August 2006 to August 2007 Program Manager, Microsoft
Redmond, WA (Employed through Volt Technical)
As part of the Windows Release team, coordinated periodic and milestone releases of Windows operating system software. Developed and implemented product release plans according to a strict schedule and in coordination with several other departments, vendors, and OEMs.

As part of the Windows Volume Licensing team, administered the internal Windows volume license key distribution process. Worked with software developers to design and build updates and improvements to existing Web tools.

As part of the Windows Engineering Documentation team, took a lead role in preparing the Windows Engineering Manual for a major update, including content research and analysis, document design, media selection, and writer assignments. Contract ended before project completion.

April 2005 to August 2006 Project Manager/Program Manager, The Write Stuff
Redmond, WA
Managed professional services projects for a technical communications consulting company. Clients included Microsoft, NOAA, Medtronic, and the National Park Service.

• Worked with client contacts during the discovery phase to scope projects, analyze risks, plan resources, estimate costs, and make go/no-go decisions.
• Worked with project team during implementation phase to manage schedules, resources, and budgets across multiple projects
• Wrote project documentation such as statements of work, project proposals, meeting agendas and minutes, and periodic progress reports
• Led team meetings, training, and events such as kick off, brainstorming, SWOT, feedback, status, and staff focus sessions

July 2001 to January 2005 Technical Writer, Microsoft
Redmond, WA
For MSN, wrote user interface and online help content for five high-profile Web-based products. For Marketing, wrote promotional content for the highly successful Microsoft Plus! for Windows XP product Web site. For Windows Media Services, wrote Security, Deployment Guide, and Overview sections of the product pane help.

August 2000 to June 2001 Technical Writer, Real Networks Professional Services
Seattle, WA
Wrote end-user and system admin manuals and online help for custom-designed streaming media software. Worked with software developers during product development phase to create user support documents unique to each customer or application. Improved customer satisfaction and on-time delivery by adding scheduling, accountability, and feedback processes to existing quality control procedures.

February 2000 to August 2000 Graphic Design and Web Marketing Consultant
Bellingham, WA
Designed websites, corporate image, marketing, and promotional materials. Customers included Kavu, Tommy Bahama, TRI International, GotVoice.com, Privilogic.com, Puget Sound Contractors, and Lightning Real Estate Solutions.

May 1996 to February 2000 Technical Writer/Illustrator, Applied Materials
Austin, TX
Contributing editor for AMAT Manufacturing Magazine. Wrote regular series of manufacturing-related articles under own byline. Published interviews, reviews, and personality profiles. Created illustrated instructions for manufacture of semiconductor fabrication machinery. Created presentation and training materials for Applied Global University. Co-developed document quality control procedures that were later implemented company-wide.

February 1994 to May 1996 Technical Writer/Illustrator, Acran, Inc.
Austin, TX
Wrote and illustrated end-user assembly instructions. Designed and created promotional literature including product catalogs, new product brochures, and magazine advertising. Supervised development of new document control and retrieval system.

August 1992 to February 1994 Production Supervisor, Stone Technologies Corporation
Austin, TX
Supervised manufacture of electronic security and testing devices. Wrote end-user installation instructions. Performed field installation and repair of security and communications equipment. Troubleshooting and repair of analog circuitry.

August 1988 to June 1992 Research and laboratory test positions in aerospace industry
Los Angeles, CA
Worked with scientists and engineers to fabricate equipment, set up and perform tests, and document results. Companies or locations included Northrop Electronics Division, Loral Electro-Optical Systems, Jet Propulsion Laboratories, and Pulse Sciences, Inc. Co-authored Department of Energy white paper: Development of the Arc Shattering Concept of Energy Efficient Comminution of Hard Materials.

Education

• University of Washington Project Management Certificate Program
• Associate of Arts in Communication from Austin Community College

Professional Organizations

• American Society for the Advancement of Project Management
• Society of Technical communication
• National Science Writers Association