Steve Kennedy

Experience

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  Morris Press

  Sept 1996 - Jan 1999

  Computer Programmer

  I was hired to provide programming and technical support while attending classes at the University of Nebraska. I aided in the development and support of "Type 'N Save" - a cookbook/recipe computer program created with Delphi (Pascal derivative). I also provided technical support for the 75-100 internal computer systems, which would requireinstallation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Additionally, I aided in basic Novell NetWare administration and support. While there, I started work on a project using Visual Basic 6.0 that would be used to create a "cookbook on CD-ROM" type program. I worked with the following applications:Novell NetWare 3.11, Client 32, & Microsoft Client for Novell NetworksWindows 3.1x, 95, 98Visual Basic 4.0, 6.0HTML, ASP, Perl 4, VB ScriptArcServe - LAN Backup & Restore softwareDelphi 3.0, 4.0 (Pascal language derivative)FrontPage 98, Perl - morriscookbooks.com, morrispublishing.com, and Schoolmate.com Show less

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  Ameritas

  Jan 1999 - Feb 2006

  I helped develop, manage, and maintain the Ameritas corporate web site, along with over 15 other high-traffic affiliated web sites. Responsibilities included gathering and analyzing business requirements, website design and programming, content maintenance, and management of the electronic reporting portal. I worked directly with the E-Business team and report directly to the manager of Network Services. I was promoted; in April 2003 based on merit. Key ResponsibilitiesLead developer in electronic reporting portal solution (eReports)Developer in corporate Intranet re-developmentIdentified and resolved web server issues (troubleshooting)Responsible for Disaster Recovery Planning (web)Responsible for RedDot Content Management System developmentProgramming using Perl, HTML, JavaScript, ASP, ASP.NET, C#, and XMLExpert level programming/developing web services for SOA projects Show less I provided desktop support for over 1,600 systems running Windows NT/2K. My responsibilities included providing technical assistance, software installation and system delivery, prompt problem resolution, phone duty coverage, hardware and software asset management, business application support and end user orientation. I would often work closely with Network and Programming staff to analyze, troubleshoot and resolve systems issues. Candidates had to have at least 1-3 years of prior technical support and PC systems software installation experience, with strong analytical and communication skills. I not only personally used, but I have also supported the following applications:Symantec's Norton GhostWindows 95, 98, NT 4.0, 2000 & IBM OS/2 Warp operating systemsMicrosoft Office 97 and 2000Internet Explorer 5.5 / Netscape 4.6Intel's LANDesk Management SuiteRemedy Action Request SystemCitrix Winframe / Metaframe ClientsNovell NetWareLotus Notes Release 4 & 5Novell NetWare Client (32-bit)IBM Image Workstation PlusZEN Works 1.1, Novell Application Launcher, and snAppShotMicrosoft TechNetIBM Personal Communications software & TN3270 Client Configuration Show less

  • Programmer/Analyst

    Mar 2001 - Feb 2006

  • Technical Support Specialist

    Jan 1999 - Mar 2001
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  Olsson Associates

  Feb 2006 - Mar 2007

  Web Developer

  I lead client driven web projects in coordination with project managers, corporate communications department, and marketing. My responsibilities included web project management, web server administration, and web application development using HTML, classic ASP, and ASP.NET. I was also responsible for implementing web projects that used back-end database functionality. I frequently provided technical and progress reports to management.Created websites using ASP.NET.Met with existing clients and prospects to discuss web projectsWorked with engineering and IT teams out of Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Phoenix. Show less

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  National Research Corporation

  Mar 2007 - Oct 2010

  .NET Developer

  I worked as a VB.NET programmer on various Windows and web projects. The Windows applications are used to manage large amounts of survey data that is entered and processed. The web applications are used to report that data to the customer. I also spent time serving as lead developer on a CRM development project (ASP.net web app). Key ResponsibilitiesProvide analysis, design, object-oriented coding, and testing of company's internal suite of Windows applications primarily built on Visual Basic.NET, VB6, and some legacy code in Delphi and Java.Enhance and maintain "My Solutions", a suite of web applications completely built on ASP.NET (VB flavor).Champion the development and administration of SalesLogix, a ASP.NET web based CRM. Lead continuous development on this CRM, parallel with other development responsibilities.Develop many SSRS reports, including XPOs used to provide productivity metrics to executive management.Gather and assess needs from internal business units and create custom solutions to resolve those issues. At times, managed a smaller IT group made up of DBAs and support specialists. Show less

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  Ameritas

  Oct 2010 - Mar 2014

  Business Analyst

  Responsible managing complex HIPAA engagements involving technology, process & organizational change initiatives for IBM Websphere implementations.Expertise in managing business requirements and working with delivery teams for successful technology projectsWorks with management to recommend appropriate communication and training as functionality is deployedPrimarily working on large-scale conversions Electronic Data Exchange files (X12 standards)

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  Assurity, Lincoln, Nebraska

  Mar 2014 - Feb 2020

  Senior Software Development Supervisor

  Every day I get to work with an extremely talented group of software developers. I've been blessed with the opportunity to lead a team who range in roles from interns to senior level engineers. I work hard to ensure the entire team has a clear sense of direction and support. I also get to engage and encourage students and beginners, and recruit their talents for internships. It's freaking awesome.Things I get to do:* Recruit and interview candidates for developer positions.* Mentor and coach others into technology leaders.* Measure progress and improvement of individual contributors.* Speak at local community technology meetups and conferences.I stay involved by:* Contributing on software development projects, which keeps my own skills sharp!* Reviewing code changes contributed by others, using the Code Review/Pull Request system.* Configuring continous automated builds and deployments. * Implementing operational performance and process improvements.* Leading the resolution of highly complex, unusual, or sensative issues.I am responsible to:* Maintain good working relationships.* Promote positive behaviors and accountability.* Provide balance between engineering processes and speed-of-delivery.* Demonstrate effective planning and communication skills.* Market the value of ITThese are some of the things I make:* Web Applications* Web Services (RESTful Web API)* Automated Software Builds, Releases, and TestsThese are the tech skills I use: * C#, ASP.NET, CSS, JavaScript, Angular, and SQL* Dependency Injection* Unit Testing* Continous Integration & Continous DeploymentThese are some of the methods I use:* Agile/Scrum* Test-driven development (TDD)* Continuous code integration (CI)These are some of the behaviors I have (thank you Gallup assessment):* Analytical* Responsibility* ConsistencyI am building on:* 20+ years of overall IT experience, with 15 of those years in the Insurance and Financial Services industry. Show less

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  Q2

  Feb 2020 - May 2023

  Software Engineering Manager

  My primary responsibility is to direct software engineering teams to develop custom applications, APIs, SDKs, and other services for highest-tier (premium) clients.Grow and lead a best-in-class development organization by supporting an open and highly-collaborative work environment and leading in a manner that fosters high engagement, performance, and commitment among all members of the technology team.Responsible for recruiting, supervising, and measuring the performance of C#, Python, and Automation Test Engineers.Partially responsible for maintaining projects generating nearly $30m in contracted annual revenue.Work hands-on developing, managing, and mentoring in-house development teams, as well as contract developers.Report on the status of development, quality, operations, and system performance to executive leadership. Show less

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  Nelnet

  May 2023 - now

  Software Architect

  My primary responsibilities include providing strategic direction for both application and cloud architecture, ensuring that our project align with industry standards and business objectives. Leveraging my expertise in Azure, I oversee the hosting, management, and configuration of robust web applications and APIs, aiming to optimize performance, enhance security, and improve scalability.