Steven Thurston
O'Fallon,IL
Summary
Strategic and results-driven leader with a proven track record in managing and delivering complex software development initiatives. Adept at aligning technology strategies with organizational goals, fostering innovation, and achieving measurable business outcomes. Experienced in leading diverse teams, optimizing vendor relationships, and driving Agile transformations. Strong communicator and collaborator, committed to fostering high-performing teams and delivering impactful software solutions.
Talented Program Director skilled in handling administrative, operational and outreach program functions. Wears many hats to accomplish dynamic objectives. Ready to apply 25 years of experience to new professional challenges with growth-oriented organization.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director
Superlative Technologies (SuprTEK)
10.2022 - Current
- Lead a 90+ member team, including Software Engineers, Scrum Masters, and Product Owners, in delivering two Command and Control applications for the U.S
- Air Force
- Oversaw a comprehensive team reorganization, introducing Product Management and UI/UX roles, resulting in a significant improvement in requirements gathering and project efficiency
- Implemented a Release Train Engineer and Tiger Team, enhancing productivity and team morale
- Report directly to the CEO, providing updates and contributing to strategic decision-making
- Utilized technologies: Java, AWS, Angular, React, MongoDB
VP of Product Engineering
Maritz Motivation Solutions
05.2017 - 10.2022
- Directed an engineering group of 200+ members across Loyalty, Automotive, and Recognition business units
- Transitioned from monolithic to microservices architecture on GCP, utilizing Kubernetes, MongoDB, and Neo4J
- Completed an Agile transformation across the organization, introducing SAFE, SCRUM, and Kanban methodologies
- Reduced operating costs by 40% through team consolidation and outsourcing to Mexico and India
- Developed CI/CD pipelines and automated testing, reducing deployment times and enhancing quality assurance
Senior Manager, Mobility Architect
Enterprise Holdings
02.2015 - 05.2017
- Led global mobility architecture and development, implementing mobile device management solutions
- Oversaw compliance with PCI standards and developed NFC/RFID integration for operational tracking
- Negotiated vendor contracts, aligning product roadmaps and securing cost-effective solutions
Senior Manager, Office Automation
Anheuser-Busch InBev
03.2004 - 02.2015
- Directed North American mobile strategy, integrating MDM platforms and deploying iPads for 1,000+ sales reps across the US
- Architected single sign-on solutions and ensured compliance with stringent security standards
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration (MIS Focus)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL05.1997
Skills
- Leadership
- Software Development
- Vendor Management
- Agile Transformation
- Strategic Planning
- Technical Proficiency
- NET
- Automated Testing
Selected Achievements
- Improved operational output and team cohesion through organizational restructuring at SuprTEK.
- Achieved a 40% cost reduction at Maritz Motivation Solutions by optimizing team structures and outsourcing strategies.
- Delivered high-impact software solutions for U.S. Air Force Command and Control systems.
- Transitioned Maritz's technical stack to a scalable microservices architecture, enhancing agility and system performance.
- Spearheaded Agile transformations across multiple organizations, driving efficiency and innovation.
Military Service
United States Marine Corps, AV8B Aviation Mechanic, Shop Supervisor, 11/01/87, 08/01/92
Timeline
Program Director
Superlative Technologies (SuprTEK)
10.2022 - Current
VP of Product Engineering
Maritz Motivation Solutions
05.2017 - 10.2022
Senior Manager, Mobility Architect
Enterprise Holdings
02.2015 - 05.2017
Senior Manager, Office Automation
Anheuser-Busch InBev
03.2004 - 02.2015
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration (MIS Focus)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
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