Richard is available for hire

Richard Forsythe

Verified Expert in Engineering

Solutions Architect and Software Developer

Lake Forest, CA, United States

Toptal member since November 11, 2015

Expertise

Back-end Developers SaaS Full-stack Interim CTOs SOC 2( Service Organization Control)PostgreSQL Database SQL Stripe Development Agile Development MySQL Bluetooth Parse IFTTT Objective-C

Bio

Richard’s success in managing large mobile development projects stems from in-depth experience in a multitude of roles covering development, product ownership, and QA engineering. This client-centered experience, combined with a successful track record in managing global teams of remote talent, helps maximize project outcomes.

Portfolio

Kindbody

HIPAA Compliance, PostgreSQL, Ruby on Rails (RoR), React, Vue, React Native...

Sterling Brokers

ADP, Heroku, PostgreSQL, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Ruby, Back-end, Databases...

Authentia

Neural Networks, Machine Learning, Mobile Apps, Blockchain...

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

Linux, MacOS, GitHub, PhpStorm, Komodo Edit, Xcode

The most amazing...

...program I've written is a game for the ZX Spectrum, written entirely in assembly language.

Work Experience

Chief Product & Technology Officer

2020 - 2025

Kindbody

Worked at Kindbody, which owns a large network of US-based fertility clinics that has grown 20x over the last five years.
Served as a hands-on manager and chief architect of the engineering team that enhanced and maintained Kindbody's proprietary EMR and patient portal.
Pioneered internal initiatives to leverage LLMs and ML to improve productivity for doctors and CX agents.
Grew the engineering team from the ground up to over 25 people using highly agile processes to deliver ongoing enhancements as needed.
Installed the SRE team to ensure the 24/7 availability of critical applications.
Scaled the BI team from one business analyst to a full BI team, covering multiple system inputs, complex ETL, and dashboard and reporting across approximately 20 distinct business functions.
Took over the RCM team and improved productivity by 25% in 180 days.
Built the product team from the ground up to work closely with 32 distinct stakeholders around the organization to ensure their requirements were prioritized appropriately across the entire organization.
Scaled the remote IT team to support the company's growth from 1 clinic to 30+, ensuring HIPAA-compliant security at all times.
Achieved the company's 1st SOC2 certification and subsequent recertifications as needed.

Technologies: HIPAA Compliance, PostgreSQL, Ruby on Rails (RoR), React, Vue, React Native, Back-end, Databases, TypeScript, SQL, JavaScript, Large Language Models (LLMs), Communication, Technical Leadership, Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), CTO, Fine-tuning, Architecture, Stakeholder Management, Software Evaluation, Scaling, Product Leadership, Project Leadership, Board Reporting, Strategic Planning, SOC 2, Application Architecture, Solution Architecture, System Administration, API Connectors, OpenAI API, Stripe, API Integration, APIs, DevOps, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Electronic Health Records (EHR), Full-stack, HIPAA Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), HL7, HL7 FHIR Standard, Healthcare Software, System Architecture Design, New Products, Software as a Service (SaaS), Leadership, Agile Software Development, Software Architecture, Data Pipelines, Database Architecture, Data Structures, CI/CD Pipelines, Stripe Connect

Chief Technology Officer

2017 - 2019

Sterling Brokers

Guided the Toptal client from initial concept to a web-based application handling their mission-critical functions from customer enrollment through to invoicing.
Opened the project with in-depth discussions on requirements, created a detailed backlog, and presented project proposal for time, budget, and scope.
Coordinated closely with each team member to build the envisioned product according to specifications and within tight delivery deadlines.
Worked with the client to ensure that the highly complex set of business requirements was implemented in an optimal fashion and within expectations.
Collaborated with third parties, including ADP Payroll, to implement data integration functions as needed for the system.
Selected and onboarded Toptal team members, including a designer, developers, and QA.

Technologies: ADP, Heroku, PostgreSQL, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Ruby, Back-end, Databases, TypeScript, SQL, Agile Project Management, Business Intelligence (BI), Technical Project Management, Stakeholder Interviews, Agile, Remote Work, Remote Team Leadership, JavaScript, Communication, Technical Leadership, Security, CTO, Fractional CTO, Fine-tuning, Architecture, Stakeholder Management, Software Evaluation, Scaling, Product Leadership, Project Leadership, Application Architecture, Solution Architecture, API Connectors, Stripe, API Integration, APIs, DevOps, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Full-stack, System Architecture Design, New Products, Software as a Service (SaaS), Leadership, Agile Software Development, Software Architecture, Data Pipelines, Database Architecture, Data Structures, CI/CD Pipelines, MongoDB

Technical Lead

2017 - 2018

Authentia

Collaborated with the founder and stakeholders to define the detailed requirements for a mobile application, including the ability for a camera to scan an image, converting the pattern to an ID code using machine learning.
Guided the machine learning (ML) engineer as they built and refined the neural network.
Iterated mobile app concepts and UX with the designer before presentation to the client.
Focused on the overall project scope to ensure budget constraints were met.

