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Mspm Niki Rodriguez
Cloud/Infrastructure Program/Project Manager
Professional Background
Niki Rodriguez is a highly experienced Senior Cloud and Infrastructure Project/Program Management Leader with over 20 years of expertise in Information Technology and Consulting. Currently, Niki serves as the Program Delivery Director at an international portfolio/program management office that oversees a diverse team consisting of 20 direct Project Portfolio Management (PPM) reports along with 23 indirect Project Management (PM) reports across North America (NAM), Latin America (LATAM), and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions.
Niki specializes in revamping program delivery processes, having successfully implemented strategies that reduced project delivery time by an impressive 18% and increased annual top-line revenue by 6%. Demonstrating an exemplary capacity for problem-solving, Niki led a focused effort to modify the project closure process (Bring into Service, BIS), which effectively eliminated a four-year backlog of over 100 technically open projects, condensing it down to just 5 projects. This innovative approach allowed project managers to concentrate more effectively on the delivery of ongoing projects, thereby enhancing overall productivity.
As an Enterprise Program Manager, Niki spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative for a Fortune 100 Company that involved the migration of 800 applications and server setups to the cloud, culminating in the successful closure of a data center four months ahead of schedule, yielding a remarkable cost savings exceeding $500K.
Niki's role further extends into being instrumental in the development of Cisco Systems’ inaugural cloud-based direct service offering. With over a decade of direct project management experience along with over six years in IT Management and five years of PMO Leadership, Niki's contributions span numerous sectors and specialties.
Education and Achievements
Niki has a solid academic background with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management Information Systems from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, coupled with a Master of Science in Project Management from The George Washington University - School of Business. This blend of education underscores Niki's dedication to not only mastering the technical aspects of project management but also understanding the business impacts crucial in forging successful project outcomes.
Alongside the formal educational credentials, Niki holds several professional certifications including Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), ITIL, and is recognized as a LinkedIn Open Networker (LION). These certifications reflect Niki's commitment to continuous learning and mastery of various essential methodologies in project management, including Waterfall and Agile (Scrum), as well as ITIL and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) practices.
Additional Experience
Before taking on the current role at the program management office, Niki honed skills in various senior positions including as a Senior IT Enterprise Program/Project Manager at Delta Air Lines. Niki's previous roles further include capacities at Workforce Logiq and Georgia-Pacific LLC as a Senior IT Enterprise Program Manager (contract), showcasing versatility and adaptability across different business environments.
Niki also served as the Program/PMO Delivery Director at BT and Program Manager (PMO) at Lanta Cloud Solutions LLC, developing strong foundations in strategic planning and execution across organizations. Furthermore, Niki’s career began as a Technical Program/Project Manager at Cisco Systems Inc., eventually transitioning from a Network Consulting Engineer to a Regional Consulting Engineer, which contributed towards building a robust technical foundation.
Now, equipped with exceptional communication skills, Niki engages effectively with all organizational levels, influencing senior leaders and steering teams toward achieving essential business objectives. Niki’s critical thinking and strategic capabilities serve as a cornerstone for successful project delivery, ensuring that every initiative aligns with broader business goals.
Achievements
Niki's career has been punctuated by numerous notable achievements, significantly contributing to their organizations’ efficiencies and success. Through combining strong project management methodologies with a focus on business objectives, Niki drives results that matter in today’s competitive environment. The accomplishment of migrating 800 applications to the cloud and realizing substantial cost savings remains a testament to Niki’s project management prowess.
Moreover, Niki's dedication towards mentoring and coaching emerging project management talent demonstrates a commitment to fostering growth in the industry. This thought leadership is further emphasized by the strong team-oriented approach Niki cultivates, ensuring that the teams are not only skilled but motivated to meet and exceed expectations.
In conclusion, Niki Rodriguez stands out as an exemplary leader in the project and program management landscape. With comprehensive experience spanning the globe, demonstrated successes in cloud migrations, and innovative strategies that yield measurable results, Niki exemplifies what it means to be at the forefront of the ever-evolving field of IT project management.
