California State University, Chico

Quality Assurance Director / Manager

•In my role as the Director of Quality Assurance at Verb Technology, I led the charge, ensuring the highest standards of quality across all our product lines. Combining my extensive expertise in Quality Assurance with innovative AI technologies, I spearheaded the development of cutting-edge test strategies and analytical procedures to enhance product integrity and reliability.

•As a change agent for progressive methodologies, my tenure as Director of Agile Practice Management was marked by the successful transformation and integration of Agile principles within the fabric of the company. My commitment to improving operational efficiencies saw me implement Lean, Six Sigma, and AI-driven tools to illuminate paths to predictability, streamline workflows, and enhance clarity in cross-team collaborations.

•Capitalizing on the predictive power of AI, my strategies not only optimized testing processes but also played a pivotal role in elevating team productivity and performance. By harnessing data analytics, I provided actionable insights that propelled us toward smarter decisions and a more robust product ecosystem, cementing Verb Technology's position as a leader in the tech industry.

Verb Technology Company, Inc .

Director of Quality Assurance, Director of Agile and Practice Management 

•As the Quality Assurance Senior Manager at Stitcher, based in San Francisco, I orchestrated a comprehensive suite of testing initiatives across Web, iOS, Android, App, and Backend systems. I championed the integration of automation into our testing practices, resulting in enhanced efficiency and precision.

•My leadership was pivotal in the rollout of a full Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline, leveraging tools such as Jenkins, Appium, SauceLabs, BrowserStack, TestRail, New Relic, Katalon, Android Studio, Cucumber, and WebDriver. This initiative not only streamlined our deployment process but also fortified our platform's stability and user experience.

•As an advocate for agile excellence, I facilitated Stitcher's shift toward agile scrum methodologies, reducing sprint times by over 50% while simultaneously boosting our scope of testing. I embraced the role of Jira administrator, steering sprint planning, pointing, backlog maintenance, retrospectives, and daily stand-ups, thereby cultivating a more agile and responsive development culture.

•In my charge of talent acquisition, I sourced, evaluated, and onboarded both manual and automation QA engineers, shaping a team equipped to meet our increasingly sophisticated testing needs. My strategic application of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), and growth metrics offered clear direction and quantifiable targets for the QA team, ensuring alignment with the company's overarching goals.

•Through my commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, I executed in-depth audits to assess and optimize our test case coverage, defining clear roadmaps and project plans to achieve complete coverage. Utilizing Confluence, Asana, Trello, Jira, PowerPoint, and Visio, I maintained open channels of communication and furnished regular insights to stakeholders, highlighting the QA team's progress and contributions to Stitcher's success.

Stitcher

Quality Assurance Senior Manager

•As the Director of Quality Assurance at PopSugar, I played a key role in integrating AI and automation to revolutionize our digital outreach. Commanding a readership of 300 million, my strategy was instrumental in capturing the essence of female millennial engagement.

•I catalyzed the growth of our QA team, introducing an AI-driven approach that involved expert recruitment, including a seasoned QA Manager, 6 specialized QA engineers, and 12 testers. Through diligent process refinement, we optimized our cost structures, achieving an impressive $350,000 in annual savings and streamlining efficiency by redirecting testing duties under the QA team's expertise.

•Under my stewardship, PopSugar's engineering squadron achieved a flawless 100% CI/CD pipeline deployment, harnessing Jenkins and Selenium Grid. We connected to an arsenal of over 75 browsers, slashing automation times by an exceptional 98%, propelling our release cycles to new heights.

•As the force behind our migration to Jira, I ensured our agile methodologies were not only adopted but were augmented through comprehensive automation-focused training. Our team's efforts were publicly recognized during a company-wide meeting, where the acceleration of development via process improvements and automated infrastructure was celebrated.

•Constant investment in performance testing and analytics through New Relic paid off with an over 10% surge in response times for PopSugar's site, drastically uplifting the user experience for a global audience. The fusion of AI, automation, and a culture of continuous improvement under my direction not only streamlined our operations but also benchmarked a new standard in quality assurance and digital innovation.