Technologies: Neural Networks, Machine Learning, Mobile Apps, Blockchain, System Architecture Design, New Products, Software as a Service (SaaS), Agile Software Development

Technical Lead and Project Manager

2016 - 2017

Major Insurance Services Company (via Toptal)

Guided the client from concept to a web-based application for collecting and presenting customer satisfaction data in support of claims process improvement.
Kicked off the project with an in-depth process of business analysis, story-writing, and backlog building to define scope.
Worked closely with client executives to build an agreed-upon project plan and budget, based on 250+ stories in the backlog.
Coordinated with the client as product requirements evolved, ensuring maximum agility during product development while avoiding unnecessary rework.
Selected and onboarded the Toptal team, including a designer, developers, and QA.
Worked closely with each team member to build the client's product according to specifications.

Technologies: Oracle, React, Spring Boot, Java, SQL, Project Leadership, Unix, System Administration, Agile Software Development, Software Architecture, Database Architecture, Data Structures

Project Manager | iOS Team Lead (via Toptal)

2016 - 2017

Duodecad

Managed a rapidly expanding team of worldwide iOS developers.
Converted Parse-based iOS code to a custom back end.
Implemented significant new video editing functionality.
Converted the app to the HTTP Live Streaming protocol.
Enhanced layer-based video messaging functionality.
Collaborated with team members on major architectural decisions.

Technologies: HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), AVFoundation, Core Animation, Objective-C, Back-end, Databases, TypeScript, SQL, Communication, Technical Leadership, Fine-tuning, Scaling, Project Leadership, API Integration, Node.js, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), System Architecture Design, Software as a Service (SaaS), Agile Software Development

Freelance iOS Developer

2015 - 2017

Superlative Home Shopper

Took responsibility for the existing codebase for an app targeted at home buyers.
Implemented improved search functionality within the app.
Upgraded the app to the latest iOS version compatibility.
Upgraded Core Location functionality to iOS 8 compliance.

Technologies: Objective-C, Back-end, Databases, TypeScript, SQL, Communication, Technical Leadership, Fine-tuning, API Connectors, API Integration, APIs, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Software as a Service (SaaS), Agile Software Development

Lead Back-end & iOS Developer

2016 - 2016

Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturer

Led ground-up development effort of an iOS app and back-end services that communicate with a hardware device via Bluetooth.
Worked with hardware engineers to ensure maximum data throughput between device and iPhone.
Built the interface to a Bluetooth device via Apple's ExternalAccessory Framework.
Designed app wireframes for review and approval by business owners.
Implemented a Laravel-based API, including documentation and automated tests.

Technologies: External Accessory, Bluetooth, Laravel, PHP, Swift, Back-end, Databases, TypeScript, SQL, Communication, Technical Leadership, Fine-tuning, Architecture, Application Architecture, Solution Architecture, Software as a Service (SaaS), Full-stack Development, Agile Software Development

Project Manager

2016 - 2016

Brightfox (via Toptal)

Led the team in a fast-start initiative to scope and estimate an educational iPad concept.
Worked closely with the client to create a detailed set of user stories.
Completed the project successfully, on time, and comfortably within budget.
Delivered wireframes, product backlog, and related technology advice during concept development.

Technologies: Agile, iOS, Back-end, TypeScript, SQL, Communication, Technical Leadership, Fine-tuning, Stakeholder Management, Project Leadership, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), New Products, Agile Software Development

Project Manager

2016 - 2016

The Ansel Adams Gallery (via Toptal)

Led the team in a fast-start initiative to scope and estimate a mobile app concept.
Worked closely with the client to create a detailed set of user stories.
Completed the project successfully, on time, and comfortably within budget.
Delivered wireframes, product backlog, and graphic design.

Technologies: Agile, Mapping, Linux, PHP, iOS, Communication, Technical Leadership, Fine-tuning, Stakeholder Management, Project Leadership, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Agile Software Development

SDET for iOS App

2016 - 2016

Minds + Assembly (via Toptal)

Led daily and weekly planning meetings throughout the project.
Handled the QA process from conception to App Store submission.
Tested mission-critical AWS SNS-based push notification functionality.
Managed the user acceptance testing process and resulting issue resolution.
Supervised App Store submission process for a successful on-time launch.

Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Firebase, Amazon Simple Notification Service (SNS), Swift, Scrum, Agile, Communication, Fine-tuning

iOS & Back-end Developer

2016 - 2016

Glass Financial (via Toptal)

Migrated the app from Parse to a custom-built PHP/MySQL API.
Created the database and PHP-based API used by the iOS app.
Set up and maintained the AWS infrastructure required for the project.
Implemented in-app purchases for three recurring subscription options.
Integrated the app with Plaid API for financial transactions.

Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Plaid, MySQL, PHP, Objective-C, Parse, Communication, Technical Leadership, Full-stack, System Architecture Design, Full-stack Development, Database Architecture

CTO

2015 - 2016

Stealth Startup

Collaborated with the company's mission: a structured content editing platform to support complex document creation and revision.
Worked with the founder on defining how technology can support his vision.
Supported the founder on sales calls with prospective customers and partners.
Collaborated with the founder to find and hire qualified engineers for his organization.

Technologies: Knowledge Graphs, Retrieval-augmented Generation (RAG), DITA, Graph Databases, Ontologies, Ontology Framework, Fine-tuning, Architecture, Stakeholder Management, Application Architecture, Solution Architecture, System Administration, API Connectors, API Integration, APIs, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Database Architecture

iOS Developer & Product Manager

2015 - 2016

instaMelody

Took responsibility for the pre-existing codebase.
Stabilized code in preparation for App Store submission.
Worked with the founder to prioritize and implement required features.
Optimized the design to facilitate sharing of audio files.

Technologies: AVFoundation, GitHub, Objective-C, Communication, Technical Leadership

App & Web Developer, Server Admin

2015 - 2016

SESH Release (via Toptal)

Took responsibility for pre-existing code, fixing remaining issues.
Updated Objective-C to support ARC and iPhone 5 screen layout.
Reconfigured handling of image files to reduce bandwidth requirements.
Optimized AWS configuration for web and database server, and implemented SSL support.
Made critical enhancements to the mobile and web applications prior to App Store submission.

Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), ImageMagick, HTML, jQuery, Ubuntu, MySQL, WordPress, Objective-C, Communication, Technical Leadership, Stripe, Content Management Systems (CMS), Full-stack, Full-stack Development

Technical Product Manager

2015 - 2016

Insight Notes

Joined a small team as the first product manager, formalizing the role and coordinating product releases.
Functioned as lead QA engineer, working closely with the developers on enhancements and bug fixes.
Handled HIPAA-compliant server setup and configuration for both live and dev environments.
Introduced a structured process for version management.

Technologies: NGINX, RHEL, iPad, Encryption, Objective-C, iOS, Communication, Project Leadership

CTO

2013 - 2016

NoteStream

Managed a programming team from concept to beta delivery.
Took over QA responsibility to maximize app stability.
Directly oversaw significant enhancements to the app since 2014.
Implemented support for VoiceOver, Apple's accessibility function for the visually impaired.
Implemented full support for iOS 9 search functionality, NSUserActivity, and CoreSpotlight API, making the app compliant with AMSO standards.
Implemented deep links, universal links, and web markup to fully support iOS Applebot search functionality.
Implemented Apple push notification service for back end and front end.
Handled all work on PHP and MySQL back end, implementing REST API for the app.
Implemented SQL queries and procedures to support business reporting requirements.

Technologies: CSS, Apache, CentOS, HTML, MySQL, PHP, Objective-C, Communication, Content Management Systems (CMS)

App Developer

2015 - 2015

Crew Tools

Developed an app from the ground up, designed both for iPhone and iPad.
Wrote code to scrape the existing website, gathering complex data for presentation in the app.
Coordinated with a graphic designer for layout and branding.
Implemented Auto Layout to support iPad and iPhone screen formats, including split landscape view.

Technologies: Huhtamaki PPL, WebKit, XPath, Objective-C

Project Manager

2013 - 2014

Global Pharmaceutical Company (via Toptal)

Managed a team of developers and QA engineers building an internal web-based business application.
Led Agile development processes with weekly sprints and daily stand ups.
Handled the transformation of user requests into actionable, implementation-ready Jira stories within a highly specialized scientific domain.
Managed the implementation of formal QA processes.
Supported the resolution of issues raised by PostgreSQL database over one terabyte.

Technologies: AngularJS, Django, Python, PostgreSQL, SQL, Project Leadership, Unix, System Administration, Data Structures

Technical Project Manager

2013 - 2013

Multi-dwelling Real Estate Developer (via Toptal)

Developed specifications for a futuristic smart home concept, incorporating custom voice interface and IoT control.
Designed technical architecture for the proof-of-concept application.
Worked with the designer to create a complex, cross-platform UX/UI framework.
Evaluated a variety of voice interaction platforms for strategic incorporation into proposed solution.

