Senior Program Manager - Federal IT & Cyber

Shahnawaz Ansari, MS, PMP, ITIL, SAFe

Program Manager

508A St Martins Lane

Severna Park, MD 21146, USA

Tele 410-***-**** (H)

443-***-**** (Cell)

Fax 410-***-****

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahnawaz-ansari-a01b4625/

Professional Summary

Program Manager with over a decade of expertise in project and program management, holding PMP certification and TS/SCI clearance. Demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills in managing full life cycle software development projects, including pioneering mega software initiatives in complex, mission-critical federal IT and cybersecurity environments. Proven ability to lead and coordinate geographically distributed teams of up to 200 FTEs, overseeing budgets up to $265 million while ensuring quality assurance, risk management, and contract performance monitoring. Skilled in workforce planning, staffing management, and financial forecasting, with extensive experience in cloud computing, DevSecOps, data management, and engineering management. Adept at stakeholder management, program governance, schedule management, and subcontractor integration, maintaining program reviews and performance metrics to support DoD, Army, Navy, and other federal agencies. Background includes over 20 years of service in the Indian Air Force, including roles as Chief Information Officer and senior diplomat, and over 10 years supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs, consistently applying organizational skills and decision-making to resolve challenges and establish effective resource allocation.

Professional Highlights

A very senior hands-on VP/Project & Program Manager with over 25 years’ experience

Former Wing Commander of Logistics (Supply Chain) branch of Indian Air Force

PMP, SAFe, ITIL, and SCRUM certified and have two Master Degrees

Managed teams up to 200 FTE and BUDGET up to $265 million

Worked at all levels from Programmer/Analyst to a very senior executive (Chief Information Officer)

Have extensive experience working both in National and International environment

Expert in both Waterfall and Iterative methodologies of Project Management

Expert in managing both Application and Infrastructure projects

Extensive experience in application and data migration from on premise to cloud platform

Extensive Technical and Managerial experience in managing multiple projects

A US Citizen with active TOP SECRET-SCI/Q clearance

Have been the Chief Technology Officer of Indian Air Force

One of my projects earned Certificate of Excellence from Prime Minister of India

Professional Experience

VP/Program Manager: ANG Management Technology Support November 2023 - Current

Federal Aviation Authority

●Lead and manage delivery of automation systems services to ANG-A, enhancing operational efficiency in mission-critical environments

●Oversee FAA's Knowledge Services Network SharePoint site collection analysis and reporting to improve data accessibility and decision-making

●Coordinate IT tool implementation to facilitate achievement of ANG strategic goals, ensuring alignment with federal IT standards

●Establish and maintain enhanced communication, collaboration, and position management capabilities across geographically distributed teams

●Monitor and analyze pre-award and post-award activities, improving tracking and reporting accuracy

●Support maintenance and enhancement of tools and systems within the Business and Financial Management Services Division

●Direct systems development, maintenance, and enhancement efforts, including automation, management, analysis, and reporting functions

●Provide comprehensive IT support for ANG Government Responsible Individuals, ensuring cybersecurity and DevSecOps best practices

●Manage design and technical writing support to facilitate clear documentation and user guidance

●Plan, deploy, test, document, and train users on customized applications, promoting effective adoption

●Lead complex analytical and troubleshooting support initiatives, resolving technical challenges promptly

●Perform data analysis and visualization to support informed decision-making processes

●Embed, enhance, and operate integrated cybersecurity measures to safeguard federal IT assets

●Maintain and operate Service Desk and ANG portfolio management using ServiceNow PPM, ensuring program governance and quality assurance

●Ensure FAR/DFAR compliance in bids and proposals, supporting business development and capture management efforts

●Oversee end-to-end business processes using SAP 4/HANA, including financial management and forecasting

●Guide staff and interface with government PMs to deliver POAMs, risk registers, and comprehensive program reviews

●Create and operate Customer Relationship Management solutions in Microsoft Dynamics to improve contractor and subcontractor integration

●Utilize PMP certification and project/program management expertise to drive performance metrics, workforce planning, and resource allocation

●Demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills to optimize team management and organizational outcomes

Program Manager: Modernization of Comptroller of Maryland (COM) Integrated Tax System March 2022 - October 2023

