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I have over 20 years experience designing, developing, and editing computer documentation and marketing information for print and online media, with three years focusing on developing web technologies and four focusing on software accessibility. I volunteer with the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) and its Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). My employers include:

• SAS Institute
• VERITAS Software
• Möbius Group
• PDR Information Services
• NCR Office Information Services
• N.C. State University

Throughout my career, I have continued to develop my skills and knowledge; see Education and Training for details. I have also been active in the Society for Technical Communication and have won several awards for my work; see Honors and Activities for a list. When not facing a computer, I enjoy outdoor pursuits.

Employment Experience

SAS Institute - May 2004 - Present

SAS Institute Inc., the largest privately held software company, is a world leader in business analytics. Accessible software and web applications are usable by people with disabilities. As an accessibility analyst, I work with:

• Software quality analysts to identify, prioritize, and validate repair of accessibility defects.
• Product strategists to set accessibility goals for releases and to prioritize accessibility feature development.
• Developers to help them understand how to code software for accessibility compliance, with the added benefit of enabling automated testing.
• Sales and marketing to prepare procurement documents stating products’ accessibility compliance status with U.S. Federal Section 508 law and global web accessibility guidelines.

VERITAS Software Corporation (now Symantec) - May 1999-April 2004

VERITAS Software is a global provider of scalable data protection and storage management solutions for utility and grid computing. VERITAS' Shared Infrastructure Group develops software infrastructure for consumption in multiple VERITAS products, across supported platforms. Our team is distributed across the U.S. and India, and working effectively with remote teams is key to success.
As an Engineering Project Manager, I:

• Research marketing requirements from VERITAS product teams and identify engineering requirements for infrastructure development. Co-author engineering requirements documents, detailing specifications and deliverables for infrastructure releases.
• Develop Accessibility Checklists for development teams and quality engineers to validate compliance with U.S. Section 508 requirements. Educate developers, testers, and writers on Section 508 and deploy compliance testing. Track compliance of projects, ensuring supporting materials are provided to Government Sales Force.
• Using JAWS for Windows screen reader and operating-system included assistive technology tools, perform accessibility testing of infrastructure projects to identify areas of noncompliance. Work with development leads to capture needed changes and track to closure.
• Track infrastructure projects' status, identifying issues and risks, developing plans to mitigate risk, and communicating any changes to plan, either schedule or deliverables, to consuming product teams.
• Develop consumer matrix to track, from planned through ship, which versions of infrastructure projects are integrated into which versions and platforms of VERITAS products. This matrix is key for strategic planning and technical support.
• Serve as U.S. point of contact with product teams for India-based infrastructure development teams. work proactively to address emerging issues in project plans to mitigate impact to product teams plans.
• For Strategic-Licensing group, develop third-party software registry, where all product and infrastructure teams register use of third-party code in VERITAS products. For infrastructure group, identify all third-party code use and obtain VERITAS-Legal approval, with conditions for use.
• Deploy Red Hat Linux-based web forum for entire VERITAS engineering community, including executive vice presidents' forums. Design corporate branded interface and provide on-going administrative support.

As a senior web technologist, I:

• Rebrand intranet sites using corporate-sponsored Dreamweaver template. Develop and implement strategy of modular files to minimize duplicate content and improve efficiency of updates.
• Design and implement multiple intranet sites serving VERITAS software and information developers. Sites employ an XML-based navigation scheme and database publishing, for ease of maintenance
• Develop Access database for collection, tracking, and publication of development projects, with publication to web sites through Active Server Pages (ASP).
• Set up, configure, and administer cluster of Microsoft Windows-based, multi-homed Internet Information Server (IIS) web servers, monitoring load and web activity
• Set up mirroring mechanism to replicate critical intranet content to remote sites
• Develop and implement virus-protection policy for distribution of internal software components
• Set up and maintain news server for web-browseable mail archive
• Develop and maintain content for Vx-internal software components intranet
• Set up, administer, and maintain ftp sites for distribution of software component packages and information development tools and templates
• Co-develop XML-based web library components to enable remote team members to share categorized documents, web links, and periodical references
• Co-develop marketing strategy to increase integration of Shared Infrastructure Group (SIG) software components in Vx products
• Set up and maintain Microsoft Exchange Server distribution lists in support of development and user groups