POPSUGAR

Director Of Quality Assurance

•During my time at Shutterstock, a global leader in stock imagery, I blended technical acumen and innovative approaches to significantly advance our digital architecture. As a Senior SDET, I championed the development and implementation of a highly sophisticated Single Sign-On (SSO) system across all company properties. This initiative was a keystone in refining user access while capitalizing on automation to bolster security and streamline the user experience.

•My peers and leaders at Shutterstock recognized my contribution to enhancing software quality and operational efficiency. The QA Director, Sandeep, remarked, "Ian is one of the best Test Engineers to work with. Ian has a long-lasting positive impact on people." This endorsement is a testament not just to my technical expertise, but also to the positive and inspiring influence I exerted on our team, fostering an environment ripe for innovation and growth.

•In the domain of automated testing, I was instrumental in crafting sophisticated Ruby and Cucumber automated scripts employing the page object model—a testament to my commitment to scalable and maintainable test automation. I architected over 100 advanced Selenium WebDriver scripts, which significantly elevated our QA processes. Further, by completing a comprehensive Ruby bootcamp, I expanded my expertise in scripting languages, demonstrating an insatiable desire to master the tools at the forefront of AI-driven testing.

•My tenure at Shutterstock was marked by an avid engagement with a broad range of technologies, including work with Node.js, Unix, and Java. These endeavors illustrate my holistic grasp of software engineering—a grasp which I utilized to pioneer automation frameworks that improved reliability and accelerated delivery. My relentless pursuit to stay at the cutting edge of AI and automation was central to driving the company's testing capabilities forward, ensuring scalable, intelligent solutions that aligned with business goals.

Shutterstock

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test

•At Beatport, a hub for electronic music culture, I served as a Principal Quality Assurance Engineer leading a team of exceptionally talented individuals in San Francisco. We innovatively created DJ.Beatport.com, a groundbreaking platform that redefined the music industry. This venture was a remarkable success story, as we eclipsed long-standing competitors and established a new paradigm in the digital music sphere. To date, the company boasts an impressive roster of over 160,000 DJ profiles and 50,000 listed events.

•My role involved spearheading the development of an integrated web and mobile automation stack, which was a defining step towards embracing full-spectrum automation and AI-driven testing strategies. We achieved this by integrating powerful tools like AWS, Jenkins, Selenium Grid, SauceLabs, GitHub, and Slack, which allowed us to run automated test scripts in parallel across a diverse array of browsers, operating systems, and mobile platforms—both web and native applications.

•I was entrusted with the critical responsibility of ensuring the integrity of every release, feature, and patch emanating from the San Francisco office. Under my vigilant oversight, our team set an unmatched record within the company for the highest number of consecutive sprints without any need for production patches. This highlighted our commitment to quality and the tremendous efficacy of implementing AI and automation in our testing protocols.

•My tenure at Beatport was characterized by a passion for driving technological excellence, championing AI to not only automate processes but also to leverage intelligent insights that guaranteed flawless releases. My leadership played an indispensable role in setting new industry benchmarks for quality assurance and fostering an environment that valued precision, innovation, and forward-thinking approaches to software development.

Beatport

Principal Quality Assurance Engineer

•At ReadyTalk, a pioneer in web conferencing and communication solutions, I took the helm as the Senior Quality Assurance Engineer Lead, where I was instrumental in propelling numerous successful company releases to market. My tenure was marked by a distinctive proficiency for uncovering the most critical and high-impact bugs, boosting product reliability and customer satisfaction.

•Harnessing the power of AI and automation, I was deeply involved in the daily application of agile scrum methodologies, playing a pivotal role in story pointing, iteration planning, morning scrums, bug triage, and retrospectives. My focus on continual process improvement and efficiency was evident in the way I guided the team through each developmental phase with precision and foresight.

•A significant achievement during my time at ReadyTalk was the seamless migration of our project management from Rally to Jira. In my capacity as a Jira administrator, I employed automation techniques to tailor workflows, screens, and fields, optimizing our project management practices to facilitate a more efficient and responsive QA process.

