A financial services company, Ascensus is the largest independent record keeping services partner, third-party administrator, and government and health savings facilitator in the United States. Role was contracted through Tential.
PRINCIPAL PRODUCT MANAGER
Contracted to establish a mobile-focused product management role within Ascensus Government Services for 529 education savings. This has evolved to include responsibility for multiple types of transactions across mobile, client websites, embedded applications for partners and open API solutions.
Delivered the next generation of account enrollment using a modern, user centric solution. Enrollment on the mobile app is the first step for a single solution across app, web, API, and embedded platforms. Adoption of recurring contributions, a key objective, is 35% higher with the new solution.
Restructured and expanding the mobile roadmap to define a clear vision for the next 6, 12 and 24 months. This includes working with executive leadership to ensure the mobile strategy is tied to strategic goals.
Drove implementation of next generation mobile application functionality, evolving the company’s 529 mobile application to support the full user journey from awareness to education success.
A small consulting company focused of assisting small and mid-sized companies with content marketing strategy and implementation.
PRINCIPAL, PRODUCT ADVISORY PRACTICE
Expanded consulting offerings to include planning, organizing and delivering product advice to small and medium-sized companies.
Facilitated industry evaluation and definition of requirements for the United States Army’s next generation virtual training system by over 30 AR/VR, machine learning and hardware companies.
Audited digital content for performance analysis and provided prioritization recommendations for a leading cyber security company.
Drafted RFP response for video production company that led to a multi-million dollar contract.
Created keynote presentation for delivery by CMO of a leading cybersecurity company at their international partner conference.
National provider of regional and long-distance passenger rail transportation.
DIRECTOR, MOBILE PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
Hired as the first mobile expert to create and supervise a new group designing and introducing mobile solutions for customers. Headed this mobile eCommerce department and ad-hoc teams in integrating and supporting unique applications for Apple, Android and other device platforms. Produced and maintained multi-year mobile strategies to optimize revenue and customer satisfaction. Championed and delivered integrations with external partners such as Samsung Wallet, Apple Wallet and Lyft.
Led definition and rollout of iPhone, Android and Windows Phone applications that were actively used by over 1M customers each month, handling over $350M in annual revenue.
Enhanced key functionality to improve usage by up to 200% as part of a new version of Amtrak application, while providing framework for low-cost maintenance and rapid enhancements.
Updated and maintained mobile website that continually increased application user experience.
Led team in piloting high-performing Agile team environment; recognized as first-of-its-kind for Amtrak.
Boutique consulting firm supporting high-tech product development and market launch.
FOUNDER
Started and operated consulting firm to provide full range of business and marketing services. Challenged with advising high-tech entrepreneurs on wide array of technology and business trends. In charge of all product management, target marketing and strategy practice areas.
Delivered consulting solutions to Time Warner Cable (TWC) as part of Nokia Siemens’ managed services department; defined Android client for TWC wireless services that enabled seamless service between WiFi, WiMax and CDMA networks.
Advised and guided startups through business considerations and wireless market entry for their iPhone and Android applications.
Key member of team that executed rebranding and marketing plan for local non-profit agency.
Startup provider of next-gen hybrid satellite/terrestrial networks. The company now operates as Ligado Networks.
GROUP MANAGER, DEVICE PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
Brought on to define next-gen satellite devices. Responsible for creating, testing and deploying mobile phones, embedded devices, antennas and enterprise specific hardware.
Succeeded in greatly increasing company’s public profile and credibility – awarded, as first-named inventor, patent for next generation satellite capable phone.
Defined framework for future applications and developer ecosystem by selecting smartphone operating system; identified crucial functionalities and requirements and defined developer SDK strategy.
3rd largest wireless company in the United States
SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER, PUSH-TO-TALK (PTT) APPLICATIONS
Retained and transitioned to focus on expanding total service portfolio into very competitive marketplace. Guided all development tasks for interfaces and applications to extend PTT beyond cellular headsets.
Conceived and initiated solution to increase potential customer base by incorporating service into Palm, Windows and Blackberry devices.
Enhanced market appeal for applications with new architecture for external developers and interface with company handsets; liaised with vendors to define potential service offerings.
Skillfully defined additional PTT features, such as voicemail, for company’s next-gen service.
Fortune 200 provider of wireless telephony, two-way radio and data communications; merged with Sprint in 2005.
GROUP MANAGER, PUBLIC SECTOR PRODUCTS
Progressively promoted after initial hiring as Manager, Voice Services to ultimately supervise three product managers. Selected to join Nextel Vice Chairman’s initiative to deliver innovative solutions targeting public sector customers.
Played instrumental role in expanding customer satisfaction to 97%, usage to 60% in one year and revenue to over $100M during tenure as Senior Manager, Cellular & Voicemail Services.
As Senior Manager, 3G Network Services, defined and navigated services portfolio and network roadmap, including video streamlining, enhanced telephony, broadband networking and multimedia file transfer.
Spearheaded Nextel’s capability to deliver AMBER alerts to wireless devices – first through internal trial phase and later rolled out by all US wireless carriers.