Michael Collins

Houston Texas Area

281-***-****

Katy, Texas 77493

ac42ev@r.postjobfree.com

Professional Profile

Manager with executive-level and IT experience in startups through Fortune 100 environments. Bridges communications between business, science and technology groups. Success in leading large organization through transition. Expertise in software development, network/systems administration, P&L management, operations and process reengineering. A highly effective leader building high-performing teams and leading them to create reliable business solution. An IT Professional with in-depth hands-on experience and successful track record improving IT processes. A management consultant providing new strategies and implementing enterprise transformations. Respected mentor delivering neoteric concepts to individuals and large organizations. Successful trouble shooter solving the perplexingly complex with advanced mathematics and proven methodologies.

Background Summary

More than twenty years of Consulting and Senior Management experience includes:

Software Development Improvement

Agile Mentor

Business Process Improvement

Configuration Management Systems

Disaster Recovery Plans

Product Life Cycle Development

Enterprise Management Systems

Business Case Analysis

Project/Program Management

Business Process Engineering

Corporate Finance

Outsourcing/Off-Shoring

QC Methods Development

Performance Metrics

Organizational Change Leadership

Cross-Functional Teams

Workflow Analysis

Systems Integration

Mergers and Acquisitions

IT Governance

Business Plan Development

Requirements Definition

Quality Assurance

Strategy Development

Industry Best Practices & Standards

Business Architecture

Methodology Development

Employment History

Action Net, Inc., Tyler, Texas

1997-2017

President

Provided IT Strategy, methodology, and processes for Enterprise Resource Planning systems implementation in a high-growth, home construction company (K. Hovnanian) which had acquired multiple competitor companies. A recent ERP project failure caused the company to be highly interested in quality assurance. QA did not exists prior to my arrival. The company had selected a commercially available solution for implementation. Introduced a use case methodology for analyzing current end-to-end business processes within the multiple companies and for conducting a gap analysis between the implied business processes of the selected commercial system. . I provided test plan, review / approval process, configuration management, and release management processes. Hired testers, and trained testers in Agile methodologies. Result: Efficient reliable QA processes and team. Result: An improved development process with built-in quality assurance measures. Requirements management, version control, change management, and release management processes and procedures were all in place, efficient, and reliable.

Improved business processes. Developed a methodology for tailoring the software development process on individual projects under phase-based project program management (PMO) for USAA. The software development process was divided into several sub-processes with different management overseeing each sub-process. Developers lacked a means to communicate relevant project and design information between groups. Developers’ role definitions were obscure, which undermined teamwork. Trained and mentored project managers in the implementation of the methodology. Result: Developers began to discuss and instigate grass-roots measures for better role definition within the development process. The methodology provided a clear and rational delineation of roles. Projects were greatly improved in respect to the resource and time which might otherwise be required.

Managed Startup Company to deliver web applications for Action Business Systems, Developed several web enabled e-business portals based on formal methodology. Formalized the development methodology based on Agile methods to coordinate the efforts of web developers and software developers. Played role of Process Engineer, Mentor, Technical lead, and Architect. Specified scenarios and use cases to captured requirements for e-business application servers. Produced sequence diagrams, activity diagrams, class diagrams, state diagrams, web pages, site maps, and storyboards. Developed component based Internet Architecture with iterative process. Result: Delivery of web applications to several clients.

Enterprise Architecture Services strategy and tools adoption consulting engagement for MRE Consulting at Shale-Inland Holdings. Shale-Inland purchase multiple oil industry supply-chain companies. Implemented an Enterprise Architecture tool, IBM RSA, configured for TOGAF, while evaluating Shale-Inland’s end-to-end business needs and strategy of outsourcing EA services. Researched Zachman framework and reference architectures for ontology development. Developed Python scripts for implementation of systems architecture tools.

