SPEAKER PROFILE: Joe Brannon, MBA, PMP, CSM is an international management consultant, entrepreneur, strategic thinker and educator. He brings 15 years of experience assisting corporations to realize positive results through project management and strategic throughput. He possesses an MBA, and a BS in Business Systems from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He served the Project Management Institute (PMI) – Puget Sound Board of Directors in the capacity of President and is an active member with the PMI – Orange County Chapter serving as Deputy Vice President, Operations.
Joe teaches at leading private and state-supported education institutions globally in the field of project and business management. He is an international speaker engaging audiences about Agile, Lean, Strategic and Project Management. He had the pleasure of being the guest speaker at the International Project Management Day located in Athens, Greece.
Joe is founder and president of the Management Institute of Southern California, a strategic management consultancy firm, and has worked with Fortune 200 organizations; including Starbucks Coffee Company and State Street Corporation on large-scale global initiatives using Agile and Traditional Project Management methodologies.
Christine Crawford
Director of IT, Edwards Lifesciences
TOPIC: Business Case Development and Driven System Selection (co-presenter)
SESSION ABSTRACT: In need of an Enterprise Product Lifecycle Management system, Vunu’s IT team led the effort to develop a business case, obtained funding and facilitated the development and roll out of a User Driven System Selection project.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Coming Soon
Robert Devers
VP, IT Global Strategy and Planning, Avery Dennison
TOPIC: IT’s Role in Business Transformation: Lessons Learned and Guiding Principles for Enabling Transformational Change in Your Organization
SESSION ABSTRACT:In recent tough economic times to survive and grow companies have been required to change how they do business in a very short period of time. Gradual evolutionary improvement is no longer acceptable and radical change, or transformation, has become common. IT now has an opportunity to not just be involved, but be an equal partner in developing the future organization. This presentation will focus on the strategic approach and guiding principles that can help IT professionals take on a major role enabling this change. This presentation will concentrate on the major concepts in determining an ideal future state target and success factors that allow an organization to get from its current position to your future vision. It will also address what part of the organization should change first, and how.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Currently Avery Dennison’s VP, Global IT Strategy and Planning, Rob Devers drives the company’s worldwide IT strategy and transformational initiatives. Here he leads the ongoing development of a strategic roadmap for key initiatives. Rob ensures emerging technology trends are incorporated into strategic technology decisions and has established an engagement process for Avery Dennison’s Leadership to align IT with the business. Along with the overall IT Strategy, Rob also focuses on Business Intelligence and Enterprise Architecture. Prior to joining Avery Dennison, he served as Enterprise Architect for Dole Food Company, where he was instrumental in developing its strategic technology vision along with developing the application’s architectural framework. He has also held senior-level positions at E.piphany Software, Ernst & Young, and Accenture.
A former captain in the U.S. Air Force, Rob served as both a pilot and an engineering instructor. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Rob is currently the Vice Chair of the UCLA Anderson IS Associates.
Michelle Elkins
Director, IT, Honeywell ITS, Honeywell
TOPIC: Project Management: Managing Stakeholders and Sponsors
SESSION ABSTRACT:In this fast paced environment with IT organizations having to do more with less, how do you ensure project success. Effectively engaging and managing your stakeholders is key. The balance of communication with customers, sponsors and team members is one that the project manager must be on the watch to ensure the success of the project. This presentation will address those considerations for project.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Michelle is Director of Information Technology for Global Technology Services, a shared services organization within Honeywell International. In this role she provides overall leadership for implementation of global information technology (IT) projects. Joining Honeywell in 1997, Michelle has held various IT positions with increasing responsibility in several Honeywell business units where she was responsible for operation of IT systems, new technology, infrastructure, application development, and support.
Michelle earned her degree in Business Management from Pepperdine University, Malibu, California. She is ITIL and Greenbelt certified.
In addition to her work with Honeywell, Michelle sits on several boards, including California State University, Los Angeles – IT Advisory Board, Network of Women in Technology and Liberty House Foundation.
Laura Fleming
Labor Attorney
TOPIC: Social Media in the Workplace: Know Your Rights!
SESSION ABSTRACT: • What are the risks associated with employee use of social media?
• How can these risks be minimized?
• Can employees be disciplined for what they post online?
• Is the employer allowed to "google" job candidates?
• What about employee privacy rights? First amendment rights?
Labor Attorney Laura Fleming will discuss these and other timely topics.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Laura Fleming practices labor law at Stradling, a full-service law firm. Ms. Fleming represents a broad range of clients, from Fortune 100 companies to start-ups and individual executives. Her expertise includes all things employment-related: advice and counsel, personnel documentation, internal investigations, union arbitrations, government audits, and litigation defense. Ms. Fleming also speaks on a variety of topics, including diversity initiatives and social media in the workplace. Ms. Fleming is a graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Law School.
Steve Gladstone
Director, Applications, Services, and Content Management, Panasonic Avionics Corp.
TOPIC: Innovation & Organizational Maturity: How to Effect the Right Kind of Change
SESSION ABSTRACT:Practical, hard-won lessons about driving innovation (intraprenuership) and change through various organizational types are discussed. Project, Product, and Solution-oriented environments are defined and characterized. Topics that are critical to understand in driving change in each are covered: Executive sponsorship, execution, and communication, personal and company culture. Participants will gain a clearer vision of how to match their own approach to challenging situations.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Steve Gladstone currently leads the organization that innovates and defines next-generation In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) application-based solutions for Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
He has held executive leadership positions spanning multiple fields: engineering, real estate, financial, automotive, health care, and technology professional services. Serving in roles within IT, systems, products, programs, and software development, he balances theory, practical knowledge and seasoned experience to lead focused, commitment-based teams to innovate and deliver comprehensive solutions. He planned and built a complete corporate IT organization, processes, and culture for the largest residential real estate company in the United States. Frequently sought after as keynote speaker, he enjoys sharing insights on a wide variety of organizational, technology, and industry-related topics.
