Melissa (Smith) Abbott

Experience

• 

  University of Pittsburgh

  Jan 2014 - Dec 2014

  Undergraduate Researcher

  Cultured human smooth muscle cells to validate that a certain dye binds only to elastin, for further work in maximizing elastin production. Learned and applied proper lab techniques such as hygiene, cell culture, passing cells, cell/tissue staining, and others.

• 

  ZOLL LifeVest

  Jan 2015 - Dec 2015

  Human Factors Engineering Co-Op

  • Used FMECA and other methods, including formative and validation testing, to evaluate products for usability and risk of use for all device users, and to meet FDA regulatory standards for human factors• Designed product features related to the user experience: defined requirements and direction, worked with hired external consulting companies• Created user interface specifications of existing products to map all aspects of the user interface

• 

  Cerner Corporation

  Jun 2016 - Jul 2016

  Consultant Intern

  Worked with OPENLink interface software to help increase Cerner's compliance with HL7 standards. Helped train clinicians and staff on electronic health record software solutions on-site in clinics.

• 

  Deloitte Consulting

  Jul 2017 - Feb 2020

  Multi-year large system design/implementation project for a large state benefits management system• Led multiple complex cross-disciplinary system enhancements (>$850K in revenue) from design through implementation. Increased system usability, therefore increasing access to benefits• Created and communicated deliverables in the form of detailed design presentations and documents• Organized, structured, and led twice weekly client design meetings in which I prepared and presented all content• Developed strong, positive client relationships• Managed project plans, timelines, budgeted hours to meet engagement expectations• Restructured and updated the internal project planning tool used to estimate hours needed to design and implement system enhancements. Effort increased estimation accuracy and therefore increased project profitability• Conducted technical analyses into issues in the production environment and compiled reports on the findings recommending next steps and proposed solutionsNational Sustainability Initiative• Pioneered the Strategy & Leadership Workstream Lead role (started May 2019 as lead), and currently leading a team of 7 to gain support and momentum from senior national Deloitte leadership for the NSI• Collaborated with a team to define the overall strategy, purpose, and tactics of the initiative• Co-founded the Green Ambassador Program, which strives to spark a grassroots movement to empower others to make more sustainable choices. Developed the ambassador playbook used as a guide to ambassadors• Helped create a start-up guide for green teams in local offices with the aim to increase overall participationSustainability Practice Development• Conducted industry research on the percentage of post-consumer recycled content in various plastic packaging types to be used in setting sustainability goals at Walmart Corporation• Developed client deliverable on different goal-setting methodologies for carbon emissions reduction targets Show less

  • Technology Consultant

    Jun 2019 - Feb 2020

  • Business Technology Analyst

    Jul 2017 - Jun 2019
• 

  Slalom

  Feb 2020 - Aug 2021

  Large telecommunications company: Worked as a scrum master for 2 backend SaaS development teams during a large SAFe transformation. o Took on some product owner responsibilities due to staffing gaps – defined, prioritized, and managed features and user stories while keeping teams on track and adhering to scrum principles. o Acted as a project manager to coordinate a large project with highly coupled dependencies working across 6 development teams to meet tight deadlines for a large business launch. o Helped to add rigor and standardize the platform deployment process across teams. o Revamped the support process used for the CMS platform team to provide support to its tenant teams.Online retail tax services technology: Led delivery of a Salesforce/Jira integrated solution that allowed multiple teams working across systems to access and address customer support tickets seamlessly and in real time. o Owned the Jira configuration including custom workflows, webhooks, issue types, and automation rules. Configured basic components in Salesforce. o Managed relationships with a large group of clients by delivering detailed communications and providing structured decision points to keep all stakeholders aligned. o Project managed delivery of this integration workstream by providing status updates to stakeholders, escalating risks and issues, and prioritizing team work to meet client deadlines.Slalom Philly Sustainability Community of Practice: Co-founded and led a group of employees passionate about sustainability within the office and connected to other offices globally. o Organized and hosted office events to raise awareness amongst employeeso Coordinated a team to enter the company-wide Hack for Climate Solutionso Created business case to office leadership to pursue work within the sustainability space in Philadelphia Show less

  • Senior Consultant

    Jun 2021 - Aug 2021

  • Consultant

    Feb 2020 - Jun 2021
• 

  Afresh

  Aug 2021 - now

  • Senior Manager - Operations

    Sept 2024 - now

  • Manager - Operations

    May 2024 - Sept 2024

  • Program Manager, Customer Success

    Nov 2023 - May 2024

  • Senior Deployment Lead

    Jun 2023 - Nov 2023

  • Deployment Lead

    Jun 2022 - Jun 2023

  • Deployment Senior Associate

    Aug 2021 - Jun 2022