Möbius Group, Inc. - Nov. 1994-May 1999

Möbius Group, prior to its aquisition by Checkfree Investment Services, was a nationally recognized provider of investment management and financial planning software and services. My role there included:

• Technical writing and editing
• Sales and marketing projects
• Graphics design projects
• Training and product support

Technical Writing and Editing Experience

• Develop and maintain content for corporate Web site.
• Design, develop, and maintain corporate Intranet site.
• Design, develop, and maintain online help, user's guide, database reference, web content, and marketing materials and for investment manager database product for investment consultants.
• Design, develop, and maintain online help, user's guide, quick start tutorial, and marketing materials and for retirement planning product for professional financial planners.
• Code field-level context-sensitive hooks into Visual Basic financial planning product that used dynamic dialogs, when programming resources were not allocated to implement help.
• Implement changes in documentation process to dramatically reduce hardcopy distribution and reduce production costs.
• Re-design quarterly newsletter (circulation of 5,000); implement changes in production process to provide two-color, glossy output while containing costs and improving quality; edit, write, and illustrate articles as needed.
• Develop corporate documentation standards to provide more consist and higher quality user documentation.

Sales and Marketing Projects

• Develop Access database for efficient collection and management of bi-annual Client Conference data, including complete documentation and publishing needs for conference attendees; automate production of correspondence with Client Conference attendees for Administration department through queries and reports.
• Develop online marketing demos for Möbius Group software products.
• Program and maintain online license agreement for Sales and Administration departments, enabling rapid production of customized license agreements for software products.
• Program online form for sales executives to enter client leads and communicate mailing requests to Distribution.

Graphics Illustration and Visual Design Projects

• Design icons for graphical toolbar in new financial planning products.
• Review user interface from human factors perspective and work with programmers to improve usability.
• Design postcards and promotional materials for tradeshows and print and web-based advertising.
• Design and develop all materials for Möbius Group Client Conference, including Proceedings template and binder, presentation template, certificates of attendance, coasters, cameras, pens, tote bags, etc...

Training and Product Support

• Develop and deliver training for M-Search software to clients in major East Coast cities.
• Develop and deliver internal training on Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Provide technical support to clients on Möbius Group software products.
• Provide internal technical support to employees on Microsoft Office applications.

PDR, Research Triangle Park, NC - Mar. 1990-Oct. 1994

PDR is an information services company based in Lexington, KY, with offices in four states. It provides a variety of information development and training services to a wide range of clients. At PDR, my roles included:

• Technical consulting
• Technical writing and editing
• Marketing and graphics illustration
• Corporate training

Technical Consulting

• Work onsite with client team to develop response to formal RFPs. Integrate source files from subcontractors and remote authors into proposal response document. Supervise editorial assistants. Edit response. Design art and consult with artist for creation and conversion of graphic elements. Customize BookMaster style file. Create customized Word for Windows proposal template.
• Consult with clients' marketing and services representatives to develop a customized Proposal Development Process to increase the competitiveness of the clients' responses to RFPs. Create file management plan to increase efficiency of proposal development efforts. Develop style files and templates to improve proposal appearance and to automate repetitive tasks. Interview and train staff for onsite Publishing Services Center.
• Consult with client to migrate hardcopy documents to online LAN-based reference system. Develop design for online delivery, develop prototype, and guide client through phased rollout. Develop training plan for client for IBM BookManager BUILD/2.

