Rick A. Morris

I created a software solution that utilized resource segmentation and real-time metrics to optimize staffing levels in a highly competitive market. This system established fundamental principles of project management and estimation, resulting in a streamlined process for users to input data and enable the software to determine appropriate staffing levels. Additionally, the system recommended scheduling visits based on expected work volume. Its implementation allowed the organization to establish market dominance in a highly competitive, fixed-price industry. The project was awarded “Project of the Year” by a large company and was a significant contributing factor in the division’s acquisition.

Numerous agile coaches possess certification and a comprehensive understanding of the Agile methodology. Nonetheless, during the implementation phase, due to limited practical experience, some coaches encounter difficulties in navigating through the implementation challenges. Consequently, organizations may become frustrated with their substantial investment and the disruption caused to their staff without yielding anticipated rewards. In contrast, I have effectively coordinated and executed transformation initiatives at scale, resulting in the delivery of tangible business outcomes.

Conducted an exhaustive examination of the existing practices and evaluated the status of the implementation. Subsequently, I developed a comprehensive roadmap for a new release, along with business process re-engineering initiatives. The outcome of the project encompassed a substantial savings of $18 million, stemming from inadequate processes and practices that were not generating optimal value. Moreover, I succeeded in rescuing the $5 million investment in the implementation and facilitated the establishment of a more advanced project management office.

I collaborated with the entire organization to spearhead a comprehensive business process re-engineering initiative, which included designing a streamlined process to optimize contractor labor. For instance, instead of summoning a plumber for a single house, the new process involved calling them for three houses. As a result of these efforts, the subdivision, consisting of 115 homes, was completed almost a year earlier than expected. This achievement resulted in record-breaking profits and a surge in the company’s growth trajectory.

Recruited by a small startup to prioritize their focus on developing a minimally viable product and devise funding strategies for additional functionalities. The company aimed to create a novel platform catering to advertising agencies, which led to its acquisition within three years of its inception.

Collaborated with a 50-member PMO to identify areas of inefficiency and designed and implemented automated processes, reports, portlets, and workflows to streamline operations. This culminated in the development of an algorithm to measure the effectiveness and expenses associated with meetings, leading to the elimination of over $5 million in unnecessary meetings. This allowed for the redirection of saved time toward revenue-generating tasks.

Tasked with a two-phase project rollout comprising a technology audit and implementation. The initial plan involved visiting all sites twice. I streamlined the process by integrating audit and implementation on the same trip, with an allowance for revisits to 25% of the sites. However, only 15% of sites required revisits, and 85% of the sites were successfully completed on the first trip, saving $17 million in costs and labor on a fixed-price contract.

Collaborated with senior executives and the existing PMO to revamp project selection and management protocols. Identified over 35 inefficient reports and introduced automated dashboards, freeing up nearly 150 hours of labor each week. This allowed the team to allocate more time to strategic initiatives such as risk mitigation and planning.

Implemented a successful onboarding for over 200,000 users within the first six months of launching an app, followed by doubling the team size and tripling the development output with a 50% reduction in cost per story point through project controls. Consistently increased velocity and reduced cost per story point for 15 consecutive sprints through coaching and implementing world-class processes and procedures.

Directed a 2-phase project to industrialize a GenAI-powered research and insight tool for a global consumer products company. Led discovery, planning, and backlog creation to define product requirements, technical architecture, and user stories. Oversaw sprint execution, backlog prioritization, and stakeholder alignment through structured Agile ceremonies. Captured and validated change requests to maintain scope integrity. Delivered a scalable GenAI tool integrated with internal innovation systems, supporting faster, more data-driven product development. The tool is now a global asset in the company’s innovation lifecycle.

Served as product owner and project manager for a growing SaaS company in the creator economy. Defined and maintained product vision, facilitated planning workshops, and captured evolving requirements from stakeholders and investors. Built and prioritized the product backlog, led estimation sessions, and developed a phased roadmap and staffing plan. Enabled alignment across product and engineering teams, improving delivery cadence and transparency. Positioned the platform for scalable growth by implementing foundational Agile processes, lifecycle management practices, and a clear delivery path for future iterations.

Served as senior project manager for a high-stakes malaria vaccine initiative led by a major pediatric hospital in Canada. Coordinated cross-functional efforts among seven global research institutes, managing experiment timelines, stakeholder communication, and legal workflows related to reagent transfer. Established an accountability framework to drive ownership of deliverables, enabling consistent progress reporting and milestone achievement. Facilitated logistics for annual retreats and ongoing virtual collaboration, ensuring alignment across research and operations. Identified project risks and implemented mitigation strategies to protect timelines and objectives. The role bridged scientific execution, legal compliance, and operational planning, directly contributing to one of the hospital’s most ambitious global health collaborations.

Led the change management workstream for a Fortune 500 manufacturer undergoing a major onboarding transformation across its US plant network. Developed a scalable framework to address onboarding challenges while accounting for the unique operational realities of 60 distinct manufacturing sites. Engaged frontline employees, plant leaders, and corporate stakeholders to assess readiness, align goals, and drive adoption. Created tailored engagement plans, stakeholder maps, and communication toolkits to ensure consistency without compromising site-specific needs. Anticipated resistance and built feedback loops to adapt rollout strategies in real time. This initiative laid the foundation for improved retention, faster ramp-up times, and a future global expansion of the onboarding model.