Core Web Application & Internal Tools Engineer (Zend Framework & OO JavaScript Engineer)

At WFS, I drove modernization initiatives across multiple departments:

• Key player in the team leading the transformation of the company's flagship product from legacy 'web 1.0' architecture to a dynamic, responsive 'web 2.0' application using Zend Framework and object-oriented JavaScript
• Embedded myself within the Implementation Consultant (IC) team to gain firsthand operational knowledge, identifying critical workflow inefficiencies and tool limitations
• Initiated and secured approval for the creation of an Internal Tools Team, becoming a founding member responsible for revolutionizing the company's approach to internal software development
• Designed and architected "Wiz" (Workforce Injected Zend Framework), a comprehensive application foundation that standardized development practices across the organization
• Implemented enterprise-grade features including LDAP authentication, role-based access control, customizable layouts, and centralized user settings management

By creating a standardized development framework, I eliminated redundant efforts across teams, significantly improved code maintainability, and enabled developers to focus on building core business functionality rather than reimplementing common components.

LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL PHP), OO JavaScript, Oracle, Java, CSS, TestTrack, P4V (Perforce), Code Collaborator, Eclipse, IntelliJ Idea, Zend Framework (and Zym), Technical and Business Writing, Team Management, Mentoring

Contract Web Application Engineer (Zend Framework Engineer)

At MNS I delivered an enterprise-grade workflow management solution:

• Conducted comprehensive analysis of telecommunication service workflows and existing "Toolkit 2" codebase to identify optimization opportunities and system requirements
• Designed and implemented "Toolkit 3" from the ground up using Zend Framework, creating a robust order management system that tracked fulfillment processes end-to-end
• Architected a flexible plugin framework that enabled in-house developers to seamlessly integrate proprietary process modules into the main workflow
• Implemented sophisticated error handling and reporting mechanisms that maintained system stability while providing actionable troubleshooting data
• Created a complete customer lifecycle tracking system that managed order progression from initial customer contact through processing milestones to final verification and closure

The resulting application significantly streamlined operations while providing the flexibility needed for Michigan Network Services to incorporate their specialized telecommunications processes into a standardized workflow framework.

LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL PHP), Zend Framework (and Zym), OO JavaScript, Eclipse, Telecommuting, MediaWiki, Technical and Business Writing

Contract Web Application Engineer (Perl & PHP Engineeer)

At InterServ I rescued a critical insurance application through complete redesign:

• Performed comprehensive code audit of the failed "Coverage For One" project, identifying critical issues including lack of object-oriented design, security vulnerabilities, and pervasive bugs
• Made the strategic decision to rebuild the application from the ground up using proper object-oriented programming principles and MVC architecture in Perl and PHP
• Successfully re-engineered the entire system to meet original specifications while implementing robust security measures and eliminating legacy code issues
• Delivered the completed application ahead of schedule, allowing time to implement additional feature requests within the original contract timeline
• Created a sophisticated decision-tree system that translates complex Michigan Blue Cross / Blue Shield insurance rules into an intuitive customer-facing questionnaire
• Developed intelligent branching logic that analyzes customer responses to recommend personalized insurance products precisely matched to their specific needs

The rebuilt application successfully salvaged a critical project for the client, providing a secure, maintainable solution that streamlined the insurance selection process while accurately implementing Michigan Blue Cross / Blue Shield's complex business logic.

LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL PHP), Perl, CSS, SQL, SVN, SEO, OO JavaScript

Web Application Engineer (PHP Engineer)

At RainStorm I contributed to the successful development and launch of a modular web platform:

• Joined a focused development team working on Site Turbine, a comprehensive suite of modular components designed to extend and enhance customer websites
• Stepped into the critical path of development to help the team meet an imminent release deadline for core functionality
• Designed and implemented the e-commerce shopping cart module, including a flexible payment gateway system that supported multiple payment processors
• Engineered the payment integration framework to be easily configurable, allowing customers to select and implement their preferred payment solutions
• Successfully delivered multiple smaller projects in parallel, demonstrating versatility across different development requirements
• Contributed to the successful on-time release of the Site Turbine platform, which was subsequently implemented across numerous client websites

The Site Turbine platform became a market success story, with my e-commerce module serving as a key component that delivered essential revenue-generating functionality for the company's diverse client base.

LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL PHP), CSS, OO JavaScript, Script.aculo.us / Prototype, SVN, CVS, Zend Development Environment, Savant3, Telecommuting

Contract Web Application Developer (PHP Engineer)

Concurrent with completing my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, I developed specialized research applications:

• Designed and implemented a bibliography parsing and cataloging system that streamlined the management of research citations and academic publications for Institute staff
• Created a public-facing interactive guide to Maine's Ice Age Trail, enhancing visitor engagement with geological formations and historical sites through an intuitive digital interface
• Developed a sophisticated database front-end for the "Old Weather" historical climate dataset, enabling researchers to perform complex queries against weather observations transcribed from journals dating from the late 1600s to early 1800s
• Built custom query tools that allowed climate scientists to analyze trends and patterns across centuries of historical weather data, supporting critical climate research initiatives
• Successfully balanced professional development work with academic responsibilities while delivering multiple applications that directly supported the Institute's research and public outreach missions

These projects demonstrated my ability to translate specialized scientific requirements into functional applications that served both internal research needs and public education objectives.

LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL PHP), OO JavaScript, CSS, Dreamweaver, Telecommuting

Application Developer (MS SQL / VB Programmer)

At ADS I:

• Developed the Data Interface Module for ProFund SeQuel, ADS' core "fund-based accounting" application
• Created functionality that allows data to be mapped into or out of databases in controlled and auditable processes
• Implementation led to unexpected sales success, converting customers from competitor's products

ASP, Visual Basic (6.0 to .net), VBA, SQL, Access, Source Safe, Crystal Reports, IIS, Technical and Business Writing

Programmer Analyst (MS Access/VP Programmer)

Architected and implemented custom data storage and querying solutions that streamlined access to critical business intelligence for sales and development teams.

Visual Basic, Access, VBA, SQL, MySQL, Technical and Business Writing

Programmer Analyst (COBOL Engineer)

Executed complex migration from legacy PL/B data management infrastructure to contemporary Visual Basic and Access environment, ensuring data integrity throughout the transition.

PL/B COBOL, PL/B DB (indexed files), IBM AIX, ColdFusion, Visual Basic, Access

Interim IT Manager and Network Administrator

Executed critical network administration responsibilities when this paper products distributor unexpectedly lost its IT leadership, maintaining operational continuity of essential server infrastructure and interdependent business systems throughout the transition period.

• Rapidly adapted to unfamiliar operating environments to ensure uninterrupted business operations
• Performed necessary system maintenance, troubleshooting, and updates to maintain network integrity
• Successfully bridged technical knowledge gaps to sustain all mission-critical systems until permanent IT personnel were secured

Unix, Linux, PICK (AIX), Access, Visual Basic

Computer Technician

Developed and implemented a comprehensive incident tracking database system for the Security Office at the Illinois Veterans' Home while pursuing my Associate of Science in Computer Science degree.

• Created a solution that improved security monitoring capabilities and operational efficiency for staff serving military veterans
• Provided technical support including software installation, network configuration, phone line setup, and hardware maintenance
• Gained valuable hands-on experience with enterprise systems including NT and WANG servers under IT Manager supervision

Access, Visual Basic

Computer Technician

Led a comprehensive campus network infrastructure overhaul while completing my Associate of Science in Computer Science degree, working within the Computer Services department.

• Executed complete rewiring of the main campus, replacing outdated coaxial cable with modern Cat-5 cabling to improve connectivity
• Installed fiber optic connections between multiple data centers to create a high-performance backbone network
• Significantly enhanced network throughput and reliability for the entire academic community, directly improving educational technology capabilities for both students and faculty

Unix, Routers, Hubs, Switches, Cat 5, Coaxial, Fiber Optics

Boatswain's Mate 3^rd Class

Recognized for technical aptitude and selected to modernize administrative operations for the Deck Department, transitioning from manual record-keeping to digitized systems.

• Designed and implemented a comprehensive MS Access personnel information and qualifications database, replacing outdated paper-based processes
• Automated critical administrative workflows including personnel records management and watch bill scheduling
• Significantly improved departmental efficiency and data accuracy through technical innovation, demonstrating early leadership in process improvement

Access, VBA, Word Perfect