20+ Years Building High-Performance Engineering Teams | 15+ Years Leading at Vail Systems
Let's ConnectI've spent two decades building software and the teams that create it.
As Sr. Director of Application Development at Vail Systems, I lead engineering teams that deliver web applications powering telecommunications solutions our customers rely on every day. Over 15 years with Vail, I've grown from software developer to senior leadership. What I'm most proud of? The talented engineers I've hired, mentored, and watched grow into leaders themselves.
Beyond engineering leadership, I work closely with product strategy for FreeClimb, leveraging insights from Kellogg's Chief Product Officer Program to bridge the gap between technical execution and product vision.
Great teams are built on continuous learning, hard work, and having fun along the way. I create environments where engineers are encouraged to explore new technologies, share knowledge, and push boundaries—while enjoying the journey. We're currently evolving from traditional web applications into AI-powered solutions, and that journey requires curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to learn together.
I've been with Vail Systems for over 15 years, growing from a software developer into senior leadership. This journey—from writing code to leading engineering organizations—has given me deep insight into what it takes to build scalable web applications and the teams that create them. I've experienced firsthand the challenges of rapid growth, technical transformation, and evolving customer needs in the telecommunications industry.
Before joining Vail, I spent five years as a consultant delivering enterprise content management solutions for Fortune 500 companies including PepsiCo, Northwestern Mutual, and Safeco. Working across the entire software development lifecycle and engaging directly with customers throughout taught me how to navigate complex requirements, lead diverse teams, and deliver solutions that create real business value.
I'm always interested in connecting with fellow engineering leaders, discussing the evolving landscape of software development and AI, and sharing what we're building at Vail Systems.
Greater Chicago Area
Leading engineering teams that deliver web applications powering telecommunications solutions. Building high-performance teams, mentoring engineers, and driving technical transformation from web apps to AI-powered solutions.
Chicago, Illinois, United States · On-site
Greater Chicago Area · On-site
Worked with clients through the RFP, requirements, design, development, and deployment phases to deliver Enterprise Content Management solutions. Solutions were primarily created and delivered using Documentum and Java Web Application technologies. Clients included PepsiCo, Safeco, Northwestern Mutual, and Abraxis Pharmaceutical.
Clear Lake, Iowa, United States · On-site
Created Test Plans and Test Scripts for multiple web-based financial products. Implemented end-to-end automated tests using WinRunner.
Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Science
1998 - 2002
Northwestern University
2024
I'm always interested in connecting with fellow engineering leaders and discussing the evolving landscape of software development and AI.