Most recently, he led the team at Panasonic Avionics that created “neXperience” (formerly “FlightPath”), an innovative, paradigm-shifting software suite that enables next-generation IFE interactive solutions. In 2009, neXperience was selected as the winner of the prestigious ITCA Mercury Innovation Award. In 2010, neXperience also garnered an IDEA award.
Byron Goodman
National Director of Quality Assurance, Neudesic
TOPIC: Software Testing in the Agile Process
SESSION ABSTRACT:Software testing does not traditionally fit well within the hurried pace set by an agile process. This presentation will help to identify pitfalls when testing in agile and how to avoid them. It will also call out techniques that should be used by everyone on the team so that high quality is the end result for each iteration or sprint. It will help to define how the testers can effectively interact with other Team members so that testing will result in delivery that results in high business value.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Byron has over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology field including 5 years of senior management. He has been instrumental in successfully implementing Quality Assurance and Testing process and procedures – as well as creating and growing teams with companies such as First American, Auto Club of Southern California, AmeriQuest, Kelley Blue Book and Twentieth Century Fox. Byron has been invited to speak at professional QA events to discuss the proper implementation of automated testing tools. He has developed full-scale training courses to introduce the concepts of frameworks as the basis of maintainable, long term automated testing. He works very closely with Microsoft and has given demonstrations and presentations to several Microsoft Enterprise clients.
Galen Gruman
Executive Editor, InfoWorld
TOPIC: Why "consumerization of IT" is Not Just About New Endpoints Like iPads
SESSION ABSTRACT:Users wanting their own mobile devices. Departments using cloud applications and services without IT involvement. Employee use of social media blurs home and work lines. All of this is being called the ""consumerization of IT,"" and many It organizations are treating it as a change-out in end-user technology: iPads for computers, cloud software for local applications, Twitter and Facebook for instant messaging. That's a short-sighted view that misses the underlying social dynamic behind the so-called ""consumerization of IT"" phenomenon. The deeper change is about user self-empowerment, shared ownership of technology between IT and other business entities, and the end of the perimeter both physically and psychically, at least among knowledge workers. Here's how IT can not just cope, but thrive in this new context.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Galen Gruman is Executive Editor for news and features at the IT-oriented Web site InfoWorld.com. He has covered technology and business issues for more than 20 years as a writer and editor for IEEE Software, Macworld, CIO, M-Business, Computerworld, and InfoWorld.
Vinu Gurukar
VP of IT, BU Relationship Manager, Edwards Lifesciences
TOPIC: Business Case Development and Driven System Selection
SESSION ABSTRACT:In need of an Enterprise Product Lifecycle Management system, Vunu’s IT team led the effort to develop a business case, obtained funding and facilitated the development and roll out of a User Driven System Selection project.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Vinu has been the Head of Applications at Edwards Lifesciences for the past 5 years. Prior to that he served as a Process Improvement and Systems Implementation Consultant at Deloitte , and has ten years of experience as a Quality and Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Engineer.
Matt Haag
Operation Readiness, Global Technology Services, Experian
TOPIC: Quality Assurance During Service Transition – ITIL Style
SESSION ABSTRACT:Quality assurance testing is well established in Design and Build phases of the IT lifecycle but many applications still see significant downtime when they go live. Load, stress and performance testing are just part of the equation of what should be done after the developers are done building and the Operations Staff takes ownership and responsibility for supporting the application. This presentation will cover the theory and case study of how this is being done at Experian and how these best practices are hitting the bottom line in application uptime.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Matt Haag has eight years experience in Operational Readiness validation for Experian and currently leads the US team. The service has evolved since it was originally instituted in 2000 but the goal remains the same, “minimized downtime”. He has assisted hundreds of products as they transition from Development into Production support.
Matt has worked in IT for nearly 30 years holding every position from programmer to Software Manager to Product Manager. His experience covers aerospace, manufacturing, data centers and dot-coms.
Matt is the current President of the itSMF USA Greater Los Angeles LIG and has served on the board since 2007. Matt has a degree in Computer Science, ITIL Foundation Certification and his PMP from PMI. He has written and contributed to articles in Quality Digest Magazine.
Kristine Hays Munson
Vice President / Manager, IT Risk and Compliance, State Street
TOPIC: How Do You Know Your Project Status? Project Monitoring and Controlling
SESSION ABSTRACT:The amount of information generated during project execution can be overwhelming. How do you make sense of it all? How do you know when to make corrective changes or when to leave the project alone? During this interactive presentation we will be discussing ways improve how you monitor and control projects. We will review PMBOK® Guide basics, apply the plan-do-check-act cycle to project management, attempt an experiment or two, and discuss lessons learned from existing practices.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Kristine A. Hayes Munson is an Information Technology leader with over twenty years experience leading teams and successfully completing projects in the finance, printing, and construction industries. She specializes in implementing compliance projects resulting in programs balancing controls.
Currently Ms. Hayes Munson leads an IT risk and compliance program for infrastructure, development, and application support teams located in Irvine, Kansas City, Princeton, and Toronto. The program ensures the teams comply with information security standards, audit controls and regulatory statutes.
Ms. Hayes Munson served on the Project Management Institute Orange County chapter’s Board of Directors for six years in various roles including two terms as Chair/President. Under her leadership, PMI-OC received the 2006 PMI® Component Award for Component of the Year (Chapter Category III), recognizing the chapter’s educational and networking programs. She currently chairs the PMI-OC Fellows Nominating Committee.
