JENNIFER THARP


Project Management Professional (PMP)
San Francisco, CA 94105
<tharpo at tharpo.com>

SUMMARY

A strong technical leader who consistently produces extraordinary results, driving business growth through process, organization and technology development. Profiled by Ziff-Davis in 2006 as a “Great Mind in Development.” Moves fluidly from executive strategy to implementation details, building critical relationships and products. Fearless with tough decisions, and demonstrates seasoned judgment when managing complex issues. Establishes and directs strategic long-term goals, determines how to reach them, and applies appropriate governance, leading with integrity and respect for others.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2005 - 2006
EBAY
Brisbane, California
Management Consultant (reporting to CFO)
Restructured operations and engineering for Shopping.com, a rapidly expanding eBay subsidiary. Developed a comprehensive IT Governance model and executed against that vision, building a culture of discipline and accountability within this 220-member technology group.
2003 - 2005
Genentech
South San Francisco, California
Management Consultant (reporting to VP of IT)
Led organizational reform and operational cost-effectiveness for this 500-employee technical department through sound people management and adoption of best practices, including re-engineering and change management.
2001 - 2003
Vodafone
Walnut Creek, California
Senior Project Manager
Directed all phases of technical deployments for Verizon Wireless, making it the most profitable segment for Vodafone Global Platform. Worked internationally on IT projects and initiatives, creating a cohesive team out of members over multiple locations.
2000 - 2001
Wheelhouse Corp.
San Francisco, CA
Senior Consultant
Developed strategic plans for business development, systems integration, and marketing initiatives for clients in boutique professional services firm.
1992 - 1999
Thomson Consumer Electronics
Indianapolis, Indiana
Financial and technical management
Directed several major independent initiatives at this $8 billion global consumer electronics manufacturer, owner of RCA and GE brands.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION

Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
BS, Business Administration
3.98 GPA (Summa Cum Laude)
Outstanding Professional Award (University's highest honor)
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP

Project Management Institute
President, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
Initiated and developed strategic plan for this 2,300-member chapter, addressing changes in the Bay Area, such as globalization, mergers and acquisitions, pricing pressures and other environmental factors. Partnered with corporations and non-profits to further the profession and serve the community.

RECENT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

April, 2006
Speaker, NorCal Spring Symposium (Sacramento)
“Balanced Scorecard and Strategic Alignment”
May, 2006
Speaker, Risk Symposium (Houston)
“Organizational Impacts of Enterprise and Project Risk”
Jan, 2007
Speaker, PMI Global Congress (Hong Kong)
“Align Project Management with Organizational Strategy”