Program Management, IT Management, Project Management

Denise Blumberg

Lowell, MI

616-***-**** ****************@*****.*** www.linkedin.com/in/denise-blumberg

PMO/Program Manager

Expert at Optimizing Project Deliveries

Collaborative problem solver utilizing process improvement, project management and training strengths to successfully implement projects.

Expert in identification and resolution of project risks and issues. Enthusiastic leader who meets timelines and commitments with professional integrity. Expertise and skills include:

- Project Management Office - International Program Management

- Stage Gate/Waterfall - Project Management

– Vendor Management - Contract Management

- Financial Reporting/Management -MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Professional Experience

Jackson National. Lansing MI 2017 to present

Program Manager

Directed key corporate initiative program to modernize IT Management. Ten projects including portfolio management, resourcing, business case development, project intake redesign and more.

-Developed and implemented new project reporting process

-Developed and implemented new project scoping, requirements and design processes and documentation

-Worked with key business and IT executives to socialize program goals and objectives

-Implemented ahead of schedule and significantly under budget

Hastings Mutual Insurance, Hastings MI 2015 to 2017

IT Governance and PMO Director

Directed project management team implementing Guidewire software, web redesign and mainframe projects. Led IT Governance program ensuring compliance with ITIL standards and risk reduction. Managed team of system/software application testers.

-Developed project intake/prioritization process for corporate projects

-Reduced project risks by implementing best practices application testing processes

-Improved project staffing efficiency by creating resource management tool

-Led the creation of a change approval board to ensure all IT changes were audited and approved prior to production release

Zurich Insurance Group, Zurich Switzerland 2012 to 2015

Regional Head of North American User Services

Oversaw remote team of 25 across the US to ensure performance of outsourcer (CSC) to 20k+ users across Farmers Insurance and Zurich North America.

-Improved customer satisfaction by 20% through recognition programs and additional offerings

-Exceeded operational budget goals with an annual budget of $40M

-Created auditable quality control measures to verify vendor performance reports

-Created training programs for vendor staff enhancing customer service focus

Farmers Insurance Group, Grand Rapids MI 2010 to 2012

Senior Project Manager

Managed a transformational project combining two existing Claim processing systems into one

-Achieved $5M in operational savings as a result of comprehensive planning and implementation

-Delivered project under budget by 11% for a savings of $344K

-Resolved escalations between two project teams through skilled negotiation

Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids MI 2008 to 2010

IT Director – Project Management

Managed team of project managers responsible for implementing key systems and software solutions including customer web portal, Cerner application and database development

-Achieved 100% efficiency gain by combining two project management departments

-Developed a 3-year plan for key business areas

-Implemented a customer-centric process for handling all IT Operational and Project requests

-Created project management processes based on PMI foundation.

Zurich Insurance Group, Zurich Switzerland 2004 to 2008

Head of Global Project Management, Global Transformation Manager

Directed North American and European regional project management leads with 50+ staff in each division. Led the global transformation of outsourcing 63K PCs in 7 countries to IBM. Led the Technical Steering Team providing technical and business direction for software distribution, desktop security and resolving technical problems identified through analysis.

Foremost Insurance, Grand Rapids MI

Assistant Vice President – Distributed Computing 2000 to 2004

Developed the Infrastructure, Networking, Telecommunications and Client Server Application Development departments of a multi campus environment consisting of 450+ servers with 2,000 end clients. Established a Network Standards Board to eliminate duplicate software and reduce spending by business areas.

-Achieved $750 savings through contract termination and in-sourcing of Network Operations

-Hired 45+ Network Operations staff members in 90 days

-Managed Java development team of a $1M web based policy processing system

-Developed continual 3-year PC replacement plan

-Achieved 0% staff turnover rate

-Exceeded service level agreements by providing 99.8% system availability

EDUCATION

BA, Business Administration

Grand Valley State University, Allendale MI

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