Evangelized, Introduced and Mentored Agile methodology and tools for State of Florida Department of Children and Families. Facilitated requirements gathering, guided the development of use-cases and the use-case realizations, wrote a description of the software development process (development case); mentored management in writing the iteration plan (project plan); mentored management in developing a risk management strategy; mentored management and developers in various areas of software development, including Test. Presented tailored seminars for management and users on RUP. Result: Acceptance of Agile Methodology and tools as preferred development methodology. Tools used: Rational Unified Process (RUP), Rational Rose, Rational ClearCase, Rational ClearQuest, Rational RequisitePro, Rational Suite, MS Project, MS Visio, MS Power Point, UML.

Improved business processes. Developed a solution for risk analysis in software development program for USAA. Resources for technical projects had been allocated entirely on high-level profiles of previous projects, which frequently resulted in inappropriate resource allocation, long schedules, and inefficient management of projects. Developed an approach to identify risk early in projects that allowed for uniform and consistent communications to program management. Result: Immediate improvements were seen in the management of development projects, saving time & resources, and generating profits.

Managed IT Initiative for Startup Company to deliver working prototype and test business model for NetPlus Communications Inc. Advised management on IT strategy, systems development, financial planning, risk mitigation, market research/strategies and project management. Provided business process improvement and strategic technology planning, business vision creation, end-to-end business modeling, business plan development, requirements gathering and use cases, infrastructure and systems design for data center, voice and data network design and implementation, enterprise architecture specifications; created a call center, developed marketing plan, implemented and tested computer telephony system. Result : Averted $2+ million in cost/liability for startup; advised company on systems development, financial planning, risk mitigation, market research/strategies and project management.

Developed Microsoft micro service interface for Action Business Systems.

Implemented MS Ole COM interface to Python in C language allowing Python scripts to interface with Microsoft VBA, EXCEL, WMI.

Refined and implemented Natural Language Processing (NPL) algorithms for Action Business Systems.

Implemented GATE (General Architecture of Text Engineering Java package) with Naive Bayes classifier and Maximum Entropy weighted classifier. Leveraged GET and POST methods from REST API for Python micro services, and Python open source NLTK (Natural Language Took Kit).

Researched architecture and implemented custom Linux kernel cloud cluster for Action Business Systems.

Python and Bash scripts to customize TinyCore 32-bit kernel for multi-processor clustering and multi-thread cloud platform.

Low Reynolds number Air Foil design for marine industry client.

Leveraged Time-Series algorithms for aerodynamic models and air foil design using MATLAB.

Provided Test Strategy and mentoring on Agile Test methodology for USAA. Provided leadership on performance testing strategy, harness configurations, test design, and test data interpretation.

Revitalized a stalled multi-billion dollar project and devised processes to integrate Agile, Capability Maturity Model (CMMI), and COTS methodologies for U.S. DoD.

P&L responsibility for founding/managing consultancy focused on offering strategic business/IT insight to clients in diverse industries with emphasis on software development, technology upgrades, and business process reengineering.

Mentored others in software development, project management, use cases, requirements management, and the architectural process. His extensive hands-on experience in coding and technology has allowed him to mentor and coach every role in the RUP framework.

Consulting regarding the every-day business-critical challenges of improving quality, reducing costs, and aligning IT strategy and business goals.

Consulted executives on the decisions regarding business processes and the every-day business-critical challenges of improving quality, reducing costs, and aligning IT strategy with business goals.

Led teams to improve business processes and information systems. Reduced risk associated with mergers and acquisitions, specified the needs for information systems, communicated new or existing end-to-end business processes, and improved management's control of an organization through the use of business modeling techniques.

Assessed business processes and IT systems following acquisitions to improve operations, supply chain management, software development, and IT governance and quality.

Presentations, seminars, classes, and workshops on software development and systems topics.

Secured contracts with Wachovia Securities, Countrywide Financial, One Technologies Inc., Safeway, and CitiFinancial.

Led the initiative to identify analyses, design and communicate the details of enterprise business processes and information systems.

Tailored, adapted and streamlined formal methodology to unique project types.

Researched TOGAF, AMD, and Zachman Enterprise Architecture Frameworks for comparison to IBM Rational Systems Architecture.

Formulated meta-models for object oriented, business process and various modelling systems.

Produced As-Is and To-Be business models for organizational transformations.

Communicated systems theory in terms of the What, the Why, the How, the Who, and the Where.

