's database of Computing Tips
Qualifacts Systems, Inc
Nashville, TN
Quality Assurance Team Lead
4/2005 - 8/2006
A privately held, Health and Human Services ASP and Software Development organization.
Using a TQM approach, establish, document and implement Quality Assurance process and methodology for both Standardized Product and Implementation Projects, utilizing both manual and automated testing. Evaluate and analyze the implementation of Automated Testing Tools for implementation within the life cycle to insure that rapid, accurate project implementations meet both management and customer needs, goals and expectations. Manage a diverse, multi-cultural team of QA Professionals with varying backgrounds and experience levels and insure that delivered web based Product and Project deliverables adhered to Quality Standards in .NET and Oracle Development environments, incorporating the latest web-based technologies including XML and Java.
* Developed and implemented a Defect Tracking and Configuration Management Processes
* Analyze and insure identified Requirements adequately meet Customer Needs
* Designed and Championed a Change Management and Requirements Management Process
* Evaluate and Implement Full Life Cycle Testing Process, including Regression, Integration, and System Testing, via Manual and Automated Testing Processes using both the Mercury and Segue toolsets, including the implementation of the corresponding integrator/dashboard application.
* Establish and monitor User Acceptance Testing Activities
* Assist with the Design and Development of a Centralized Test Repository for the Automation Framework
American Healthways
Nashville, TN
Lead Data Quality Analyst
2002 - 2005
A publicly held, disease management organization specializing in increasing quality of life via managed care initiatives; as well as lowering insurance costs of client companies.
Combining a TQM Approach and a RUP model, establish, document and implement Quality Assurance process and methodology for a Data Warehouse implementation. Data requirements exceeded 20 customers and over 3 Terabytes of data.
* Establish Policies and Procedures that ensure ETL and data other transformations correctly occur and that the resulting data meets documented requirements for Initial Load validation
* Establish Production-Incremental Data Validation Policies and Procedures
* Author and maintain eMetrix Quality Assurance Manual
* Manage 3 Direct Reports and a Matrix Managed Team of 20+ Data Validators
medibuy
Nashville, TN
A B2B e-Commerce organization creating an e-Market Place for Health Care Providers and Suppliers.
Director of Quality & Process Architecture
2001 to 2001
Using a RUP model, establish, document and implement manual and automated testing process and methodology for entire Software and Support Life Cycles/ Processes. Develop and implement Issue Management process to be used in 3 domestic locations.
* Establish Documentation Policies and Procedures
* Sponsor and establish Internal Audits and Management Reviews to implement Continuous Improvement
Director of Quality
2000 to 2001
Using a TQM/ Best Industry Practices approach, establish Quality Assurance department and process company wide for both Reqs and Freedom product lines using both manual and automated testing approaches, in a start-up, dot-com environment. Establish and maintain QA Test and Process Engineering policies and procedures. Project Management for all Quality resources during development and testing cycles. Development of Quality and Testing project plans. Responsible for 3 sub-departments and a total staff of 3 to 10.
* Develop Corporate Quality Policy and Practices
* Project Management for the development of a Clarify/ ClearQuality based Issue Management Tool
* Establish automated and performance testing processes, utilizing Mercury tools
* Establish and monitor User Acceptance Testing Activities
Leica Microsystems, Inc.
Deerfield, IL
A multinational sales/ service division of a multinational manufacture of microscopy, histology, and other medical devices
Executive Manager, Quality & Regulatory Affairs
1997 to 2000
Using a TQM approach, managed department responsible for development, implementation and operational effectiveness of quality systems related to ISO 9002 standards for FDA/cGMP compliance in 3 domestic and 1 international locations. Managed a team of 13 + auditors auditing ISO 9002 quality systems. Responsible for a $225,000+ budget.
* Project Management for the development of a Lotus Notes based, paperless documentation system compliant with FDA and ISO 9000 requirements
* Developed and reengineered Customer Complaint and Product Performance data systems to be more proactive and inclusive. New process includes data sources from internal and external data sources, a centralized database, and Lotus Notes/ Web Enabled front end.
* Responsible for operational effectiveness of Customer Complaints and Comments as they related to Product Performance. Effective process operation required engaging the organization to manage product returns, Product and Project feedback and the implementation of Continuous Improvement.
* Developed and engineered a Lotus Notes based Audit Management System. System includes multiple security levels, a centralized database, and Lotus Notes/ Web Enabled front end.
* Reengineered in-warranty repairs and return authorization processes to reduce shipping and warranty costs. Maintained inventory levels dropped by 20%, creating a realized annual savings of $250,000.
Coordinator, North American Y2K
Products Compliance
1998 to 2000
Managed, project for the North American Selling Unit. Product Compliance efforts included gathering information from varying Business Units from all LMS Divisions.
* Established and managed requirements for North American 3rd Party Products Vendor Assessment
* Established Corporate Project Requirements Specifications
* Established Customer Focused Web Site for Y2K Information
Videojet Systems
International, Inc.
Wood Dale, IL.
A multinational manufacturer of industrial, and graphic non-contact marking systems
Manager, Software Quality Engineering
1995 to 1996
Using the SEI model for software maturity, established a software quality assurance curriculum with all domestic software development groups. Develop, and sponsor software quality by identification and implementation of universal coding standards and software quality metrics..