Ms. Hayes Munson leads onsite evaluation teams which evaluate project management degree programs internationally on behalf of the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center as part of the project management degree accreditation process. She regularly facilitates sessions in the PMI-OC PMP exam preparation course and has spoken at various professional association events and conferences including ProjectWorld and the Southern California Coalition Technology Conference. Her discussion on “Getting It Done” remains one of the PM Podcasts most popular episodes.
Gary Hemminger
VP Product Management, LogLogic
TOPIC: Security Panelist
SPEAKER PROFILE: Gary Hemminger joined LogLogic in 2009. Hemminger brings over 20 years of experience in product management, systems engineering, and software development with leading networking companies such as Brocade Communications, Foundry Networks, and IP Infusion. At Brocade (Formerly Foundry Networks), Hemminger ran product management & marketing for the application delivery controller and security products. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Product Management at IP Infusion. Hemminger attended Stanford University, where he received an MS in Computer Science.
Jake Henderson
Director of Information Services, Mater Dei High School
TOPIC: Mobility Panelist
SESSION ABSTRACT:In February 2011, Mater Dei High School announced that it would launch the iPad 2 Program for the 2011-12 school year. The one-to-one program is putting the device in the hands of 2,100 students and 110 teaching faculty, making this one of the largest launches of the iPad 2 to date at the secondary level. Join us in exploring the history, evolution and implementation of our one-to-one program. We’ll also review challenges, highlights and stories of the program across a variety of disciplines.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Jacob (Jake) Henderson is Director of Information Services at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif where he has been the project lead on the planning and development of the largest high school iPad 2 launch in the U.S. Prior to his career at Mater Dei, he was a software engineer for an engineering integration company, a lead software engineer for a forensic imaging company and transitioned to educational technology for the Santa Ana Unified School District. Jake holds a BS in Management Information Systems from California State University Long Beach.
Dave Howard
Principal, MiTECH
TOPIC: Release & Deployment Management; What the Books Didn’t Tell
SESSION ABSTRACT:Release & Deployment Management; What the Books Didn’t Tell You
The ITIL books describe generically what should be done to implement a release and deployment processes, what the books don’t tell are the how. This presentation will look at release and deployment management from a practical perspective, taking theory and putting it into real world application. Building on a lifecycle approach, we’ll take a look at what the implementation of a release process looks like. The presentation will also look at the differences between release management and project management and why there is confusion between the two complimentary processes. The presentation will also look at selling the benefits to all levels of the organization and the importance of executive support. "
SPEAKER PROFILE: DAVE HOWARD is a Principal with Migration Technologies headquartered in Camarillo, California. Dave utilizes his 25 years of experience in providing executive leadership in creating strategy and design for IT Organizational Transformation. He is the author of IT Release Management; A Hands on Guide, a common sense approach to implementing Release and Deployment Management
Prior to joining Migration Technologies, Dave was the Director of IT Service Management with Toyota Financial Services. In this role, Dave was responsible for strategy development, service management solution development and implementation of IT Service Management including day to day operation.
Dave holds many certifications including ITIL Service Managers Certification, two ITIL Practitioner certifications, COBIT and ISO 20000 certifications.
Dave is considered an industry expert in IT services management and speaks regularly at conferences including itSMF Fusion, Pink Elephant International Service Management Conference, IQPC & IDC conferences as well as itSMF LIG events. He has also contributes regularly to articles in Network World, Network World UK, bnet.com, BSM Review and other publications.
Andrea Hoy
Virtual CSO, SenSe1Security
TOPIC: CyberSecurity Data Breaches: All those Bits & Bytes
SESSION ABSTRACT:We have all heard of the past data breaches of Sony Playstation’s network as well as Epsilon, but how many of us have really considered what it means to our companies should a cyber security incident happen in your own company network environment. Do you have individual’s names, social security numbers, medical record numbers, driver’s license or date of birth in your company databases? Do you know if this information is available to smartphones? Ms. Hoy will provide a quick and easy template for identifying to your company a dollar figure for a data breach incident as well as an overview of some of the most prevalent means used for data breaches today and some resources for mitigating some of this risk.
Data breaches can expose personal identifiable information on millions of consumers/individuals, making them susceptible to phishing attacks and other malicious schemes perpetrated by hackers. What questions should you be asking as a Company to minimize your exposure to bad press.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Andrea is CEO of A. Hoy & Associates, and has recently founded Sense1 Security, Inc., a thriving information security consulting firm that was established to provide essential information security expertise on immediate and specific information security and business continuity planning. The services provided range from a quick policy review to wireless vulnerability risk assessments, cyberforensics/ investigations, senior management briefings, quantifiable IT and privacy risk assessments, business continuity/disaster recovery planning and assisting with developing a total information security strategic plan customized to the specific company culture quickly and efficiently with the utmost discretion.
Andrea has served as the Chief Technical Officer of iQwest Technologies, focusing on security and compliance initiatives with CISOs from various Siemens operating companies and other leading global businesses. She can often be found doing what she is most passionate about which is speaking engagements throughout the nation to promote awareness of vulnerabilities and trends in the IT security field. She has been consulted by various media outlets and conferences with speaking engagements and interviews on cutting edge security and compliance issues.
Andrea's leadership positions in information security and business continuity includes dozens of marquee clients, such as Rockwell International, Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, Litton, Pacific Life, Cingular/AT&T, Washington Mutual (Chase), Hamni Bank, East West Bank, and Uniti Bank. At the apex of her 15 plus years in the information security field, she has the distinction of being the first Chief Information Security Director and Data Privacy Officer for Fluor Daniel, a $12 billion dollar Fortune 200 company.
