Michele Boland

2201 Fairview Ave East #5   Seattle, WA 98102

206-325-0337       michele_bb@hotmail.com

 

 

Summary

 

A proven track record of bring order to chaos and saving failed projects or programs. With extensive experience in software development, program and product management combined with customer facing skills and "big picture" thinking I have proven repeatedly to be able to quickly get projects back on track and to make the correct hard choices to deliver quality results.

Specialties: Leadership and team building. Program and Product Management., PC Architecture, BIOS, firmware, embedded applications, 3D graphics, computer game technologies, device drivers, carrier grade server software, mobile devices.

Qualification Highlights

Program/Technical Product Management

·              Team Management

·              Product Lifecycle

·              Development Process management including Agile Practices

·              Requirements and Specification Development

·              Product Architecture at the Enterprise and Client Level

·              Resource Planning

·              Team Building

·              Mentoring

·              Technical Team Management

·              Customer and Internal Presentation

·              Mobile and Gaming Industry Experience

·              Scalable Web Solution Development and Deployment

·              Cloud and SAS solutions

 

Software Engineering

·              Development Team Management

·              Team Building

·              Mentoring

·              Embedded Development

·              BIOS Development

·              Financial Application Experience

·              Vertical Market Application Development

·              Language Development

·              C, C++, C#, .net, assorted microcontroller assembler, X86 assembler, SQL, XML, HTML, WFC, WWF, Java, Azure, VB.net

 

 

Hardware Engineering

·              Hardware Architecture

·              Firmware

·              Hardware bring-up/debug

·              Board validation

·              Device driver development

·              ICE, Logic Analyzer, Oscilloscope, Multi-meter, ROM emulator, PROM programmers

 

Work experience             

 

Senior Technical Program Manager – Amazon Finance

Amazon – February 2015 to Present Seattle, WA

 

·              Implemented and ran agile development processes for Fortune Planning Dev Team

·              Created User stories and related functional spec from concept through detailed specifications

·              Drove implementation and test of features through to release using Spark, Java and Scala in an AWS environment

·              Drove defect triage for development team

·              Spec-ed and drove development of a sophisticated financial web based tool using current “big data” technologies in an AWS environment

 

 

Senior Technical Program Manager – Microsoft Hardware – Microsoft Fitness Band

Microsoft/Kforce/Vander Houwen – September 2013 to September 2014  Redmond, WA

·              Implemented and ran agile development processes for core cloud team

·              Created User stories and related feature from concept through detailed specifications

·              Drove implementation and test of features through to release using Azure, C#, .net WFC and RESTful APIs

·              Architected major parallel execution engine in Azure

·              Designed and spec-ed executable data and time based jobs for execution engine

·              Drove defect triage for cloud team

 

Lead Technical Program/development Manager – Microsoft Office ARC

Prowess Consulting/Microsoft – October 2012 to August 2013  Seattle, WA

·              Completely recreated the product planning and requirements gathering process

·              Implemented a true agile environment

·              Rescued Key deliverables that had grown dramatically in scope for nearly a year.

·              Created multi-tier web solution using IIS, MS SQL, C#, .net, WWF, WFC

·              Provided deep technical review and feedback on deliverables blocked for lack of technical solutions for over a year

·              Assumed direct management of the development and test team

·              Restructured the entire team to address ongoing performance issues

·              Directly managed the hiring process to increase team capabilities to expand the scope of work

·              Shortened delivery of new content in a mission critical multi-tier web scalable solution by 50%

·              Dramatically improved customer satisfaction growing contract size dramatically (300%)

 

Senior Technical Program Manager – Microsoft OCG Devices

Telion/Microsoft – May 2011 to October 2012 Seattle, WA

·              Developed specification for third party development of SIP/VoIP devices compatible with Microsoft Lync solutions. 

·              Created and reviewed detailed technical specifications and third party program requirements

·              Created protocol and message level documentation

·              Created API level design documents

·              Provided deep understanding of SIP based VoIP standards in improving documents

·              Created of third party specification included direct capture and review of packet level data 

·              Reviewed competitor third party interoperability programs to recommend improvements of current partner programs

·              Reviewed code and created .net applications for verification of new specifications.

