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Karen Loafman
Program Manager at Ascension Technologies
Professional Background
Karen Loafman is a highly accomplished Project Management Professional (PMP) with a robust background in leading diverse teams in the implementation of IT solutions across various industries, including manufacturing/automotive, banking/mortgage, government/utilities, and insurance. Her remarkable ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and execute projects with precision has earned her recognition as a leader in her field.
Having returned to the USA, Karen is eager to leverage her vast project management experience in a new and dynamic environment. She thrives on the challenges and changes that are inherent in project management and takes great pride in fostering collaboration within her teams to achieve common objectives.
Karen's notable projects are a testament to her skills and expertise:
- Enterprise Content Management System Conversion: Taking charge of a massive 5-year, $37M project, Karen directed three separate project tracks while overseeing a team of 80 members both on-site and off-site. Her leadership was instrumental in revamping the project schedule, managing the budget and expenses, and optimizing resources, risks, and reporting, ultimately turning the project around.
- Telecommunications System Conversion: Successfully led an enterprise-wide telecommunications conversion that impacted over 10,000 global users. Through her adept integration of the new infrastructure with existing applications, Karen was able to save the organization $234,000 by enhancing system functionality.
Karen's extensive experience and deep understanding of project management methodologies make her a valuable asset in any organization.
Education and Achievements
Karen's educational journey includes her studies at Wayne State University, where she laid the foundation for her successful career in project management. Over the years, she has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field, complemented by numerous certifications and professional development programs.
Her certifications include:
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- Lean Six Sigma
- ITIL Foundations
- Storage Technology Foundations Certification
- PRINCE2
These certifications underscore her commitment to continuous learning and her dedication to maintaining high standards in project management practices. Karen's focus on process improvement, change control, and earned value management has proven effective in achieving project goals and delivering results.
Notable Career Positions
Karen has held several prestigious positions throughout her career, showcasing her versatile skill set and ability to adapt to different organizational cultures:
- Program Manager at Ascension: In this role, Karen is responsible for overseeing programs and projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic initiatives.
- Senior IT Project Manager at Bentley Motors Ltd: Karen's experience in the automotive industry allowed her to manage complex projects and lead teams to successful project completion.
- Senior IT Project Manager & President at the Chattanooga Chapter of the Project Management Institute at Tennessee Valley Authority: In addition to her project management role, Karen also took on leadership responsibilities within the Project Management Institute, fostering a community of project professionals and sharing knowledge with peers.
- IT Project Manager at Unum: Karen effectively managed IT projects, ensuring seamless execution and delivery aligned with business objectives.
- Project Manager at EMC: In her role at EMC, she led projects that enhanced operational efficiency and met customer satisfaction goals.
- Project Manager at Bank of America: Karen honed her skills in managing financial projects that required high levels of accuracy and compliance.
- Project Manager at Comerica: Here, she successfully navigated project management challenges within the banking sector.
- Project Manager, Business Analyst, Recruiter at EDS, an HP company: This foundational role allowed Karen to wear multiple hats, gaining valuable insights into project management from different angles.
Karens' diverse experiences have shaped her into a well-rounded project manager with a strategic mindset and an eye for detail.
Conclusion
Karen Loafman is an exceptional project management professional with extensive experience, notable achievements, and a passion for leading teams towards success. Her commitment to excellence and process improvement has significantly impacted the organizations she has worked with. Currently seeking new opportunities, Karen is ready to bring her wealth of knowledge and expertise to a new environment, making her a sought-after candidate in the field of project management. Organizations looking for a skilled project manager who can drive projects to success and foster team collaboration should absolutely consider reaching out to Karen at [email protected].