Verne James
Worldwide Director of Qualification Test, Magellan
TOPIC: Spinning Up a Remote Test Site
SESSION ABSTRACT:Opening up a new test site in a remote location, either domestically or internationally, has its set of challenges. Many things need to be taken into consideration including: systems to be tested, facility, infrastructure, equipment, personnel, management and reporting structure, common language, processes, inter-site communications, training, remote hiring, etc. This breakout session discusses issues to be considered and lessons learned from setting up remote test sites around the world.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Verne James holds a Computer Science degree from Rutgers University and has direct experience across multiple engineering disciplines including Software/Systems Test, Software Quality Assurance, Program Management, Software Development, and Configuration Management in the consumer, commercial, government and Department of Defense arenas. Verne is presently the Worldwide Director of Qualification Test at MiTAC Digital Corporation, the maker of the Magellan, Mio, and Navman brands of personal consumer GPS navigation devices.
Mark Layton
President, Platinum Edge, Inc.
TOPIC: Agile QA’s Revolutionary Impact on Project Management
SESSION ABSTRACT:Agile QA techniques are having a dramatic impact on project management. With an agile approach, QA is no longer the last, highest-risk phase in software projects before launch. In this discussion, you will learn how agile QA practices are changing project management and allowing teams to deliver high-quality products faster. You will find out how to successfully harness best practices of agile QA, including automated testing, test-driven development and continuous integration.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Mark C. Layton is an organizational strategist and PMI certification instructor with over 20 years in the project/program management field. He is the Los Angeles chair for the Agile Project Leadership Network and is the founder of Platinum Edge, Inc.—an organizational improvement company that supports businesses making the Waterfall-to-Agile transition. Prior to founding Platinum Edge in 2001, Mark developed his expertise as a consulting firm executive, program management coach, and in-the-trenches project leader. He also spent 11 years as a Cryptographic Specialist for the US Air Force, where he earned both Commendation and Achievement medals for his accomplishments.
Mark holds MBAs from the University of California, Los Angeles, and the National University of Singapore; a B.Sc. (summa cum laude) in Behavioral Science from Pitzer College/University of La Verne; and an A.S. in Electronic Systems from the Air Force’s Air College. He is also a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force’s Leadership School, a Certified ScrumMaster, a Certified Scrum Professional, and a certified SCPM (Stanford University Advanced Project Management).
When he isn’t partnering with businesses to improve ROI, Mark enjoys scuba diving, international travel and endurance cycling. He is the author of Wiley & Sons upcoming “Agile Project Management for Dummies” series (2011) and is a frequent speaker on Lean, Scrum and other agile solutions."
Damon Nicholls
IT Staffing Manager – Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Pictures
TOPIC: HR Panelist
SPEAKER PROFILE: Damon Nicholls has worked in the IT staffing industry in Los Angeles for the last 11 years in both agency recruiting and on-site vendor management services roles. For 6 years, he worked as a Senior Technical Recruiter in a national staffing organization supporting a broad range of clients in Los Angeles. He has staffed all levels of IT positions; from Helpdesk Support, Software Engineers to Project Manager and IT Directors. Staffing IT professionals in automotive, entertainment and financial industries.
For the last 6 years, Damon has been working for Sony Pictures Entertainment as the IT Staffing Manager, supporting all lines of business, staffing full-time, contract and contract to hire positions for their Technology departments."
Chad Olsen
Sr. Director, Creative Systems IT, Warner/Chappell Music
TOPIC: Real-time Knowledge: How to Join the Discussion
SESSION ABSTRACT:As IT professionals, we must keep up with current technology trends to stay relevant in our industry. Knowledge development in the digital age is not about passively consuming an analyst report or white paper. It is about getting on board with a discussion and evolving it into something meaningful. Only then can you truly understand the progressive nature of the trend or innovation over time and effectively apply that knowledge for the benefit of your organization. The challenge to stay current lies in the inability of traditional sources to present the evolving, iterative story. Today, the discussion takes place in real-time. We must consume what traditional and online media is saying and understand how the community at large is reacting. Then, we must react. Chad will show you how to develop a habit of staying current through the use of real-time resources that are leading the technology dialogue. In addition, he will explain how enterprise IT managers can leverage what they learn from their participation in the discussion. Finally, he will walk through key resources for information and leave you with a syllabus for real-time self-study in the areas of cloud computing, mobile, social, and digital transformation.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Chad has spent 19 years at the intersection of media and technology serving in IT management roles in the entertainment industry. His accomplishments include the development of groundbreaking solutions for music licensing and distribution, including a patented invention in digital/physical manufacturing integration. As a senior IT leader, Chad has successfully developed IT teams to build systems and processes in digital marketing, marketing resource management, production, and digital distribution.
Doron Reuveni
CEO, uTest
TOPIC: “10 Tech Trends Altering The Testing Landscape: What These New Technologies Mean For Tech Execs”
SESSION ABSTRACT:The consumerization of enterprise software apps is no longer on its way – it is here. And this movement is empowering a new and increasingly mobile workforce to turn data into information, and information into action – anytime, anywhere, for anyone. This presentation delves into the top ten disruptive technologies--gleaned from conversations with dozens of CTOs, CIOs and other technology leaders--and how they are transforming the software testing industry. It is crucial that tech execs are prepared to meet the challenges these emerging technologies present to the world of app development and testing.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Doron Reuveni co-founded uTest in February, 2007. Since its inception, uTest has provided functional, usability and load testing services through a community that includes more than 40,000 professional testers from 175 countries around the globe. He is a published author and expert in testing methodologies for web, desktop, and mobile applications. Prior to uTest, Doron was the Senior Vice President of Technology at Enigma, Inc., delivering large-scale software implementations through his global team of product managers, developers, QA professionals, and project managers. He has more than 20 years of experience delivering software applications to Fortune 500 companies as well as young, agile startups.
