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B67 Consulting

INTRODUCTION

I founded Bureau 67 Consulting (B67C) in 2023 after retiring from a full-time career in technology. Contracting continues to provide stimulating challenges and learnings that come with engaging work. Throughout my career in Information Technology (IT), I had the privilege B67C logo of gaining diverse experiences, ranging from software development to leadership positions in various institutions; primarily Fortune 100 firms. This exposure allowed me to delve into multiple aspects of managing people and supporting technology-dependent organizations. While I've always been employed full-time, contracting presents new opportunities.

I am confident that I can provide value in the following roles as a contractor:

  • Project Management - Project Management: My journey as a formal Project Manager began in 1998 when I joined General Electric. At the time, we were establishing a division focused on Marketplace Exchanges, requiring a PM well-versed in internet/intranet technologies. Over the years, my technical expertise enabled me to adapt to hybrid roles involving both project management and people management. For instance, at RBC, I served as the requirements lead for the Basel II regulatory project, which demanded a formal approach to satisfy internal stakeholders; RBC Audit and OSFI, the industry regulator.

    I have maintained my PMI certification and acquired Scrum Alliance certifications as a Scrum Product Owner and Scrum Master through training from Berteig (Toronto) and RBC's agile training program.

  • Interim Team Management - Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to create several new teams. At GE, I spearheaded the formation of a software development team for Marketplace exchanges. This involved recruiting, providing training, and procuring equipment (desktops and servers) to establish a new startup group. Similarly, at Scotiabank, I established the Internet/Intranet Infrastructure Group, encompassing hiring, defining the group's mandate, managing Internet infrastructure for Scotia Capital Markets, and building Scotia's inaugural Intranet. I also contributed to the early stages of Scotia's on-line trading platform.

    At RBC, I assumed responsibility for a small team in Payments and Trade, supporting external client integrations into RBC's payments systems. As the workload increased, I expanded the team. Furthermore, the group started supporting other connectivity initiatives unrelated to Payments, given our responsibility for managing external connectivity, often handling one-time special assignments. At TD, I created the Vendor Application Management (VAM) group, accountable for overseeing over 125 vendor applications as a technology sustainment and support role.

    I have witnessed situations where managers leave or groups undergo reorganization, causing delays in hiring new managers until decisions regarding the group's future or finding the right candidate are made. In such cases, the interim (contract) manager plays a vital role in maintaining the group's operations and offers a fresh perspective to identify performance improvement opportunities.

  • Operations Management - Over the years, I have held an application support function in various organizations. For instance, at Scotia McLeod, I provided support for production and development systems, while at RBC, my Payments team also delivered client support. As the VAM group at TD, we were frequently called upon to assist with support issues due to our customer relationship and knowledge of the infrastructure connecting clients to the bank. I believe my experience aligns well with interim management requirements for supporting this function on a temporary basis.

  • Teaching / Lecturer - What I'd really like to do, given the opportunity, is to be a computer science or computer engineering lecturer! Specifically teaching "Introduction to Computers" or "Computer Architecture" courses. Many years ago I took courses at McGill University. One such course as an introduction to computers. I felt I could have done a great job teaching it. I've had a long history of working on computing systems architectures and benchmarking new systems. At Concordia University, I was given the opportunity to design a single-stage pipelined microprogrammed computer based on Schottky TTL as a replacement for an aging computer. I'm passionate about teaching technology subjects and sharing these experiences.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

  • Academia
  • Capital Markets
  • Wealth Management
  • Commercial Banking
  • Aerospace (SECRETS clearance eligible)
  • e-Commerce, Internet, Intranet

RATES

Rates are negotiable and dependent on the type/complexity of the engagement.

DURATION

Ideally, contracts should not exceed 6 months. I prefer short-term contracts and will not consider contracts lasting 12 months.

LOCATION

I am open to on-site, remote, or hybrid arrangements.

For on-site, the best location would be one where public transportation is easily accessible. The financial district in downtown Toronto is ideal as an on-site contracting destination. Of course, remote work allows work to be performed at any employer location. My team and I worked remotely for over two years during the COVID pandemic. The ability to work remotely is possible and preferable (understanding that initially some travel may be required for work startup/planning).

BUSINESS ARRANGEMENT

B67C is registered with the Government of Ontario as a sole owner business.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Please refer to my LinkedIn profile for a summary of places I've worked at and a view of my experiences.

Compiled on 05-04-2024 00:13:02