Computer Skills & Proficiencies --
Languages: Microsoft Visual VB.NET
Databases: Microsoft SQL Server 2005/2008

Education --
St. Petersburg College
Associate Degree - Oracle Certified Database Developer
St. Petersburg, FL
1999-2003

* Designed and developed custom application and server code.

I created whatever software was needed that either didn't exist or whose purchase cost couldn't be justified. This included utilities for the network administrator and help-desk support, developers, and other internal users. I also worked on a lot of projects for integration and communication between various third-party applications and systems.

* Created imaging system using VB.NET to address specific business needs.

The company originally was looking towards an OCR-based imaging database for storing all business documents relating to customer orders. I created an alternative system, which required minimal human interaction but allowed for a greater degree of flexibility. For any scanned/faxed image, users could associate it with one or more orders in the database. From there, the database could be used to provide all of the meta-data searches they needed to do. I also added quite a few validations and safe-guards to minimize potential data-entry errors.

* Saved time by streamlining administrative tasks via custom programming.

I automated processes like sending out customer reports via fax, downloading and updating state/federal tax information, etc. This saved a lot of wasted time and were greatly appreciated by those who used them.

* Reduced support costs by writing maintainable and consistent code.

At one point, there were six developers all working on the same code-base. I introduced a review process and came up with basic coding standards. This helped ensure that whoever needed to work on the code had a good chance of being able to do so effectively and wouldn't have to spend extra time trying to work through someone's individual programming style, naming standards, etc.

* Considered security/performance impacts and adjusted solutions accordingly.

I was brought in for all major deployments to give advice on the pros/cons of various implementations. This included such things as bringing our web server in-house, limiting access to third-party vendor support personnel, ensuring HIPAA-compliance, etc.

* Helped the documentation needs of the department by setting up a Wiki.

SharePoint was still in its infancy at the time, so MediaWiki was used. I added large amounts of documentation to it for various projects I was working on, had finished, or knew were planned for later in the year. The more I used it, the more I was able to show its value to my co-workers. It was eventually adopted for all of our major documentation and support needs.

* Focused efforts of technology enhancements to help the business remain competitive.

I love working with new technologies, but I'm also cognizant of business needs and the hidden costs of constant changes to designs, technologies, etc. By keeping things balanced, we were able to have the greatest impact on the customers as soon as possible.

* Expanded the capabilities of the company's existing in-house software package.

Anyone can write a good system from the ground up, but it takes a bit more skill to ensure new functionality doesn't cause problems with legacy design choices, slowly rebuild the foundation of system already in use, and to balance the cost of building on top of existing designs versus a full redesign.

* Identified core areas of redundancy, poor design, and bottlenecks.

This primarily involved getting user feedback, monitoring SQL Server activity, and utilizing tools like FxCop.

* Found ways to refactor, redesign, or even eliminate problem-areas within the code.

A lot of the time, this came from attacking areas of the code with the most "code smell", targeting known weak-spots in previous business practices (heavy reliance on cursors, functions, etc. in SQL, for instance), and applying new design standards to older areas of the application.

* Engaged the development team in various programming challenges.

These helped to strengthen our teamwork, gave us different ways to look at the problem-sets, and helped us identify areas needing improvement.