Nick Ross
Cloud Practice Manager, Applied Computer Solutions
TOPIC: Dehumidifying the Cloud
SESSION ABSTRACT:Many organizations must address pressure to investigate or adopt Cloud technologies in their enterprise architecture. This session will help you understand the evolution of IT architecture as well as the implications and strategies of Cloud enabled services and how it will change the way you use and think about technology in business.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Nick is a practice manager at Applied Computer Solutions focused on solutions that employ Cloud technologies and architectures. Previously a developer and enterprise architect working in the fields of Finance, Healthcare, Entertainment, Telecommunications, and Utilities, he has architected and led global datacenter migrations, virtualization initiatives involving thousands of systems, as well as development and adoption of bleeding edge technologies with some of the world’s largest and most popular technology companies.
Lori Ruff
"The Linkedin Diva", Integrated Alliance
TOPIC: The New Rules of Engagement on LinkedIn
SESSION ABSTRACT:You’ve heard the hype, everyone’s doing it, but what are you doing? Whether you’ve been “on” LinkedIn for years or are just getting started, this presentation will help you make sense of and better utilize this popular social networking platform.
• Enhance your professional reputation online and off
• Find and engage peers to become partners
• Establish yourself as a thought leader
• Increase your network’s lifetime value
SPEAKER PROFILE: Lori Ruff is a globally recognized expert on LinkedIn & Social Networking and an international speaker and trainer. A partner in Integrated Alliances, the world’s first and most influential LinkedIn & Social Media Training Company. With a 15 year career in international corporate and conference training, Lori presents to audiences large and small with equal parts poise and high energy.
Lori’s background in management consulting and corporate training make her versatile as a trainer for all types of industries. Her topics include online privacy, leadership, visioning, customer service, personal development and career transition. Lori joined the LinkedIn community when it was just 2 years old and immediately started to use the platform to expand her professional circle of influence. She now shows others how to do the same.
Carole Schlocker
Queen of iSpace, iSpace
TOPIC: HR Panel Moderator
SPEAKER PROFILE: Carole Schlocker currently reigns as the Queen of iSpace. Her previous positions include Princess of Metro Information Services and Sr. Peddler at D.P Specialists. Prior to this she was actually somewhat technical-as Manager of West Coast Technical Support for Candle Corporation. Realizing that she could only bluff her way so much technically, she moved into sales. Carole has been in the IT staffing and Solutions business for over 20 years. Never seen dressed uncoordinated she believes in building solid clients based on their proximity to Loehmann’s. Carole firmly believes in building strong client relationships and selling on value, humor, trust and ethics and NOT price.
Carole is currently on the Board of the Westside Center of Independent Living, The National Association of Computer Consultant Business’, The Association of IT Professionals (Los Angeles Chapter) and is the 2011 Chair of the Speakers Committee for the annual Southland Technology Conference (SoTeC). She is also a long time member of the UCLA I.S. Associates and has served on their board. She was the Co-Director of the Los Angeles Chapter of Women in Technology and helped to build the chapter from the ground up. Carole holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Temple University. She strongly believes that she is practicing social work every day in the IT staffing business. Her future aspirations include a position with Empress in the title.
Jason Scott
CEO, 120° Venture Construction, Inc.
TOPIC: Innovation Without Reinvention: 5 Real-World Project Management Lessons
SESSION ABSTRACT:Jason will discuss the Five Real-World Project Management Lessons:
Executive Communication & Status
• Building an effective Work Plan – Forecasting and Communication
• The purpose of identifying Risks during planning
• Identifying, prioritizing and coming up with appropriate responses to Issues
• Project Health – How to successfully leverage it as a tool
SPEAKER PROFILE: Jason Scott, the founder of 120° Venture Construction has dedicated his career and livelihood to the advancement of project management. An accomplished practitioner whose services were in high demand, he created a company, the core of which is a patented Portfolio Value Management tool kit that yields consistent, repeatable results and has ensured the success of hundreds of projects for the company’s clients.
Jason began his IT project management career in 1990 with the U.S. Navy, where many project management techniques were developed. His first project was the replacement of shipboard supply chain management systems in the Western Pacific Fleet, which in those days required a complete gut and replacement of the entire data center. He was awarded the Navy Achievement medal for the successful completion of these projects. While continuing to serve as a Naval IT professional, he also successfully completed SAR (search and rescue) school and served as the shipboard rescue swimmer for the USS San Jose.
After completing his six-year tour of duty, Jason was hired by Universal Music Group where his first project was the refresh/replacement of the company’s more than 1000 desktop computers and a company-wide upgrade to Windows 95. Within his first year at Universal Music, he was promoted to Director and tasked with and successfully managed the Polygram and Universal Music merger. In late 1998 Universal Studios’ Global Y2K project was in need of “rescue” and Jason was handpicked to plan and complete it – on time and to pass all audit requirements. After the mission had been successfully completed, Jason left Universal to start 120° Venture Construction. Jason launched 120VC Staffing as a separate company in mid 2009 to provide IT staffing services to 120°VC’s existing customer base as well as new customers.
Tatiana Shevchuk
Enterprise Applications Manager, SVP, Wells Fargo Capital Finance
TOPIC: iReports – technology solution for Reporting Consolidation
SESSION ABSTRACT:Business applications are going through the consolidation process especially during the banks mergers and acquisitions. Finding One reporting solution for the multiple systems was one of the key projects for the technology team in Wells Fargo Capital Finance,
SPEAKER PROFILE: Tatiana Shevchuk is the applications manager in Wells Fargo Capital Finance with her team providing internal support for the business applications – programming, data base administration, quality assurance. Tatiana has more than 20 years experience in applications development for financial industry. Prior to join the Wells Fargo in 1998, she worked as a senior developer for Indy Mac. Tatiana holds a bachelor degree in Applied Mathematics from the Odessa State University, Ukraine.