State of Maryland

●Led PMO support and supervised COTS vendor performance to ensure contract compliance and quality assurance

●Managed enhancement of manual business processes through IT applications, improving operational efficiency

●Oversaw infrastructure upgrades to support new technology implementations in mission-critical environments

●Directed enforcement of tax laws and maintained self-sufficiency in system support, enhancing compliance

●Coordinated consolidation of taxes and fees with streamlined processing to improve customer service

●Planned and allocated resources to maximize efficiency in audit, collection, reporting, and estimating functions

●Established centralized access to returns, reports, account information, and documents for improved data management

●Monitored and improved fraud detection, prevention, and recovery mechanisms within tax systems

●Maintained centralized compliance with security standards and policies, embedding integrated cybersecurity in COTS products

●Automated and centralized business processes including collections using Guidewire and other cloud computing tools

●Evaluated and reported on FITARA compliance, applying federal IT governance frameworks

●Supported development and deployment of online self-service applications for taxpayers, enhancing user engagement

●Improved imaging, document processing, and management through cloud-based solutions

●Directed retirement of Mainframe and COBOL-based systems, transitioning to MS Azure Cloud-based COTS platforms

●Utilized Jira and Confluence for effective task and project status management within Agile/Scrum methodologies

●Collaborated with cross-functional departments for Business Process Management (BPM) initiatives

●Managed cybersecurity program integration and DevSecOps practices across software development lifecycle

●Oversaw extraction, transformation, and migration of legacy data to cloud-based COTS environments

●Led software development efforts using .Net, Python, C/C#/C++, and Java to support program objectives

●Installed and operated Tax Fraud Detection and Reporting Systems to enhance risk management

●Applied PMP and program management principles for program governance, schedule management, and financial forecasting

●Directed contractor and subcontractor management, ensuring seamless integration across geographically distributed teams

●Communicated effectively with stakeholders, resolving issues and making informed decisions to meet program goals

●Conducted program reviews, performance monitoring, and workforce planning to optimize team management and resource allocation

Senior Cloud Engineer/Senior Project Manager: Modernization HR Portfolio March 2020 - February 2022

U S Dept. of Navy

●Led and managed program and project activities supporting the MyNavy HR portfolio within federal IT and cybersecurity program environments

●Oversaw contractor and subcontractor integration ensuring compliance with FAR/DFAR regulations and program governance standards

●Coordinated lifecycle management of US Navy Mobile Applications including design, development, deployment, and retirement phases

●Applied DevSecOps practices and engineered solutions leveraging cloud computing, cybersecurity protocols, and agile development methodologies

●Directed cloud migration strategies and managed AWS-based initiatives enhancing mission-critical system capabilities

●Developed and implemented software solutions using .NET, Python, C/C#/C++/Java, incorporating SOA, microservices, API development, and ICAM implementation

●Utilized tools such as Jira, Confluence, ServiceNow PPM, Flow Designer, and SharePoint for effective task management, communication, and documentation

●Created shell scripts using Linux/BASH/PowerShell to automate processes and improve operational efficiency

●Conducted cost-benefit and ROI analyses to support financial forecasting and contract performance monitoring

●Monitored program schedules, quality assurance, and performance metrics across geographically distributed teams

●Established and maintained stakeholder communication channels to facilitate decision making and risk identification

●Allocated resources and managed workforce planning to optimize team performance and achieve program objectives

●Maintained TS/SCI clearance and PMP certification to uphold standards in project and program management within cybersecurity and federal IT sectors

Senior Project Manager October 2019 - February 2020

National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA)

●Led $240 million cloud-based IT infrastructure modernization program ensuring alignment with federal IT standards and cybersecurity protocols

●Designed and deployed hybrid cloud platforms to enhance Enterprise Secure Computing capabilities

●Oversaw management of Enterprise Security Network 2.0 communication hubs and data centers across mission-critical environments

●Directed cloud environment testing for mission software to ensure operational readiness and compliance

●Coordinated Joint Technology Demonstrator project involving contractor management and subcontractor integration

●Conducted application discovery and rationalization to optimize software portfolio and reduce redundancies

●Managed migration and hosting of on-premise applications to centralized Microsoft Azure cloud stacks

●Established enterprise-wide services including desktop services to improve organizational efficiency

