SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

-- Over ten years in configuration management: release engineering, build engineering,  
and version/change control using a variety of tools on multiple platforms.
-- Outstanding organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. 
Demonstrated ability to participate in multiple complex projects effectively.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Configuration Manager

Celera Genomics, Rockville, MD    September 2003 - present


Senior Configuration Management Developer 

Manugistics Inc., Rockville, MD   April 1997 - November 2002
-- Supported Java/C++ projects using CVS and PVCS (Perl, shell, and batch file 
scripting, process development, repository and branching model/maintenance). 
-- CVS/Ant, PVCS/Config Builder builds on AIX, HP, DEC, SUN/Solaris, NT, OS/2.
-- Problem and change tracking via Vantive, administered DCS (now PVCS Tracker).
-- Master media production (InstallShield, InstallAnywhere), tapes/CDs, FTP. 
-- Escrowed releases including build documentation to ensure business continuity.
-- Provided dedicated customer service, including prompt delivery of patches.
-- Prepared and gave presentations/training on CM processes and tools.
-- Created internal website CVS section and FAQ and other CM pages.
-- Contributed process, build, and other documentation to Lotus Notes Lab/CM DB.
-- Administered PVCS VM (file promotions, licenses, difference reports).
-- Implemented pilot project of PVCS 6.5 including VM (Web) Server.  
-- Awarded for Y2K efforts including company-wide upgrade to Y2K-compliant PVCS 6.0
(tested, implemented locally, coordinated/implemented remote sites' upgrades).
-- Represented Manugistics on Merant PVCS Customer Advisory Board (1998-1999).

Configuration Management Specialist 

BMC Software, Inc. (MAXM Systems; Boole and Babbage)
McLean, VA  March 1995 - April 1997 
-- Administered software repositories (PVCS archives of source code).
-- Built software on Windows NT, AIX, HP, AT&T/NCR MP-RAS, and OS/2 platforms. 
-- Identified build components (e.g., revision levels); confirmed expected 
changes; delivered install image and related instructions/materials for 
distribution.  Acted as packaging/distribution/shipping back-up as needed.
-- Established procedures for new projects (new repositories, branches for parallel
development, build scripts). Created Lotus Notes database to document these and 
provide build, change, and other SCM-related information to developers, QA, etc.
-- Performed some system administration functions while replacements were hired.
-- Software media librarian (third-party tools, repository backups, release media). 

SCM Engineer

Itron, Inc., Spokane, WA   August 1994 - January 1995 
-- Provided SCM support for C++ developers on SunOS UNIX, DOS, Windows, and OS/2.
-- Primary SCM engineer for automated data collection client-server project:  
builds, releases, and version control using PVCS and proprietary tools.
-- Participated in SCM tool evaluation and selection (developing questions for 
vendors, designing evaluation tests, researching, contributing to final decision). 

Software Project Engineer 

Xerox Corp., Rochester, NY  June 1988 - May 1994 
-- Started as associate engineer coding in Mesa (proprietary Ada-like language) for
digital imaging page description language (PostScript, Interpress) group: ports,
modifications; designed modules and subroutines for color ink jet printer project.
-- Conducted desktop publishing competitive benchmarking and demographics study.
-- Joined SCM team, received multiple promotions and awards, such as that for 
leading Immortal Software team for DocuTech (Xerox flagship printer): 
evaluated quality of SCM; developed audits of long-range software recreatibility.
-- Automated software change-tracking process:  80% faster; more reliable.  Sought
customer requirements; designed, implemented, evaluated and released package.
-- Participated in groups invited to give feedback on SCM criteria for the 
Capability Maturity Model to Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering 
Institute, and SCM course materials and lectures to Learning Tree International.
-- Helped represent DocuTech on Xerox-wide team to develop corporate SCM standards.
-- Led task group to assure the quality of UI software before translation/launch: 
Liaisoned with engineers in Japan and Europe on deliverables/schedules; determined 
contents, ensured correct production of special test release software kits; 
coordinated demos, pre-release tests with integration testing staff; participated
in change control board; facilitated design and code reviews for proprietary SCM
toolset improvements, and supported Lisp developers (SCM and server needs).

TRAINING, CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS

-- ISO 9001 and CMM/CMMI, August 2003, Perot Systems Government Services
-- SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security) Institute briefings, 
part of SANS Network Security 2002 (October 2002)
-- PVCS VM 6.5 for Administrators (Merant, 1999)
-- UNIX Tools and Utilities: A Hands-On Workshop (Learning Tree, 1996)
-- Communications Unleashed (Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility 1996)
-- CMII 1996 (Institute for Configuration Management conference)
-- HTML design class by MAXM Systems corporate web designer (1995)
-- Lotus Notes training sessions by certified Lotus Notes Administrator (1995)
-- Electronic Industries Assn. Interim Standard 649 (DOD Acquisition Reform's 
impact on CM, 1995)
-- Open Software Foundation DCE Features and Functionality (1995)
-- OS/2 (Learning Tree International, 1994)
-- CPSR Directions and Implications of Advanced Computing '94
-- Open Software Foundation Research Institute Symposium '94
-- Various Xerox seminars: Electronic Information Security, Writing 
Technical Reports, Software Requirements Specification, Patent Awareness, Project 
Planning and Management, Quality Improvement Process, Problem-Solving Process.

EDUCATION

-- BS, Computer Science (GPA 3.80, Magna Cum Laude), College of Charleston 1988 
Outstanding Student Awards in Computer Science and Philosophy.  Defended Honors 
Program Senior Thesis on artificial intelligence to CS department.  Won South 
Carolina undergraduate philosophy contest; presented winning paper at conference. 
-- Logic teaching assistant: tutored students in advanced symbolic logic;
prepared and presented selected lectures; administered and graded exams.
-- PC Software Librarian: Assisted students (selection/use of various packages).
-- Computer Lab Assistant: Ran printers; set up computers for students; gave 
debugging assistance.

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

For current information, please see http://www.sarahelkins.org/ 
-- 1987-1988 President, Senior Class at College of Charleston
-- 1987-1988 President, Association for Computing Machinery Student Chapter
-- 1986-1987 President, Honors Program Student Association