Kim Terry
Chief Information Officer, Guthy-Renker LLC
TOPIC: Insourcing/Outsourcing: Finding the Balance
SESSION ABSTRACT:IT Managers who resist Cloud Computing risk driving their IT organization down the path of diminished relevance. However, moving too fast or too much to the Cloud could spell loss of control, service quality issues, or unexpected costs. So how much is too much? Abdication of IT responsibilities to service providers is not the answer. But effective delegation of work holds much promise. This presentation shares ways you can retain control, while leveraging the Cloud’s advantages
SPEAKER PROFILE: Kim Terry has a track record of successful early adoption of information technologies. As CIO at Guthy-Renker, he is currently outsourcing to the Cloud, while building a strong internal IT organization. These seemly conflicting goals together leverage the best of both worlds.
Prior to Guthy-Renker, Kim was Founder and CEO of Terrosa Technologies a Cloud Computing advisory firm; CIO at Everbridge, a SaaS software provider; and he spent many years leading technology adoption at Transamerica Corporation.
Tim Tyrell-Smith
Marketing Coach & Founder, Tim’s Strategy
TOPIC: Social Credibility: Is There A Positive Buzz About You?
SESSION ABSTRACT:Do people anticipate your arrival? Are you known for something important in your industry? And what are the real benefits of being influential? This presentation will show how to create buzz about you, your work and your life. By sharing practical examples of how you can use online and in-person social networking to build social credibility. Why? Because once you have it, you can more effectively grow your network, create more opportunities for your career and help others do the same.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Tim Tyrell-Smith is a marketing and social media coach focusing on small business, non-profits and individuals. Tim started his marketing career with Nestle USA and has since worked in product management on premium brands including Nestle Quik, Tree Top Apple Juice, Mauna Loa Macadamias and Meguiar’s Car Wax. He was most recently Vice President of Marketing for a private equity owned food company in Southern California. Learn more about Tim as a marketing and career coach at http://fixbuildanddrive.com or follow him on Twitter (@FixBuildnDrive).
Tim is also a popular blogger and author. A career strategist, he is a regular contributor to U.S. News and World Report, was featured in USA Today and is the author of two career books (“30 Ideas” and “HeadStrong”). Tim’s blog “Tim’s Strategy™: Ideas for Job Search, Career and Life” has more than 2,500 subscribers and is read in 126 countries. Tim’s Strategy began in September 2008 as a way to give back to the community that supported Tim during his 2007 job search. You can read view the site and follow him on Twitter (@TimsStrategy). He lives with his wife and three kids in Mission Viejo, California.
Raymond Ybarra
Senior Vice President, JBA International
TOPIC: Business Etiquette: The New Rules in a Digital Age
SESSION ABSTRACT:Social media, mobile devices and other technology tools have changed the rules for business communication. Our latest guide, Business Etiquette: The New Rules in a Digital Age, will help you successfully navigate today's online world.
Learn tips to become a master of digital business etiquette, such as:
• Using Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter with
• professional poise
• Protocol for email, instant messaging and mobile
• communication
• Conducting effective phone, video and web conferences
• Handling digital etiquette blunders
SPEAKER PROFILE: Mr. Raymond Ybarra is the Senior Vice President with JBA International. Mr. Ybarra is an accomplished management consulting professional specializing in technology, governance, risk management and business process improvement. He has work for other firms such as Robert Half Technology, Shimasaki Consulting, and Jefferson Wells International where he was Director, Technology Risk Management. Prior to that, Mr. Ybarra worked at a number of world class organizations including Hewlett Packard, CGE&Y, Ernst & Young and Beatrice Foods. In his career, he has held roles Senior Management positions, CIO, COO, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Director of Operations, Engagement Manager, and Business Development Manager. Mr. Ybarra is the current VP of SGV and on the Board of Directors for ITSMF (Information Technology Service Management Forum) and is a former member of the Board of Directors and past president of the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). He has also held roles of CIO and COO.
Ben Rodilitz
Sr. Project Manager, Level 8
TOPIC: Mobility Panelist
SPEAKER PROFILE: Ben Rodilitz is the Senior Project Manager for Level 8, responsible for delivering applications for a variety of mobile platforms. Mr. Rodilitz has been producing location-based applications since the early days of commercial GPS while at Magnavox Research Labs. He furthered that focus at GPS chip pioneer SiRF Technology, leading their wireless standards initiatives and delivering GPS/hybrid location software in support of SiRF’s array of products.
Recently, Mr. Rodilitz’s team provided mobility functionality that allowed our client’s mobile work force to move off their web-based laptop tools and onto a variety of Android tablets and phones. This project successfully introduced Agile/Scrum to the company and resulted in that methodology being applied to most new and repurposed software projects. Mr. Rodilitz is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Scrum Master (CSM). He received both his BS and MS degrees in Engineering from UCLA.
Derek Cotton
Manager of Talent Acquisition, Farmers Insurance
TOPIC: HR Panelist
SPEAKER PROFILE: Derek Cotton is Manager of Talent Acquisition for the Management Company division of Farmers Insurance and has been involved in executive search for over eight years. In his current role, Derek manages four recruiters, who are responsible an annual requisition load of approximately 700 corporate openings for Farmers nationwide, and is responsible for an annual budget of $2 million. Derek was previously with Egon Zehnder International, a leading global retained search firm.
Prior to his work in recruiting Derek worked as a financial advisor for middle market clients and high net worth individuals at Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch. Derek has an International MBA from Pepperdine University and BA in economics from San Diego State University.
Derek is also deeply involved in the Olympic sport of fencing and has been a member of the US cadre to the Atlanta, Sydney, and Athens Olympic Games. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Molly, and son, Wyatt.