●Implemented security enhancements utilizing DevSecOps automated security analysis tools to strengthen cybersecurity posture

●Utilized Jira and Confluence for comprehensive task, project status management, and Agile/Scrum methodology implementation

●Employed SharePoint for effective document sharing and stakeholder communication

●Supported FAR/DFAR compliance throughout business development and proposal processes

●Managed financial forecasting, contract performance monitoring, risk management, and schedule management to maintain program governance

●Allocated resources and managed geographically distributed teams to meet performance metrics and program reviews

●Maintained PMP certification and applied project and program management best practices to drive successful outcomes

Director (New Business) April 2018 - September 2019

Quality Technology Inc. (QuTech)

●Led bid strategies, pricing, teaming, and proposal development to secure federal IT and cybersecurity program contracts

●Managed transitions from business opportunities through proposal development to contract award and signing

●Translated complex cultural, operational, and technical requirements to align with program goals

●Established and maintained knowledge bank; trained teams on FAR/DFAR compliance to ensure regulatory adherence

●Directed new business development initiatives and coordinated bidding and proposal processes

●Oversaw client relations, expanding client base while managing subcontractor integration and contractor management

●Utilized TS/SCI clearance and DOD adjudication processes to support mission-critical environments

●Conducted business intelligence and competitor analysis to inform strategic decision-making

●Managed Service Desk operations using ServiceNow PPM to support geographically distributed teams

●Planned and executed acquisition projects encompassing integration, due diligence, risk management, and performance monitoring

●Applied program governance, schedule management, quality assurance, and financial forecasting to optimize program outcomes

●Monitored contract performance, workforce planning, staffing management, and performance metrics to ensure program success

●Leveraged expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity, DevSecOps, software development, data management, and engineering management

●Exercised leadership, communication, stakeholder management, problem solving, organizational skills, and resource allocation throughout program lifecycle

VP/Senior Program/ Senior Project Manager(Agile) – Unemployment Insurance Modernization November 2015 - March 2018

State of Maryland

●Led an $80 million cloud-based modernization program for Unemployment Insurance, ensuring alignment with federal IT and cybersecurity program objectives

●Managed program governance, schedule, budget, and quality assurance across geographically distributed teams in mission-critical environments

●Oversaw contractor and subcontractor integration to optimize resource allocation and contract performance monitoring

●Directed collection and finalization of all requirements, conducting comprehensive fit-gap analysis to inform development

●Planned, coordinated, and monitored software development enhancements using Agile methodology within DevOps/DevSecOps environments

●Migrated legacy mainframe data to SQL Server employing ETL processes, supporting data management and engineering management goals

●Established and maintained user acceptance testing, training, deployment, and cybersecurity embedding in Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products

●Conducted cost/benefit analysis and ensured FISMA compliance, supporting FAR/DFAR adherence in business development

●Utilized Jira, Confluence, and SharePoint for effective project management, communication, and performance metrics monitoring

●Installed and operated claim fraud detection and prevention systems leveraging Guidewire to automate back-office processes

●Developed shell scripts to support cybersecurity and operational automation

●Applied TS/SCI clearance and PMP certification expertise to lead risk management, workforce planning, staffing management, and financial forecasting

●Fostered leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making to identify and resolve risks and maintain program success

Head of PMO and Senior Program/ Senior Project Manager August 2011 - October 2015

Focus Management Inc.

●Led Program Management Office (PMO) functions and established project management standards aligned with PMP certification and TS/SCI clearance requirements

●Directed CMMI Level 3 certification initiative, ensuring compliance with federal IT and cybersecurity program standards

●Developed and enforced policies, change management systems, and program governance frameworks

●Managed project portfolio governance, risk management, and workforce planning across multiple mission-critical environments

●Oversaw development of FAR/DFAR compliant business proposals and contracts, including financial forecasting and contract performance monitoring

●Planned and coordinated strategic and tactical initiatives, allocating resources and scheduling to meet program objectives

●Supervised hiring, staffing management, training, and performance metrics evaluation for geographically distributed teams

●Acted as DoD budgeting expert, controlling overall IT program budgets and disaster recovery plans

●Ensured software licensing compliance and integrated subcontractor efforts within cybersecurity and cloud computing projects

●Utilized SharePoint, Jira, and Confluence for collaboration, project management, and quality assurance