Technical Writing and Editing

• As Lead Technical Writer, consult with client to develop information development plan for IBM Ultimedia System Facilities/400 and Business Conferencing/400, AS/400-based multimedia development facilities that enable remote clients to access a centralized server of multimedia training presentations. Interview and train writing team. Develop Design Document for online information system.
• As Senior Technical Writer assigned to IBM 3172 Interconnect Controller hardware documentation, incorporate changes for new release into Status Codes and Accessories Supplement to Maintenance Information Manuals. Modify CorelDraw! artwork for Hardware Planning Guide. Incorporate developers' changes to Channel Adapters Supplement and Diagnostics Guide.
• As Senior Technical Writer on Problem Determination and Service Guide, incorporate changes to third-party vendor manuals in FrameMaker for OEM release of IBM 3174 Interconnect Controller product.
• As Team Leader for IBM TCP/IP for OS/2 Version 2.0 team, create Design Document for online information; develop prototype of hypertext-intensive online documents; develop context-sensitive online help; write and revise programmers guide; capture and convert program screens; perform quality edit of online and hardcopy library; train and supervise writing team.
• As Technical Editor for IBM VTAM V3R3 team, perform technical edit of hardcopy library, incorporate developers' markup to Programmers' Guide, and build softcopy documents.
• As Contract Lead Information Developer for NetView-based automation products including IMS, CICS, and LAN automation options and Automated Network Operations/MVS; tasks include: plan ID projects by writing Information Development Plans; assign information units to staff; write operator's guides, programmer's references, and general information manuals based on product knowledge, interviews with developers, and product specifications; create graphics in DrawMaster, CorelDraw!, and Lotus Freelance Graphics; review user interface for human factors design; edit product panels and documents; distribute conditional versions of documentation to beta and internal customers; and prepare materials for marketing presentations.

Marketing and Graphics Illustration

• Consult with client to develop glossy marketing brochures for AS/400-based technical support products. Coordinated with client, graphic artist, and layout staff to ensure quality four-color process output.
• Design newsletter for communication with contract employees. Develop illustrations, write articles, and produce newsletter.

Corporate Training

• Sprint Mid-Atlantic: Train employees to design and create OS/2-based online documentation using Information Presentation Facility (IPF).
• North Carolina Farm Bureau: Teach IBM BookManager READ/2 and READ/DOS.
• Marriott International: Teach IBM BookManager READ/DOS.
• IBM and PDR: Teach BookMaster classes internally and at IBM Education Center.
• Teach CorelDraw! and Online Help classes internally.

NCR Corporation, Columbia, SC - May 1989-Mar. 1990

Prior to its takeover by AT&T, this NCR site developed cross-platform, fully integrated office information systems for large, corporate clients.

• Write user documentation for multi-platform LAN-based office information system.
• Develop design document for online help and tutorials.
• Create CBT modules using IconAuthor.
• Develop style guidelines and automation tools for site-wide technical publications and end-user documentation.
• Train staff on use of publishing style and tools.

North Carolina State University - Sept. 1985-Jan. 1989

• Develop curriculum and teach two sections of freshman composition while attending graduate school in School of Humanities English Department.
• Write grant proposals; design graphics for School of Engineering ESP presentations; teach technical writing in youth summer program; evaluate student essays in minority engineering recruitment program.

Education

Formal Education

• Master of Science in Technical Communication, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, 1993
• Bachelor of Arts, English Writing and Editing, NCSU, Summa Cum Laude, 1987
• Associate of Arts, Peace College, Raleigh, NC, 1985, Salutatorian

Professional Development

• Sharepoint Bootcamp, Sharepoint Experts, Spring 2006
• Internal SAS software courses, including Enterprise Business Intelligence and Data Integration Studio, 2005-2006
• Website Design/Usability/Accessibility, NCSU Computer Training Unit, Winter 2002
• Tools and Techniques of Small Project Management, VERITAS Internal Class, Fall 2002
• Effective Team Collaboration, VERITAS Internal Class, Spring 2002
• Project Management: Performance Support and Education, VERITAS Internal Class, Summer 2000
• Creating and Managing a Web Server Using Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) 4.0, Productivity Point, Summer 1999
• HTML 4.0 and Java Script, Wake Technical College, Spring 1999
• Introduction to PC Programming, NCSU Computer Training Unit, 1998
• Conversations with an Application: Implementing and Managing Help Development, 1998
• VC++ Environment, Möbius Group, 1996
• Practical Usability Testing Seminar, Comtech Services, 1991
• Customer-Oriented Selling, IBM, 1990
• OS/2 for Support Engineers Class, Microsoft University, 1990
• OS/2 Presentation Manager Class, Microsoft University, 1990
• Information Architecture Class, Arthur Andersen Consulting, 1989
• Information Mapping Seminar, Developing Documentation, Policies, and Procedures, 1989