Project Manager, Videojet TotalSource
Software Quality Information Tool
1995 to 1996
Responsible for complete project management of development efforts for software based quality information tools with a nominal budget of $50,000-$100,000. Responsibilities include evaluating, obtaining and managing internal and external resources, concept and prototype design and execution (Paradox for Windows/ Access 2.0), product evaluation and testing, and organizing, planning and executing product roll-out events.
Administrator, Quality Systems
1993 to 1995
Using a TQM approach, managed department responsible for development and implementation of quality systems related to ISO 9001 standards, including documentation of manufacturing, marketing, purchasing processes, etc., document change control systems, and audit systems. Managed 2-5 direct reports and a team of 24 + auditors auditing ISO 9001/9002 quality systems at 7 domestic and 3 international locations. Responsible for a $ 150,000 plus budget.
* Facilitated Daily Production/ First Pass Yield Analysis Task Force Team meetings examining material, vendor, and process interactions, and their effect on production. Responsible for corrective and preventive action resulting in a 15% improvement in first pass yield during the first 3 months of inception.
* Facilitated certification of two domestic and 2 international facilities to ISO 9001/9002. Acted as a consultant during certification activities for 1 domestic facility to ISO 9002. Member of ISO 9000 Steering Committee.
* Facilitated complete reconstruction of Videojet's Quality Management Document Control System pursuant to 4.5 Document and Data Control.
* Facilitated development of systems and documentation pursuant to ISO 9001 4.16 Quality Records, and 4.17 Internal Quality Audits. Conducted cross-functional training in Internal Quality Auditing and Document and Data Control.
* Developed database applications, documentation, and systems, which track quality system documentation/ development, quality system audits, corrective action and test equipment calibration under Paradox for Windows (ObjectPAL).
Fujisawa USA, Inc.
Melrose Park, IL.
A multinational manufacturer of generic, parenteral pharmaceuticals.
Coordinator, Quality Assurance Technical Documentation
1990 to 1992
Supervised a team of 4 individuals responsible for the timely processing of controlled, technical documentation. Identified and corrected operational (personnel, hardware/software) problems.
* Conducted training of word processing personnel to develop and maintain an acceptable quality and quantity of documents produced.
* Monitored and maintained LAN with 26 nodes, 5 network, and 12 local printers under Novell Netware 3.11 and DOS 5. Diagnose and correct software and hardware problems.
* Provided both remote and hands on software/ hardware support to 4 Technical Document Processing Groups (1 local and 3 remote locations).
Auditor, Quality Assurance Technical Documentation
1991 to 1992
Audited stability data, and expiration dating for accuracy and cGMP compliance. Audited Abbreviated, and New Drug Applications (ANDA, NDA, AADA) including Research & Development Data for cGMP and Regulatory compliance.
* Selected by VP of QA/QC to audit Stability Programs and Drug Applications submitted by both Melrose Park, IL. and Grand Island, NY. manufacturing facilities.
Publications
The Aurora Beacon News (A Sun-Times Group Publication) 10/09 - Present
* Technically Speaking - A weekly technology column, highlighting local events and issues (when possible).
Informant Communications Group 12/95
* Paradox Informant Magazine: Case Study: -Quality System Administration- Vol. 6, No. 12. Pg. 54-55
CMP Media, Inc. 4/97 - 8/01
* Shareware and Commercial Demo Software Reviews for File Mine (www.filemine.com)
WUGNET Publications, Inc. 7/97 - Pres.
* Shareware and Commercial Demo Software Reviews for WUGNET (Windows User`s Group Network). A complete sample can be seen at their User-to-User Reviews page (www.wugnet.com/csreviews).
* Y2K Advisor Bi-Weekly Column. The Adventures of Y2K Boy. Y2K Advice & Humor.
* WeeklyByte Current Issues in Computing Column. Column debuted January 2001 (http://www.compuserve.com/computing_pro/byte.asp) * Moderator, Mobile Devices Discussion Group for the Windows Marketplace (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/marketplace/newsgroups/default.mspx).
TUCOWS Publications 12/98 - 5/99
* Shareware and Commercial Demo Software, and Retail Hardware Reviews for WinCELair
pocketnow.com 6/01 - Pres.
* Pocket PC Software and hardware reviews. Apples & Oranges Weekly Column. Examination of real world PDA problems and their solutions. (http://columns.pocketnow.com/index.cgi
db=periodicals&category=119)
The Gadgeteer 6/02 - 6/04
* Pocket PC Software and hardware reviews. (http://www.the-gadgeteer.com)
Gear Diary 9/06 - 9/09
* Consumer Product (Electronics, Software, Hardware and Accessories) reviews (http://wwww.geardiary.com)
Education, Professional Development, and Achievements
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX
Bachelors of Arts in English and Technical Writing. 1990.
Dean's List January to May 1990.
DePaul University
Oak Brook, IL
Quality Management in Manufacturing 1995
Quality Applications, Inc.
Scottsdale, AZ
ISO 9000 Lead Assessor 1993
Other Training & Development
Fundamentals of the Rational Unified Process
2001
Implementing the Rational Unified Process
2001
Managing Iterative Development
2001
Microsoft Visual Basic Programming
1995
Programming in Visual C++
1995
Dimensional Management Training II
1994
Certified Quality Auditor
1994
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