●Managed multiple IT and healthcare projects including COBOL-based Child Support System development and EMR installation/support

●Identified and resolved program risks, applying earned value management for performance monitoring

●Fostered leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving within cross-functional teams

System Development Director January 1997 - August 2011

ACS Inc Now Xerox Corp

●Led software development and support for the US Department of Education Student Loan Program, managing over 20 million loans and a 1000 GB Oracle database

●Oversaw migration of datacenter and system upgrades, ensuring seamless transition and enhanced performance

●Directed infrastructure projects including hardware procurement and upgrades to meet program requirements

●Managed application projects such as the introduction of Earned Value Management to improve project tracking

●Spearheaded Personally Identifiable Information (PII) masking for 60 million accounts to enhance cybersecurity

●Led data warehousing initiatives and large-scale data migrations, designing system architectures to support database transitions

●Developed fraud detection and prevention systems, utilizing technical expertise in COBOL, DB2, and ADABAS

●Managed and coordinated Agile Scrum teams as Scrum Master, including Java development teams, fostering high-performance workflows

●Directed crisis management efforts and led acquisitions with capability-based planning to strengthen program capabilities

●Established program governance frameworks encompassing financial management, contract performance monitoring, risk management, and quality assurance

●Coordinated cross-functional activities among geographically distributed teams, optimizing resource allocation and workforce planning

●Communicated effectively with stakeholders, providing program reviews, financial forecasting, and schedule management in mission-critical federal IT environments

●Maintained TS/SCI clearance and PMP certification while applying strong leadership, decision making, and problem-solving skills to ensure program success

Director of Management Information System (MIS) (Chief Information Officer) January 1992 - December 1996

Indian Air Force

●Led a team of 200 personnel in a mission-critical federal IT program

●Established and operated a DevOps environment incorporating cloud computing, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps best practices

●Directed the successful online computerization of Indian Air Force inventory across 150 locations, achieving $600 million in cost savings

●Managed business process re-engineering and workforce downsizing initiatives to optimize operational efficiency

●Developed a data center from inception, ensuring robust data management and engineering management

●Conducted executive training sessions to enhance leadership and stakeholder communication

●Oversaw negotiation teams for IT procurement and aircraft purchases, ensuring contract performance and subcontractor integration

●Maintained program governance through effective schedule management, quality assurance, and financial forecasting

●Utilized PMP certification and TS/SCI clearance to enforce risk management, resource allocation, and performance monitoring across geographically distributed teams

●Coordinated program reviews and contractor management to support program goals and compliance

Senior Diplomat January 1988 - December 1991

Embassy of India, Washington DC, USA

●Led diplomatic assignment with a focus on federal IT and cybersecurity program management in mission-critical environments

●Managed procurement processes including Foreign Military Sales, ensuring compliance with program governance and financial forecasting

●Established and operated PC-based LAN, integrating contractor management and subcontractor coordination for seamless operations

●Developed and conducted PC software training, enhancing team capabilities across geographically distributed teams

●Oversaw contract performance monitoring, risk management, and schedule management to optimize project and program outcomes

●Coordinated workforce planning, staffing management, and resource allocation to support program objectives and performance metrics

●Maintained communication and stakeholder management to facilitate decision making and resolve operational challenges

●Applied PMP certification and project management expertise to drive quality assurance and program reviews in cybersecurity and DevSecOps initiatives

Education

University of Madras, India - Jan 1983 - Dec 1983

Master of Science in Military Science

Dr. C.V. Raman University, India - Jun 2010 - Jun 2012

Master of Science in Information Technology

Air Force Administrative College, India - Jun 1984 - Sep 1984

Certificate in Logistics Management

Air Force Administrative College, India - Sep 1982 - Nov 1982

Certificate in Operation Management

Certifications

PMP Certification - Project Management Professional Certification issued by Project Management Institute

SAFe Certification - Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Agilist Certification issued by Scaled Agile

ITIL V3 Certification - ITIL V3 Foundation Certification issued by PeopleCert Group

SPOAC Certification - Scrum Product Owner Accredited Certification issued by International Scrum Institute

SMAC Certification - Scrum Master Accredited Certification issued by International Scrum Institute

STMAC Certification - Scrum Team Member Accredited Certification issued by International Scrum Institute