·              Developed application to capture and parse data using C#, VB.net

Senior Technical Product Manager – Enterprise Solutions

Research in Motion – December 2008 to March 2011  Seattle, WA

·              Drove two complete product releases of RIM BAS

·              Worked directly with key customers to improve BAS deployment

·              Achieved 60% improvement in customer acceptance of latest generation BAS

·              Created patented improvement in mobile device policy management

·              Developed the technical requirements for the BEAM platform for both server and client components Developed sample code to verify the developer experience

·              Worked with customers to validate the fitness of the BEAM platform for applications envisioned

·              Created and presented technical support materials related to RIM enterprise products at technical conferences and partner events.

·              Worked with development team using Java and Jboss to integrate into Microsoft technologies inclusing MS SQL, MS authentication infrastructure, MS AD and messaging solutions.

 

Senior Technical Program Manager

Vulcan – September 2008 – January 2009  Seattle, WA

·              Led a team researching mobile device technologies and markets for a follow on product to the “Flipstart” mobile PC 

·              Analyzed processor, chipset and related component road maps for potential use “breakout” consumer mobile devices 

·              Analyzed software platforms and cloud services to investigate future consumer “experiences” relating to cutting edge mobile devices

·              Developed comprehensive persona sets to support new product and market segment “brainstorming”

·              Created complete end to end  user experiences to create the product plans to launch the new “breakout” device

·              Created detailed product plans and presentation for all management levels up through C.E.O.

 

Senior Technical Program Manager

P2 Solutions Group, Inc. - October 2007 to September 2008  Redmond, WA

·              Drove delivery of including creation of new user experiences for software components using C# of the Microsoft Sidewinder X5 Gaming Keyboard

·              Defined the next generation device management for future hardware products based on WWF and WPF

·              Managed the development process using best in class agile processes of remote and local development teams

·              Drove research into next generation device management experiences for future software releases on Microsoft platforms

 

Technical Program Manager

Microsoft Corporation - June 2005 to October 2007 Redmond, WA

·              Drove development including key architecture of the Windows Update based solution based on OMA standards for Windows mobile devices

·              Drove end to end experiences and core feature areas of Microsoft Systems Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 using agile practices

·              Created use scenarios, functional and technical specifications as well as architectural diagrams. 

·              Team “Security Champion” driving the security review and compliance of the client and server software components  

 

 

Lead Technical Program Manager

4thpass Inc, a Motorola Company - September 2004 to March 2005  Seattle, WA

·              Restructured a failing program to develop a FOTA solution for Motorola feature phones

·              Shipped FOTA solution for Motorola feature phones ahead of schedule 

·              Drove the idle screen news aggregator service and client to trial ahead of schedule

·              Managed development of 4thpass cell phone server products including:

◦         4thpass Device management solution

◦         4thpass Media Gateway solution

◦         Server products are developed to carrier grade standards for larger high volume wireless infrastructure environments 

·              Driving included product scoping and scheduling, architectural overview and customer requirements analysis.  In addition, complete management of the 4thpass software life cycles.

·              Drove multiple product releases using agile practices from concept to release.

 

 

Senior Firmware Engineer

General Software - August 2003 to August 2004  Bellevue, Washington

·              Created BIOS code for several new chipsets and created new board level integrated diagnostics for GSW BIOSs.

·              Develop X86 Assembly and C based software for BIOS used in embedded products

·              Analyzed and debugged new chipsets and boards to port the General Software Embedded BIOS

 

Senior Technical Program Manager

Microsoft Corporation - November 1998 through December 2002  Redmond, Washington

·              Dramatically improved the Microsoft Graphics Chipset Partner relationships

·              Shipped five releases of the DirectX Graphics DDK

·              Developed patented technology related to programmable GPUs

·              Assisted in creation of initial X-Box architecture.

·              Created a DDK team from scratch

·              Managed the technical relationships of the graphics hardware community of over nine partners and the Microsoft DirectX Team 

·              Developed and presented technical sessions at Meltdown and WinHEC 

·              Improved vendor participation in supplying quality in box and WHQL drivers for latest hardware

 

Senior X86 Systems Architect

Motorola Computer Group - July 1996 through November 1998  Tempe, Arizona

·              Drove end of life activities for Motorola Power PC NT products

·              Architected and drove development of multiple X-86 based replacements including BIOS development, board bring up and validation

·              Managed software development a test teams for X-86 embedded products

·              Managed standards compliance efforts at the division level

·              Responsible for overall system design of X86 products

·              Responsible for motherboard bring up and debug. 