Doreen Wakefield
CEO Plan b Solutions
TOPIC: Mobility Panelist
SPEAKER PROFILE: Doreen Wakefield founded Plan b Solutions in 2000 after heading up IT divisions in Fortune 100 organizations. She is an experienced professional and thought-leader with deep Transportation, Logistics, Utility and Healthcare industry experience. Doreen has a proven record of organizing and managing large-system projects, and the demonstrated ability to identify and utilize available resources to achieve maximum benefit. She utilizes her strong ability to understand and accommodate users’ needs along with effective communication skills, with diverse corporate cultures at all levels within large organizations.
She is an expert on the development of technology-enabled business solutions and has had extensive custom application development experience as well as package software implementation expertise. In addition, her budget management responsibility, in excess of $100 million, includes the proven ability to reduce costs and increase productivity while maintaining product/program quality and integrity.
Doreen has also been published and quoted in Transportation and Technology Periodicals as well as Computerworld and other trade journals. Doreen has a Bachelors Degree from California State University and has headed up many of the premier IT associations in California.
Ed Pagett
VP and CISO at Lender Processing Services, Inc.
TOPIC: Security Panelist
SPEAKER PROFILE: Ed Pagett is an accomplished leader and has more than 19 years of experience in information security and risk management. He currently leads the information security and risk management program for Lender Processing Services, Inc. where he defines and executes the strategy for information security and risk management, business continuity and vendor risk management. LPS provides mortgage loan processing, as well as mortgage-related information products and outsourcing services for financial institutions, mortgage lenders and real estate professionals.
Prior to joining Lender Processing Services, Pagett was the corporate information security officer of the First American Corporation and has previously served as director of information security and technology for several consultancies providing services to Fortune 500 organizations.
Pagett also holds multiple industry certifications including the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).
Pagett earned his Bachelor’s in Information and Computer Science from the University of California at Irvine.
Jack Bicer
CEO, Septium D
TOPIC: Mobility Panel Moderator
SPEAKER PROFILE: Founder of Septium, a Microsoft Partner and a hybrid-offshore custom software development company, combining offshore cost savings with US management expertise. Today, Jack leads the custom tablet application development group, the fastest growing segment of the company. Prior to Septium, Jack held several CTO roles in dot coms since 1996. A 30-year software industry veteran, Jack is an industry expert in Android tablet applications, SaaS/web software, and hybrid offshoring. Known as the “Father of Uninstall”, he invented the uninstall concept and wrote the first uninstaller. He is also credited with inventing the "Automated Software Updates".
Kimberly Pease
Vice President, Citadel Information Group, Inc.
TOPIC: Security Panel Moderator
SPEAKER PROFILE: PROFILE: Ms. Kimberly Pease has an extensive background in the applications of technology and security to the needs of middle-market companies. During her career she has implemented computer systems for a wide-range of organizations in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Additionally, she has led installation projects at the Pentagon, the Government Printing Office and many state government offices.
Ms. Pease and her business partner, Dr. Stan Stahl, co-founded Citadel Information Group to assist organizations more effectively secure their critical information assets. The company provides information security management services to business and the not-for-profit community.
As a former Chief Information Officer for Pictorial Offset Corporation, a high-end middle market commercial printing company, Ms. Pease’s leadership of the IT Department provided competitive advantage to the company. A member of the firm’s Steering Committee, she led the company’s ISO 9002 and ISO 14001 initiatives, ensured Y2K compliance and achieved corporate-wide technology standardization. Additionally during an interim 7-month period, Ms. Pease was Acting Chief Financial Officer.
Prior to joining Pictorial, Ms. Pease was on the staff of Logic Associates, a software development company providing integrated business management systems for the graphic arts industry. While with Logic, she worked on-site with clients implementing business management systems. In addition to training and supporting users, she led Quality Action Teams on several projects. Later during her tenure at Logic, she was selected to open up a West Coast Sales operation in San Francisco, CA creating an expanded marketing and sales presence for the company.
Ms. Pease has been a member of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Information Systems Security Association since 2002, is the current Treasurer (2008 – 2011) and past Education Director (2006- 2007). She has been a member of Infragard since 2002, which is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the private sector. Ms. Pease is an active member of ASQ (American Society of Quality) and holds a Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) certification. She speaks frequently on information security and has published several articles.
Melissa Snyder
Corporate IT Recruiter, Molina Healthcare
TOPIC: HR Panelist
SPEAKER PROFILE: Melissa Snyder has 16 years experience in Corporate Recruiting and Supplemental Staffing. At Molina Healthcare, she is responsible for Recruitment in our Information Technology, Disease Management, and Clinical Telephone Services (Nurse Advice) groups. Melissa attended college at California State University Long Beach and has a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration Management Information Systems.
Randy Miller
Director of Software Development, Herbalife International
TOPIC: Mobile Applications Strategy and Implementation—How Herbal Life Did It!!!
SESSION ABSTRACT:Mobile applications are no longer an option but a requirement to stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing technology landscape. This presentation will follow the story of his team’s success in driving the inception, design, and proliferation of Herbalife’s global strategy for mobile applications. Highlights include, envisioning, strategy for co-existence of mobile and web, as well as implementation, localization, UI strategies for building a world class mobile platform for e-commerce.
SPEAKER PROFILE: Randy Miller is the Director of Software Development for Herbalife International, a 5 billion dollar health and well-being company based in Los Angeles California with presence in over 70 countries worldwide. Randy leverages over 20 years of software development experience in architecture, design and process implementation to direct large scale global software initiatives. Randy’s responsibilities at Herbalife include management of design, implementation and production support teams for Herbalife’s global web and mobile e-commerce solutions, back office payment authorization systems, distributor analytic tools as well as a large portfolio of regional applications used by over 1.9 million distributors each day. Randy has extensive experience in software program management, operations, architecture, SCCM, systems programming, computer language design and mobile platform development. He brings his broad experience in leveraging distributed teams in the US, Mexico and India to world class global solutions.