Mentored Architects on extracting information for multiple architectural views from use-cases.

Communicated object oriented and system methodologies to workers in multiple disciplines.

Developed risk-based management methodology for systems architecture projects.

Documented enterprise architectural models with multiple architectural views that show how the current and future needs of an organization will be met.

Aligned the business strategy, goals, and processes with IT planning.

Led teams to improve business processes and information systems.

Mentored and coached every role in Rational Unified Process (RUP).

Mentored business analysts in business modelling and requirements gathering, facilitating requirements gathering with Use Cases, and producing business models.

Mentored management on novel application of agile methods to COTS selection.

Mentored others in Agile, formal software development methodology.

Mentored others in software development, project management, use cases, requirements management, and the architectural process.

Presentations, seminars, classes, and workshops on software development topics.

Produced UML deliverables and artefacts: use cases, sequence diagrams, activity diagrams, class diagrams, state diagrams, and system architecture, and business process models.

Provided methodology support for Project Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Agile applied to COTS selection, and Capability Maturity Model (CMMI).

Provided seminars and classes on the software development process.

Reduced risk associated with mergers and acquisitions through business modelling to successfully specify the needs for information systems, to clarify and communicate new or existing business processes, and to improve management's control of an organization.

Guided external stakeholders, both executives and subject matter experts, to build a business strategy, business process descriptions, and information systems description.

Applied Organizational Change techniques to greatly reduce risk associated with organizational transitions which specify the needs for information systems, clarify and communicate new or existing business processes, improve management's control over processes, and improve software development and systems integration processes.

Ballistic Corporation, Tyler, Texas

1994-1996

CEO / Founder

Developed and launched an ISP service in the very early stages of the internet. Grew the business from startup to profitability through effective planning, execution and growth management. Marketed the service on electronic Bulletin Boards (BBS) and at area computer stores. Upgraded the equipment and converted from a DOS-based Novell system to high speed Linux-based system. Result: Grew the company by 28% per month in the first year, and achieved profitability in the second month of operation.

Implemented a Customer Technical Support Department. The early stages of the internet development required considerable customer support due to the general lack of user experience, not only with the internet, but also with computers themselves. Developed scripts and scenarios to guide the service staff efficiently through the troubleshooting process. Provided written documentation and instructions for subscribers who requested. Result: The outstanding customer service gave Ballistic a distinct competitive advantage over other local providers which was reflected in growth of revenue.

Designed, developed and implemented comprehensive network architecture with appropriate security measures which served as the infrastructure of the company’s service. The architecture and components were selected to ensure maximum flexibility and scalability. Result: Created an agile company with the ability to grow and optimize resources and be responsive to market needs.

Hired and trained Web Developers, Software Developers and Customer Support Technicians. The infancy of the web meant there were virtually no experienced people to be found. Trained the entire staff from neophytes to competent professionals. Result: A group of highly motivated, technical competent employees who added value to Ballistic’s services.

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

1991-1994

Research/Teaching Assistant

Lecturer for freshman class of 300 students

Developed a synthetic process for novel conducting polymers using chemical vapor depositions

Developed electrochemical-infrared spectroscopy techniques for Fullerene molecules

University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, Texas

1988-1990

Research Associate

Performed in vivo experiments and mathematical modeling of lung fluids

Developed analytical methods for biological compounds and published papers in peer reviewed scientific journals

University of Texas, Austin, Texas

1983-1987

Project Director (1984-1987)

Wrote proposals and grant applications in support of software development projects

Designed the research facilities and created project plans

Hired the research staff, created the process methodology and managed the research project.

Research Assistant (1983-1984)

Performed abinito molecular orbital calculations and materials science research.

Education

Ph.D. studies, Physical Chemistry, Colorado State University.

M.S. studies, Computer Science, University of Texas at Tyler.

B.E. studies, Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin.

B.S., Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 1983.

Rational Rose, Managing Requirements and Implementing Rational Unified Process (RUP), Rational Software Corp.