LSSWB Certification - Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification issued by Management and Strategy Institute

Currently pursuing Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certification

Skills

Acquisition Management; Adaptability; Agile/Scrum Methodology; Attention to Detail; Budgeting & Forecasting; Business Development; Business Process Re-engineering; Change Management; Cloud Computing (AWS, MS Azure); Cloud Migration Strategies; Collaboration; Communication; Cost and Schedule Variance Reports; Cost Management; Cost/Benefit Analysis; Critical Path Analysis; Critical Thinking; CRM; Cybersecurity Integration; Dashboards; Data Analysis and Visualization; Database Management (Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, Sybase); Decision-Making; Delegation; DevOps/DevSecOps; Earned Value Management; FAR/DFAR Compliance; FITARA Compliance; Forecasting; Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM); ITIL V3 Certified; Jira/Confluence; Knowledge of Project Management Methodologies; Leadership; Lean Six Sigma; Microsoft Dynamics Negotiation; Network Diagrams; Organizational Skills; Patience; Planning and Execution; PMP Certified; Presentation skills; Problem solving; Program/Project Management; Proposal Management; Reporting; Risk Management; SAFe Agilist; SAP S/4HANA; Scheduling; Scoping; Scrum Master; Sense of Humor; ServiceNow PPM; SharePoint; Shell Scripting Linux/BASH/PowerShell); Software Development (.NET, Python, C/C++, Java); Stakeholder Management; Task Management; Team Leadership; Technical project management; Technical Writing; Time Management; Timesheets; Tracking; Workflow Automation; Workload Management;

Technical Program Manager Expertise: Skilled in Technical Program Management, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Agile Methodologies, Risk Management, Cross-Functional Coordination, Metrics Definition and Tracking, and Process Improvement.

Core Competencies: Demonstrates strong Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Problem-Solving, Proactive Approach, Stakeholder Management, Collaboration, and Adaptability.

Industry Experience: Exposure to Federal and State Government Departments/Agency, Loan/Mortgage Servicing Industry, Product Development, Startup Environment, and Fintech sectors with commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Technical Program Management Government, Aerospace, Cloud, Healthcare, and Software Development sectors

Key Achievements

Online Computerization of Indian Air Force Inventory

Led $50 million project covering 150 locations

Resulted in one-time savings of over $600 million due to inventory level reduction

Largest defense software project in India

Earned Certificate of Excellence by Honorable Prime Minister of India

Management of US Dept of Education Student Loan Program

Managed over 20 million loans, 4000 software modules, and 1000 GB Oracle database

Led migration of datacenter and system upgrades

Converted ORACLE RDB to Oracle Database

Introduced Earned Value Management

Led PII masking of 60 million accounts

Developed and operated fraud detection and prevention system

Cloud Migration Strategy for US Navy HR Systems

Created strategy and timetable for migrating 50+ US Navy HR systems to AWS

Managed over 50 cloud-based applications lifecycles

Developed white papers and best practices for cloud migration

Modernization of Unemployment Insurance System, and Tax Collection System for State of Maryland

Managed $80 million cloud-based modernization project

Implemented DevOps/DevSecOps environment

Conducted extensive data and system migration from on premise to cloud

Converted COBOL mainframe system to cloud based state of art customized COTS product.

Communication Skills & Executive Presentation Skills

Have proven negotiating and communication abilities, having represented India in negotiation with USA, Russia, UK and France, and served in a senior diplomatic assignment in Washington DC. Can very efficiently handle off shore/multinational projects.

Have Strong Communication Skills (both Verbal and Written),

Have strong skills in client interface and in developing communication strategies within the organization.

Have consistently won high ratings as a teacher to students at varying levels of competence. Have trained military personnel from Three Star Generals to enlisted men and civilians.

Adjunct Professor of Computer Sciences at United States Naval Academy, Strayers University, AACC, PGCC. And Howard CC and teaching systems analysis, programming, database, Operating Systems and networking.

Have conducted interviews for selection of developers and analysts.

Communicated effectively with top executives and senior stakeholders.

Facilitated meetings, executive readouts, project kickoffs, and stakeholder alignment sessions

Performed Mentoring and coaching of junior members of team

LinkedIn Profile

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahnawaz-ansari-a01b4625/

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