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John Cross
Sr. Manager of Operations, Activision User Research; Sr. Manager, Activision User Research Center (AURC)
John Cross is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience providing leadership and support in research, entertainment, and information technology environments.
With a background in managing centralized IT training and broad support for instructional, desktop, and research computing at the University of Michigan, John has developed a strong foundation in technology management.
Throughout his career, John has overseen IT support for over 600 machines, A/V installations, and specialized technology integrations in various educational and event spaces.
John's expertise also extends to managing innovative facilities such as the digital fabrication lab (FABLab) at the University of Michigan and the Wilson Student Team Project Center in the College of Engineering.
Currently, John serves as a manager of operations and labs for the research wing of Activision, a prominent publisher in the gaming industry, where he continues to demonstrate his proficiency in managing technology-centric environments.
In addition to his technical skills, John has honed his expertise in management, servant leadership, customer service, and process improvement by completing programs at Walt Disney World and Zingerman’s Community of Businesses.
John's academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature/Letters from the University of Michigan, as well as Master's degrees in Business Administration and Hospitality Administration/Management from Eastern Michigan University.
Furthermore, he has pursued specialized education in Game Tools and Techniques at the Gnomon School of Visual Effects, enhancing his knowledge in the gaming industry.
John's certifications include Scrum PSM1, FMP, ITIL, and Qualtrics Research Core Expert, reflecting his dedication to professional development.
He is an active member of prestigious organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI), Scrum.org, and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), highlighting his commitment to staying current in his field.