Technologies: IFTTT, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Speech to Text, Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Internet of Things (IoT), Project Leadership

SVP, Global Strategy

2005 - 2013

Sage

Spearheaded the development of a global strategy for Sage Group plc, an FTSE-100 company.
Worked with global business units on country-specific and group-specific strategy, refining growth patterns and projections for maximum shareholder benefit.
Formalized a portfolio management model for the organization's extensive range of individual businesses, supporting both individual brands and the corporate entity.
Reviewed global mergers and acquisitions with a view to making a board recommendation on their alignment with Sage's strategic goals.
Reported directly to the Board of Directors regarding this position.

Technologies: Strategy, Portfolio Management, Product Leadership, Project Leadership, Board Reporting, Strategic Planning

ERP Product Management

1994 - 2005

Sage Group, Plc.

Negotiated with engineering teams to establish project scope and timelines.
Prioritized features and ROI to align sales and marketing objectives with engineering schedules.
Facilitated senior executive decision-making regarding product release cycle and resource allocations.
Represented sales and marketing in engineering design discussions.

Technologies: Agile Project Management, Product Leadership, Project Leadership

Experience

VU2

VU2 is a fun new app for discovering, creating, and sharing video stories.

GLASS

Secure Customizable Financial Management and Expense Tracking for All Your Accounts

LoveTapp

LoveTapp is a completely anonymous and super simple emotional network, designed to do one thing and one thing only: provide support for those who are struggling, when they need it most.

Superlative HomeShopper App

App allows home-buyers to collaborate with their personal agent or broker to find the perfect home.

Insight Notes iPad App

Insight Notes simply & intuitively provides HIPAA-compliant & encrypted note-taking, basic record keeping, & secure record sharing for therapists & other health professionals.

Education

1995 - 1997

MBA Degree in Business

The Edinburgh Business School - Distance Learning

1988 - 1991

Master's Degree in Mathematics & Computation

Oxford University - Oxford, England

1988 - 1991

Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics & Computation

Oxford University - Oxford, England

Skills

Libraries/APIs

Stripe, Stripe Connect, React, OpenAI API, jQuery, ImageMagick, Core Animation, Parse SDK, Facebook iOS SDK, CocoaPods, Vue, Node.js

Tools

Xcode, SourceTree, Komodo Edit, PhpStorm, GitHub, Plaid, Amazon Simple Notification Service (SNS), Google Assistant, AWS SDK, NGINX, Apache, Git, Adobe Photoshop

Languages

Objective-C, SQL, PHP, Swift, TypeScript, XPath, Python, Ruby, Java, JavaScript, CSS, HTML

Frameworks

Ruby on Rails (RoR), Cocoa Touch, External Accessory, Django, AngularJS, Spring Boot, Laravel, AFNetworking, React Native, Ontology Framework

Paradigms

Agile Software Development, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), REST, HIPAA Compliance, Application Architecture, HL7 FHIR Standard, DevOps, Agile, Scrum, Agile Project Management, Business Intelligence (BI)

Platforms

iOS, Firebase, Amazon Web Services (AWS), WordPress, Unix, MacOS, CentOS, Ubuntu, Parse, Oracle, Heroku, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, Amazon EC2, Linux, Linux RHEL/CentOS, Blockchain

Storage

PostgreSQL, SQLite, MySQL, Databases, Data Pipelines, Database Architecture, Graph Databases, MongoDB

Industry Expertise

Project Management

Other

Back-end, Communication, Technical Leadership, Security, CTO, Fractional CTO, Fine-tuning, Architecture, Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Software Evaluation, Scaling, Strategic Planning, Board Reporting, Project Leadership, Product Leadership, SOC 2, Solution Architecture, API Connectors, API Integration, APIs, Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Electronic Health Records (EHR), Full-stack, HIPAA Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), HL7, Healthcare Software, System Architecture Design, New Products, Software as a Service (SaaS), Leadership, Software Architecture, Data Structures, CI/CD Pipelines, Bluetooth, Large Language Models (LLMs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), System Administration, Content Management Systems (CMS), Full-stack Development, Encryption, iPad, RHEL, AVFoundation, WebKit, Huhtamaki PPL, Mapping, HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), ADP, Internet of Things (IoT), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Speech to Text, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT), Technical Project Management, Stakeholder Interviews, Remote Work, Remote Team Leadership, Knowledge Graphs, Retrieval-augmented Generation (RAG), DITA, Ontologies, Portfolio Management, Finance, Organizational Design, Business Administration, Neural Networks, Machine Learning, Mobile Apps

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