Phyllis R. Poole
Digital Transformation & Project Management Executive
Williamsburg,VA
Summary
Results-driven Information Technology leader with a proven track record of driving organizational change and digital transformation at the enterprise level. Adept at building and leading high-performing teams, developing strategic roadmaps, and executing complex technology initiatives that align with business goals. Recognized for expertise in project and program management, IT strategy, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration. Skilled in both technical execution and soft leadership, consistently delivering measurable results and fostering innovation across diverse industries.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director, Program Management & Business Systems
Commonwealth of VA
Richmond, VA
07.2024 - Current
- Foster collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to support 120 local Department of Social Services sites and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Led, designed, developed, implemented and maintenance of complex information systems focusing on scalability and user experience.
Division Director, Enterprise Business Solutions
Commonwealth of VA
Richmond, VA
02.2021 - 07.2024
- Directed strategic vision and daily operations for a division of 44 full-time employees, in the Project Management Office, Business Analysis Office, and Client Relationship office.
- Developed and implemented project management best practices, processes, and templates to enhance efficiency, standardization, and improving project delivery by 20%.
- Managed enterprise project delivery using waterfall and Agile methodologies, ensuring alignment with agency objectives and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Drive digital transformation initiatives, including cloud migrations and adoption of low-code application platforms.
- Led the designed, developed, implementation and maintenance of complex information systems focusing on scalability and user experience.
- Modernized 120+ local DSS sites by replacing legacy infrastructure with a cloud-based case management system improving statewide Paternity Establishment Percentage from 72% to 94%.
- Reduced operational cost by $3.8M annually through legacy system decommissioning and automation of 45+ manual processes.
Vice President Project Management Office (PMO)
PRA Group, Inc.
Norfolk, VA
05.2020 - 01.2021
- Directed all aspects of the Project Management Office including demand and portfolio management, project governance, and quality assurance for company-wide initiatives.
- Developed and refined enterprise project management methodologies to support evolving business strategies and priorities.
- Facilitated executive governance and prioritization processes aligning projects with organizational goals and objectives.
- Established a Project Management Center of Excellence collaborating with senior leadership to assess effectiveness and drive adoption of new tools and processes.
- Facilitated quarterly portfolio reviews to provide status and results to executive leadership.
- Implemented Agile best practices.
Technical PMO Leader
Dollar Tree Inc.
Chesapeake, Virginia
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Directed strategy, planning, service delivery, and portfolio management for 15,000 retail chain.
- Led IT integration initiatives with Family Dollar such as application rationalization, roadmap development, and IT implementations.
- Established and managed the Program Management Office, standardizing processes and reporting for large-scale projects.
- Facilitated executive consensus and change management for cross-functional initiatives.
- Provided mentorship and governance for project managers, ensuring best practices in project, financial, and contract management.
Director - Project Management Center of Excellence
Mathematica Policy Research
Washington, DC
07.2016 - 07.2018
- Developed and implemented the PMO structure and organizational model to establish best practices and standards for program management.
- Collaborated with business and IT leaders to identify training needs and deliver comprehensive project management training programs.
- Managed a large portfolio of 300+ projects and 150+ project managers, driving accountability and client satisfaction.
- Led stakeholder engagement and internal ERP systems implementation, streamlining budget and project management processes.
- Provided ongoing guidance, training, and career development for project management staff.
Senior Director - Project Management Office
National Railroad Passenger Corp (Amtrak)
Washington, DC
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Establish the PMO for the ground up, developing project management best practices and governance to a previously decentralized environment.
- Expanded the PMO from 21 to 50 project managers while overseeing a $68 million project portfolio.
- Led technology initiatives including reservation platform overhaul and SAP upgrade.
Director - Program Management
L-3 Communications
Reston, Virginia
03.2009 - 10.2014
- Built and led the Program Management Office for a $600 million division, serving as the primary point of contact for complex global projects.
- Implemented robust governance methodologies and established a Division Center of Excellence.
- Managed international teams responsible for installing command and control centers, security systems, and radio systems.
- Developed and delivered training and certification programs for project and program managers.
Education
MBA - Business
College of William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA06.2025
Leadership Studies - Business
University of Richmond
Richmond, VA05.2004
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Saint Paul's College
Lawrenceville, VA05.1997
Skills
- Digital Transformation
- ERP Strategy
- Implementation
- Optimization
- Program Management
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Change Management
- Agile Methodologies
- Waterfall Methodologies
- Budget Optimization
- Resource Optimization
- Strategic Planning
- Governance
- Quality Assurance
Timeline
Senior Director, Program Management & Business Systems
Commonwealth of VA
07.2024 - Current
Division Director, Enterprise Business Solutions
Commonwealth of VA
02.2021 - 07.2024
Vice President Project Management Office (PMO)
PRA Group, Inc.
05.2020 - 01.2021
Technical PMO Leader
Dollar Tree Inc.
08.2018 - 05.2020
Director - Project Management Center of Excellence
Mathematica Policy Research
07.2016 - 07.2018
Senior Director - Project Management Office
National Railroad Passenger Corp (Amtrak)
01.2014 - 01.2016
Director - Program Management
L-3 Communications
03.2009 - 10.2014
MBA - Business
College of William & Mary
Leadership Studies - Business
University of Richmond
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Saint Paul's College
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