Web Developer / Systems Analyst

Aug 1996 – Aug 2000, United States Marine Corps, Quantico, VA & Kansas City, MO

In my foundational role as a Web Developer and Systems Analyst for the United States Marine Corps, I supported the design, development, and implementation of critical administrative and operational systems across high-security environments. Working within strict federal standards, I developed and maintained COBOL-based applications that served key functions including payroll, logistics, and personnel data. This role provided early exposure to systems thinking, cross-functional communication, and precision execution — all under high-pressure conditions. Beyond technical development, I quickly took on leadership responsibilities within small, high-impact teams and began cultivating the strategic mindset, disciplined work ethic, and operational clarity that continue to inform my leadership style today.

Leadership & Early Career Development

Took on early leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior developers and managing small team deliverables in high-stakes operational environments
Built a foundational understanding of cross-functional collaboration by working closely with command staff, IT security, and logistics operations
Developed a structured, process-driven approach to documentation, QA, and deployment that has informed every role since
Embraced a mission-first, servant-leadership style that balanced precision, discipline, and adaptability in fast-changing environments
Learned to navigate complex organizational structures and align technical solutions with both end-user needs and command objectives
Began building the communication and strategic planning skills that would eventually scale to executive-level digital leadership

Job Details

Results & Impact

Maintained and optimized COBOL-based programs supporting payroll, personnel tracking, and operational logistics
Led the migration of legacy systems from COBOL mainframe environments to Oracle database-driven platforms, reducing processing time and improving data accuracy
Contributed to the modernization of backend infrastructure that enabled the shift toward web-enabled, cloud-capable systems within Department of Defense environments
Authored structured test cases, QA documentation, and validation protocols used during software upgrades and release cycles
Improved system uptime and reliability by conducting functional impact assessments and resolving logic conflicts during transitions
Supported mission readiness by optimizing personnel tracking systems that improved data accessibility for commanding officers and administrative teams
Prioritized development task orders based on operational urgency, resource allocation, and evolving mission requirements
Delivered projects with over 95% on-time and accuracy ratings across four consecutive review cycles

Skills Leveraged

Took on early leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior developers and managing small team deliverables in high-stakes operational environments
Built a foundational understanding of cross-functional collaboration by working closely with command staff, IT security, and logistics operations
Developed a structured, process-driven approach to documentation, QA, and deployment that has informed every role since
Embraced a mission-first, servant-leadership style that balanced precision, discipline, and adaptability in fast-changing environments
Learned to navigate complex organizational structures and align technical solutions with both end-user needs and command objectives
Began building the communication and strategic planning skills that would eventually scale to executive-level digital leadership