Publications

Peterson, B.T., M.L. Collins, L.D. Gray, and A.O. Azghani. Aerosolized Pseudomonas elastase and lung fluid balance in anesthetized sheep. J. Applied. Physiology, 72(5), pp. 1927-1933 (1992)

Peterson, B.T., M.L. Collins, D.E. Griffith, and J. C. Connelly. Aerosolized Pseudomonas elastase increases lung epithelial permeability to endogenous proteins in anesthetized sheep. American Review of Respiratory Disease, American Thoracic Society Meeting (abstract), May 1991.

Griffith, D.E., B.T. Peterson, and M.L. Collins. Rewash bronchoalveolar lavage. American Review of Respiratory Disease, 144, pp. 151-155 (1991)

Peterson, B.T., M.L. Collins, J.C. Connelly, J.W. McLarty, D. Holiday and L.D. Gray. The use of mathematics in assessing solute exchange across the lung epithelium. Proceedings of First Word Congress on Biomechanics: Engineering Analysis of Structure and Function, edited by M.A. Farrell Epstein and J.R. Ligas. New York, NY: Springer Verlag, pp. 162-168 (1990)

Griffith, D.E., B.T. Peterson, M.L. Collins and A.B. Cohen. Rewash bronchoalveolar lavage. American Review of Respiratory Disease, 141, p A891 (1990)

Peterson, B.T., M.L. Collins, and A.O. Azghani. Alveolar flooding occurs with increased exchange of proteins between the air and interstitial spaces. The Physiologist, 32, p 210 (1989)

Peterson, B.T., M.L. Collins, and A.O. Azghani. Aerosolized Pseudomonas elastase increases lung epithelial permeability to albumin in anesthetized sheep. American Review of Respiratory Disease, 139, p A294 (1989)

Azghani, A.O., J.C. Connelly, B.T. Peterson, L.D. Gray, M.L. Collins and A.R. Johnson. Effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Elastase on Alveolar Epithelial Permeability in guinea pigs. J. Infection and Immunity, 58(2), pp. 433-438 (1990)

Peterson, B.T., M.L. Collins, L.D. Gray, and D. Suez. Effect of aerosol size of the clearance of DTPA from lungs of anesthetized sheep. J. Aerosol Medicine, 3, pp. 121-130 (1990)

Gundersen, G., H.G. Thomassen, J.E. Boggs, M.L. Collins. On the molecular structures of the prevailing anti-conformers of gaseous Cis-1 and Trans-1-Chloro-1, 3-Butadiene. J. Molecular Structure, 213, pp. 1-23 (1989)

M.L. Collins, and J.M. White. PC Networks in a research environment. ACIS Proceedings, Boston, Massachusetts, June 1987

Recommendations

“Highly creative thinker, disciplined in his methods, attentive to detail. Proactive instead of reactive. Cool under the pressures of his work, as well as his environment. Manages expectations, then over-delivers. Fluent in the languages, fieldcraft and management of both 'geekdom' AND the boardroom.”

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Steven Aukstakalnis

“Michael is an outstanding organizational leader, facilitator, and manager. He is always on track and right on target. In the most complex and stressful of situations, Michael finds the path forward and leads teams there with precision.”

Woody Williams, Project Manager, TekSystems

“Michael and I worked together on implementing "agile" techniques at the company I work for currently. Michael established himself very quickly as a noted authority on software process and software process improvements. He assisted us in identifying the gaps or barriers in the "old" software process and assisted us in implementing agile techniques. Project delivery time's have been reduced.”

Morris Selby, IT Manager, USAA

“Michael brings a wealth of expertise and is also a pragmatic creative thinker who helps organizations tackle complex challenges from different perspectives: organizational, business, and technical.”

Samy Ben Aissa, Director of IS Processes, K.Hovnanian Companies, LLC

“Michael analyzed our software engineering processes and provided expertise to our organization. He really helped many people (management) see where we had process conflicts going on as well as educated our analysis team on the benefits of use cases. He has a good grasp on process engineering and can help not only at the practitioner level but also bring management into the fold in understanding the concepts.”

Erik Knudson, IT Manager, USAA

Memberships & Interest

Texas Society of Professional Engineers

IEEE

Amateur Radio License

NAUI Certified Diver

Competitive Sailor

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