•Furthermore, I advanced the QA team's capabilities by incorporating scripting with Selenium, crafting automated test suites that significantly reduced manual testing overhead and accelerated the QA cycle. These scripts not only guaranteed thorough coverage and consistency in testing but also allowed for intricate test cases that mirrored complex user interactions, thanks in part to AI-generated test scenarios which pushed our products to their limits.

•My commitment to leveraging AI and automation extended beyond routine tasks, as I continuously sought to integrate innovative technologies that enhanced our QA framework. This approach not only fortified our release pipeline but also established a solid foundation for ReadyTalk's legacy of quality.

ReadyTalk

Senior Quality Assurance Engineer Lead

•As the Director of Quality Assurance at SpotX, I was responsible for steering the vision and execution of testing strategies that guaranteed the integrity of all product releases for three years. My leadership was pivotal in directing multiple interdepartmental teams, ensuring a uniform commitment to quality across the organization.

•My tenure was not just about maintaining quality but redefining it through the use of advanced AI methodologies. As the Release Manager, I adeptly coordinated hundreds of releases from conception to deployment. I took charge of crafting detailed release communications, ensuring all company stakeholders were informed and engaged throughout the release process. Through diligent management, I ensured all issues were addressed promptly, safeguarding a flawless release cycle.

•My role extended beyond traditional oversight; I innovated our testing processes by incorporating AI to conduct large-scale, generative random testing. This approach significantly improved our ability to predict and tackle potential defects, pushing the boundaries of how testing was perceived and executed within the industry.

•The QA methodologies I employed were extensive and involved Manual Testing, Automated Testing, Parametrised Testing, Data-Driven Testing, Load Testing, Regression Testing, Functional Testing, Stress Testing, and Performance Testing. 

•Technological proficiency was integral to our success, and that included daily work with a robust LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP), as well as leveraging tools such as QTP, Eclipse, and VMware to create a scalable and efficient test environment. This solid foundation in technology, enriched by the strategic use of AI and automation, enabled my teams to exceed performance benchmarks consistently and cement SpotX's reputation as a bastion of quality in the digital video advertising space.

SpotX

•During my tenure as a Senior QA Engineer and Automation Test Lead at Wells Fargo, I pioneered a forward-thinking approach by integrating AI to conduct extensive random testing in a generative manner, paving the way for a new era of quality assurance.

•My responsibilities encompassed a broad spectrum of testing practices, namely Manual Black Box Testing, Automated Testing, Parameterized Testing, Data-Driven Testing, Load Testing, Regression Testing, Functional Testing, and Stress Testing. The introduction of AI not only augmented our existing methodologies but also provided a depth of testing that was comprehensive and exhaustive.

•I proposed and secured the implementation of cutting-edge tools, including Mercury Quality Center, WinRunner, QuickTest Pro, and Load Runner. These tools became the bedrock of our development and testing efforts, marking a significant technological leap for Wells Fargo.

•Leading by example, I was the driving force behind our team’s shift to automation, establishing a robust automated framework for functional, regression, and stress tests utilizing Quality Center, QuickTest Pro, and WinRunner. This framework served as a blueprint for intelligent testing, amplifying our capacity to identify defects preemptively.

•One of my landmark initiatives was the design and execution of tests using a single script that automated six testing machines targeting the Wells Fargo ATM Systems. The AI-driven script randomized customer decisions, account selections, and amounts, generating thousands of unique test scenarios daily. This innovative testing approach not only ensured the reliability of our ATM systems but also exemplified our commitment to using AI to push boundaries and achieve new quality assurance benchmarks.

Wells Fargo

Senior QA Engineer /  Automation Test Lead

•As a pioneering System Administrator in Charge of IBM Quality Assurance at IBM, I architected a transformative VMware initiative that profoundly reshaped our QA landscape. Leveraging the agility of AI and the power of automation, I orchestrated the creation of hundreds of virtual testing systems, charting a new course in efficiency and innovation.

•My introduction of VMware technology to IBM was a game-changer, heralding over $100,000 in annual savings. We witnessed a significant reduction in system-related expenditures and security issues, freeing up valuable employee time. This strategic deployment alleviated the workload across the security and administration teams, enabling them to focus on higher-value tasks that further the company's goals.