Honors and Activities

• Presenter, South-by-Southwest Interactive Conference, on Accessible Rich Media, 2008
• STC Associate Fellow Award, 2007
• Member of the Worldwide Web Consortium Web Accessibility Initiative (W3C-WAI) Protocols and Formats (PF) and Education and Outreach (EO) working groups
• Presenter, STC Communication Summit, May 2007, Accessibility Testing with Users with Disabilities
• Co-Manager and past newsletter editor, STC AccessAbility SIG
• Member, STC Usability and Emerging Technology SIGs
• Presenter, SAS Users Group International (SUGI) conference, Accessibility: Compliance, Competitiveness, and Compassion, Spring 2005 and 2006
• Co-Author, Accessibility Testing: Case History of Blind Testers of Enterprise Software. Technical Communication. Volume 53: Number 1. February 2006. pp. 32-38.
• Best Paper award in Data Presentation section of Western Users of SAS Software (WUSS) conference, Fall 2005
• VERITAS Above and Beyond Award, October 2003, presented by senior executive management
• Co-Author, "Moving to Single Sourcing: Managing the Effects of Organizational Changes." Technical Communication. Volume 50: Number 3. August 2003. pp. 355-370.
• Triangle XML Users Group (TriXML) webmaster and active member, 2000-2001
• Distinguished Chapter Service Award, Society for Technical Communication, 2000
• Award of Excellence for VERITAS NerveCenter Online Documentation, STC Carolina Chapter Online Communication Competition, 1999
• Distinguished Communication Award for Möbius Group Web Site, STC International Online Communication Competition, 1999
• Distinguished Communication Award for Möbius Group Web Site, STC Carolina Chapter Online Communication Competition, 1998
• Award of Merit for M-PREPS Online Help and Reference, STC Carolina Chapter Online Communication Competition, 1996
• Distinguished Communication Award and Best of Show for M-Search Online Help and Reference, STC Carolina Chapter Online Communication Competition, 1995
• Award of Achievement for PDR Corporate Newsletter, Northern California Technical Publications Competition, 1994
• STC International Communication Competition judge, 1999 and 2007
• STC Carolina Chapter Online Communication Competition entries manager and judge 1998; judge 1997 and 1999; manager 1996
• STC Carolina Chapter treasurer, 1998; NCSU Student Chapter president, 1989
• Co-Presenter, Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML), STC International Conference, 2000
• Co-Presenter, Preparing for XML: Determining the Readiness of Your Legacy Information, STC International Conference, 2000
• Co-Presenter, Preparing for XML: Six Steps to Determine the Readiness of Your Legacy Information, STC East Tennessee Chapter Practical Conference on Communication (PCOC), 1999
• Presenter, Developing Prize-Winning Documentation, STC Carolina Chapter Summer Conference, 1996
• Presenter, Developing a Synergistic Writing Team, East Tennessee Practical Conference on Communication, 1994
• Presenter, Developing Cross-Platform Online Help for OS/2 and Windows, STC International Conference, 1994
• Inducted into Gamma Beta Phi national honor fraternity, NCSU, 1986
• Listed in Who's Who Among American Junior Colleges, 1985
• Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa national honor fraternity, 1984-85
• Penny Poetry Award, Peace College, 1984, 1985
• Schwertman Award for Excellence in English, Peace College, 1985

Hobbies and Interests

I am an avid runner and novice triathlete. My family and I enjoy camping, hiking, and horseback riding. We are also active in animal rescue, through Carolina P.A.W.S., and are the adoptive parents of three loving German Shepherd Dogs.

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