I’m extremely honored to be a candidate for the Agile Alliance Board of Directors. The recommended slate includes Becky Hartman, Heidi Musser and myself.
This is my candidate statement:
I have been active in the software development industry for over 20 years. Around 2000, a colleague introduced me to Extreme Programming (XP) as an alternative approach to help teach a client how to build a web application. The benefits from practices such as pair programming, test driven development, and small releases were immediately evident: I could help others learn how to develop high-quality software. While I loved the value XP brought, I ended up spending the next 5 years on large waterfall government projects. Then in 2005, I was exposed to the Agile Manifesto and Scrum. After struggling with our Agile transformation, that same desire of wanting to help others and myself learn returned full force. Thus, began my journey of intense experimentation by attending Agile Alliance conferences and trainings for the past 10 years in a variety of practitioner roles from Developer, ScrumMaster, Project Manager, and Director of Development. Today, I am an Agile Coach and Trainer with Agile For All.
The role of Agile Alliance is to support those who explore and apply Agile values, principles, and practices to make the software industry productive, humane, and sustainable. Personally, I have grown tremendously because of the connections facilitated by Agile Alliance. I’ve focused on continuously paying it forward by speaking or helping to organize theAgile20xx conference since 2010, including the privilege of being the Agile2017 Conference Chair.
As a member of the Agile community, I respect the challenges that may occur embracing Agile within and beyond IT. In addition, I have a great admiration of leaders who cultivate engaging organizations willing to tackle impediments. I believe being Agile is essential in our complex world – we need to continue to encourage new and innovative ways to deliver valuable software. Thus, I look forward to becoming more involved with other programs that Agile Alliance offers, especially when it comes to balancing the support of new entrants into the Agile community while also advocating for those advancing agile. As an Agile Alliance board member, I am eager to direct my passion, compassion and dedication towards helping the Agile community continue to make a difference.
I had someone contact me with basically “nice candidate statement but really why?”. Very simply, I felt that I had more to help with this community. I’ve been engaged with the conference for so many years; what’s next? After many conversations and asking “what’s the risk?”, I submitted for consideration. I was then interviewed along with what I’m positive was numerous other quality candidates. Confession…I let out a scream of joy when I learned that I had been recommended.
What happens now? Well, Agile Alliance Members will receive an email with a link to vote for the slate of directors for the 2018-2021 term. These election results will be reported at the annual member meeting during the Agile2017 conference in Orlando, Florida (USA).
So if you are a member, please check your email and vote!