•My responsibilities extended beyond advanced virtualization; I also led the design and establishment of comprehensive data centers dedicated to Quality Assurance. This complex process entailed meticulous planning and execution in the construction of server racks, and establishing a robust power and network infrastructure. I personally oversaw the installation of cutting-edge technologies like RAID, network routers, hubs, and hardware firewalls, as well as a diverse suite of servers, which ranged from IBM Inter x-Series and Blade Servers to Cluster Servers and Mainframes.

•Following my vision, I executed a seamless rollout of these virtual testing systems throughout the Quality Assurance department, triggering massive cost benefits and resolving longstanding audit and administration challenges. Moreover, I ensured the longevity and accessibility of our innovations by documenting every aspect of our VMware processes and adopting a proactive role in security and system administration.

System Administrator in Charge of IBM Quality Assurance

•At Siebel Systems, my role as a Senior QA Engineer was amplified by my critical involvement in the "One Button" project—an ambitious initiative that dramatically streamlined our build and deployment processes. This pioneering effort harnessed the capabilities of AI and sophisticated automation to execute seamless installations across seven disparate systems, supporting a myriad of programming languages.

•My responsibilities transcended routine QA tasks, placing me at the heart of innovation within the company. I oversaw the installation and administration of more than 25 unique environments, each presenting intricate combinations of databases and platforms. By leveraging AI-driven algorithms, I optimized these environments, ensuring quick adaptation to changes and efficient handling of diverse configurations.

•One standout accomplishment was the automation of Siebel product installations to the graphical user interface. Utilizing tools like Winrunner, Test Director, and Quick Test Professional, I designed and developed an extensive suite of automation test scripts. These scripts not only enhanced the precision and speed of our testing processes but also provided scalable solutions that resonated with the dynamic nature of software deployment.

•My dedication to advancing QA through AI and automation culminated in receiving the prestigious Outstanding Contribution Award for the Siebel 7.0 release from the Executive Staff. This accolade underscored my commitment to deploying innovative automation strategies that significantly raised the bar for software quality assurance and delivery at Siebel Systems.

•My tenure at Siebel was characterized by a relentless drive to push the boundaries of technology, integrating AI to not only automate tasks but also to enrich the way we approached complex challenges, ultimately redefining the efficiency and effectiveness of our testing and installation protocols.

Siebel Systems

Senior QA Engineer

•Within the innovative landscape of Intel / SAP joint venture Pandesic LLC, I served as a QA Engineer transforming testing through AI and automation. I crafted comprehensive manual test plans, cases, and scripts that laid the groundwork for automated testing using Test Script Language (TSL). My expertise in functional, regression, box stabilization, and front-end testing across all product patches and releases was paramount.

•Pioneering Merchant Specific Testing at Pandesic, I implemented customized, intelligent AI testing strategies that increased accuracy and efficiency in identifying merchant-oriented issues. With proficiency in SAP SD/MM, Mercury Test Director, and WinRunner.

•My role centered around meticulous documentation—a crucial part of ensuring clear communication and process repeatability. I established robust records of every phase of test automation, patch testing, bug tracking, merchant-specific testing, patch system engineering, and related metrics.

•Recognized for my exceptional commitment and comprehensive approach to quality assurance, I received the Top Award from the Pandesic Executive Staff, affirming the standard of excellence set by my efforts: "a fantastic job of performing quality testing on multiple pipelines and merchant sites." This high praise was complemented by seven additional awards, celebrating my unwavering dedication and hard work—"Doing whatever it takes to get the release out the door."

•Envisioning and executing effective AI-driven solutions, my involvement not only increased throughput but also fortified the reliability of Pandesic's e-commerce platforms. Deploying sophisticated intelligence to predict outcomes and automate responses, I ensured that our shopping systems remained at the forefront of technological advancement and met the highest standards for consumer satisfaction. My commitment to QA methodologies played an integral role in reinforcing Pandesic's legacy as a bastion of e-commerce innovation.

Ian Griffith