Randy has played a key role across a broad range of companies and industries including:
• E-Commerce Systems – Herbalife International
• U.S. Air Force Mission Planning Bombing System – Science Applications International Corporation
• Maritime Radar Training Simulation Systems – Nautilus Education Systems
• Real-Estate Data-Mining Applications – Data Quick
• Corporate Tax Preparation Software - CCH/Wolters Kluwer
• Social Networking/E-Commerce JDate.com and AmericanSingles.com
• Internet Kiosks O/S design - Darwin Networks • Instant Messaging Security and Compliance - Akonix Systems
• Real-time Stock Quote Engine and Trading Reconciliation Systems - TD Waterhouse
Randy was named as principle inventor on several ground breaking security and instant messaging patents while working as chief software architect at Akonix Systems, now a subsidiary of Quest for pioneering invention and commercialization of Level 7 intelligent firewall technology for securing public instant messaging networks for SEC compliance and law enforcement surveillance of IM traffic. Randy attended San Diego State University’s School of Computer Science and Mathematics.
Robert Handler
Vice President & Distinguished Analyst, Gartner
TOPIC: Why Perfectly Rational Governance Processes Fail, and What We Can Do About It
SESSION ABSTRACT:IT develops perfectly rational approaches to making IT decisions, but these approaches often deliver suboptimal results. The presupposition that people are rational may be the reason why. In this presentation, we’ll explore two types of irrational behavior and present techniques that allow successful results regardless. In this presentation, we’ll cover the following key issues:
• How we act irrationally as individuals
• How we act irrationally in groups
• How we can succeed with governance in spite of ourselves
SPEAKER PROFILE: Robert Handler is a Research Vice President at Gartner. Mr. Handler provides a thought leadership role in enterprise architecture, enterprise program management and IT portfolio management for Gartner. He is an author and frequent speaker at conferences.
Mr. Handler has more than 15 years of experience in all phases of the system development life cycle, including technology strategy, architecture, definition, analysis, design/configuration and implementation. He joined Gartner in April 2005, with the acquisition of Meta Group. Before that, Mr. Handler worked at IBM Global Services and Ernst & Young, where he specialized in methodology, strategic information systems planning, architecture, and technology selection and implementation. He has served companies in the insurance/financial services, retail, wholesale distribution, manufacturing, consumer products, nonprofit and travel industries.
"I love my job because it's challenging and allows me to provide fast, reliable answers to tough client issues in context, which in turn gives me a positive feeling that I'm contributing to their lives."
Years of Experience
• 11 years in total with Gartner
• 22 years in IT Industry
Professional Background
• IBM Global Services, Practice Operations Manager/Senior Consultant, 3 years
• Ernst & Young, Senior Consultant, 3 years
Industry Awards/Accolades
• Co-author of "IT Portfolio Management: Unlocking the Business Value of Technology"
Education
• B.S., Business Administration, Pepperdine University
• M.B.A., Information and Decision Systems, San Diego State University
• Additional postgraduate work in Finance and Accounting Information Systems, University of California, Los Angeles
Kelly Conway
Program Manager for the Cisco IT Any Device Program
TOPIC: Security Panelist
SPEAKER PROFILE: Kelly has worked for Cisco for 5+ years in various roles in information technology. Her focus is on the management of a large technical and business program utilizing Cisco technologies. Prior to Cisco, Kelly worked at Siebel Systems, Inc and Deloitte Consulting. Kelly graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a degree in Business Administration.
Thomas Tookey
CEO of RDPCloud.com
TOPIC: Security Panelist
SPEAKER PROFILE: Thomas Tookey is the founder and CEO of RDPCloud.com, which harnesses the power, speed and security of cloud computing for small business applications. He brings over two decades of IT experience to RDPCloud. In the 1990s, Tookey oversaw IT services and network administration as Director of Systems Integration for MicroAge of Commerce, managing several large corporate systems rollouts for Arco Products Company, Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation, Universal Music Group, and many others. As an independent consultant for Digital Tool and Die, Tookey created secure networks for local businesses as well as Southern California government agencies. Tookey founded RDPCloud in 2008 because he observed that a critical market for cloud computing was going unserved.
A second-generation Angelino, Thomas Tookey received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He and his wife currently reside in the Crescenta Valley.
Fumi Matsumoto
Chief Technology Officer, uTest
TOPIC: 10 Tech Trends Altering The Testing Landscape: What These New Technologies Mean For Tech Execs
SESSION ABSTRACT:The consumerization of enterprise software apps is no longer on its way – it is here. And this movement is empowering a new and increasingly mobile workforce to turn data into information, and information into action – anytime, anywhere, for anyone. This presentation delves into the top ten disruptive technologies--gleaned from conversations with dozens of CTOs, CIOs and other technology leaders--and how they are transforming the software testing industry. It is crucial that tech execs are prepared to meet the challenges these emerging technologies present to the world of app development and testing.
SPEAKER PROFILE: In his role as Chief Technology Officer, Fumi is responsible for shaping the product development roadmap, and leading the Product Management, Engineering, QA and IT functions.
Most recently, Fumi was the Co-founder and CTO at Allurent, where he was responsible for directing product strategy and managing the product development team. Most notably, he led the highly successful initiative to shift the company’s business model from licensed enterprise software to a SaaS delivery model. Prior to Allurent, Fumi was the CTO at Art Technology Group (ATG), where he spent 11 years as a founding employee, defining ATG's product positioning, feature development, and partnership strategies and personally driving the creation of ATG's Dynamo product line.
Fumi holds a Masters degree in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT and a B.A. degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Cornell University.