·              Contributing manager of the BIOS development team 

·              Provided field engineering assistance to customer sites

·              Managed a staff of 7 developers and 5 test engineers

Member of the Motorola Technical Ladder.  Presented technical session to customers, management and Motorola engineers at Technical Ladder Conferences. 

Lead team in SEI compliance training as it was introduced as part of Motorola’s software engineering quality initiatives. 

Education             

Arizona State University - September 1976 through June 1979 Tempe, AZ

Mathematics/Computer Science (minor in music and meteorology)

Achieved sufficient credits for graduation but shift of computer science to Electrical Engineering College prevented receipt of a degree. 

 

Scottsdale Community College - September 1974 through June 1976 Scottsdale, Arizona

Associates of Arts in Computer Technology - summa cum laude

Two year degree in software development and computer technology.

Personal Accomplishments

Patents

·              US Pat. 10/986,586 – Systems and Methods for Downloading Algorithmic Coprocessor and Corresponding Techniques

·              US Pat. 10987144 – Systems and Methods for Downloading Algorithmic Coprocessor and Corresponding Techniques

·              US Pat. 10987686 – Systems and Methods for Downloading Algorithmic Coprocessor and Corresponding Techniques

·              US Pat. 10196864 and Methods for Providing Intermediate Targets in a Graphics System

·              US Pat. 10987120– Systems and Methods for Downloading Algorithmic Coprocessor and Corresponding Techniques

·              United States Patent Application 20110263237 – Apparatus and Associated Method, for Assigning Policy Settings to a Mobile Station

 

Aero-modeling

·              Founder – Scale Warbird Racing Association

·              Founder – Scale Air Racing Association

·              Academy of Model Aeronautics Contest Director

·              U.S. Scale Masters Certified Judge

Aviation

·              Major Sponsor of the Formula One Racing Team – “Bad Idea Racing”

·              Engineering services provided for multiple air racing teams

·              Currently designing a replica the ARUP S2, a pioneering low aspect ratio aircraft from 1930

·              Amateur Aviation Historian

·              Private Pilot

Computer Gaming

·              Elected member of the Eve Online Council of Stellar Management 2

·              Elected member of the Eve Online Council of Stellar Management 3

·              Elected member of the Eve Online Council of Stellar Management 7

 

Computer Art

 

ZundelPhone

Art Piece Exhibited  “Zundelphone” – People Doing Strange Things With Electricity II

Art Piece Performance “Zundelphone” – Experience Music Project Turntable Stage

Art Piece Performance “Zundelphone” – Random and Dangerous Flash Mob Art Exhibit

Zundelphone is an interactive instrument that uses the viewer’s voice to compose and play music.  Created with repurposed discarded and found objects.

 

Alien Karaoke

Art Piece Exhibited  “Alien Karaoke” – People Doing Strange Things With Electricity III

 

An interactive device that explores the whimisical idea of aliens that could sing by changing color and giving the viewer to “sing” along with an alien color song.

 

My Head

Art Piece Exhibited “My Head” – People Doing Strange Things With Electricity IV

 

A multi-media piece that used sound, still images and video in combination with a local keyboard, a public chat room and Google searches to simulate thoughts in a person’s head.  The piece was internet connected and could be remotely accessed and interacted with for the duration of the show.  The piece would use random events and user input to seed “stream of consciousness” explorations of topics based on scraped Google search results and link chains found in referenced “seed” pages.

 

Particle

Art Piece Exhibited “Particle” – Oscillate: Art celebrating light and Movement

 

Particle is an interactive work combining light and electromechanical elements to allow the viewer to configure the “boundaries” for a “particle” to interact with throughout its “flight”.  The view can set the type of boundary and then “launch” a particle and watch as the particle moves and reacts based on the type of boundaries encountered.  Boundaries can reflect, alter paths or even change the type of particle.  The particle will continue to move within the boundaries of the piece until the particle “expires”.  The particle type is shown to the viewer as an illuminated “point” that moves through the piece mechanically.

 

Automotive

 

SCCA Solo II District 10 – Phoenix - Seasonal Series Results

First Place – Women’s H Stock – Spring 1990

Third Place – H Stock – Spring 1991

Fifth Place – D Street Prepared – Spring 1992

Third Place – D Street Prepared – Spring 1993