Thomas (Tab) Bates is a highly accomplished technology professional with 15+ years’ experience developing innovati...
THOMAS (TAB) BATES
[email protected] 904-755-3810 www.linkedin.com/in/TabBates, Jacksonville, FL 32210
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Highly accomplished technology professional with 15+ years’ experience developing innovative print and digital products/programs for diverse learning and training organizations. Transformational leader with broad publishing industry background spanning healthcare, technology, and religious markets. Valued member of executive management teams with outstanding financial and technical acumen, collaborative attitude, and track record of continuous process improvement, revenue generation, and cost savings. Combine big picture vision with astute attention to detail to develop and introduce new platforms and products that expand customer engagement, satisfaction, market reach, and company profitability. Expertise includes: Digital & Print Product Development Instructional Design Project/Portfolio Management Agile/Waterfall Development Methodologies Responsive Design Strategic Planning Workflow Optimization Market Research/Needs Analysis Data Analytics Web Development e-Commerce Information Technology Integration Budget/Resource Allocation Contract Development Standards Compliance Digital Marketing Staff Development/Coaching/Empowerment Adult Learning Vendor Management Program Assessment/Evaluation Online Learning Change/Risk Management Quality Assurance Continuous Improvement Computer Skills: PC & Mac OS, CRM/PM/ERP/Marketing Automation Systems, Learning Management Systems (LMS), MS Project, Visio & PowerPoint
EDUCATION Master of Education, M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction, Emphasis in Instructional Technology George Mason University, Graduate School of Education, Fairfax, VA, 2002 Bachelor of Science, B.S., Leisure Services Management University of Florida, College of Health & Human Performance, Gainesville, FL, 1982
CAREER EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS Liguori Publications, St. Louis, MO Director – Digital Publishing
2012 to 2015
Hired to spearhead analysis, design, implementation, and direction of new e-Commerce platform and digital product development for leading publisher of Catholic media. Preside over development of new product portfolios, control $500K operating budget, and monitor performance of product development and production, websites, digital product offerings, and hardware/software encompassing CRM, ERP, Google Apps and server/network infrastructures. Direct print and digital/online product publishing and orchestrate digital learning programs. Work closely with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, editorial, production, and operations department teams to devise/execute company vision and strategic business plans. Manage, train, and set goals for team of 4 including Digital Marketing/e-Commerce Manager, Digital Project Manager, Production Manager, and Technology Support Coordinator.
Performed key leadership role in culture/change management effort leading to business renewal.
Launched over 200 print/digital products on time and within budget each year since taking over role.
Cut costs 25% by overhauling workflows for efficient movement of products from concept to market.
Outperformed web revenue, conversion transactions, and site(s) traffic expectations by 20%–40%.
Added new CRM system that elevated customer engagement within 6 months.
Led major print/digital acquisition that was completed in less than 10 weeks.
Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO Manager – Research & Product Development
2008 to 2012
Enlisted to build and lead Lutheran publisher’s first research and development department from the ground up and breathe new life into dated business practices with new technologies. Drove research-based market expansion initiatives in response to current trends/customer needs. Guided all phases of product development from inception to launch, controlling pipelines, schedules, and workflows. Maintained external vendor relationships including RFP, contract, and project management duties and fostered beneficial partnerships with e-development providers. Supervised 10 Software Developers and Software QA Testers. Trained all company personnel on new e-product lines.
Key player in company earning Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (2011) and Missouri Quality Award (2009) by establishing exceptional product research, design, development, execution, and portfolio management strategies and significantly increasing customer satisfaction, engagement, process efficiency, and service.
Secured $200K+ in new revenue streams within 1st year of tenure with incremental growth every year for 4 years.
Introduced multiple new products with 30%–35% ROI:
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Technology portal for educational market (new digital target market for Concordia Publishing House)
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Online self-publishing platform for aspiring authors
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Software platform series enabling educators to make lesson plans for confirmation training and bible study leaders to produce materials appropriate for laypersons
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Software solutions for churches to better manage day-to-day operations
Created/led corporate-wide educational technology program to boost blended sales and marketing performance that was formally recognized as best practice by national and state quality examiners.
Elsevier, Inc., Health Sciences Publisher, St. Louis, MO Manager – Product Development Operations, e-Education Products (2005 to 2008) Senior Project Manager – e-Education Products (2003 to 2005)
2003 to 2008
Originally employed to join core health sciences management team of newly formed online learning division for worldleading provider of print and digital academic publications for science, health, and technology; took on added responsibilities of product pipeline management, sales/marketing orientation, vendor relations, and all facets of product development. Directly supervised Web Editors and Lead Instructional Designer and recruited, hired, and coordinated personnel in storyboarding, writing, software testing, instructional design, graphic design, photography, and multimedia production for LMS platforms. Assessed vendor costs, created RFPs, and negotiated contracts and volume discounts. As Senior Project Manager, assigned company’s most challenging and visible projects encompassing high-profile authors, SMEs, and content supporting position as online learning innovator.
Brought numerous leading online products to market over course of career, generating more than 75% of all nursing and health education revenue and reaching double-digit annual growth.
Key contributor to LMS platform’s 1.2M+ registered users and achievement of $12M+ in health education courseware revenue.
Saved 20%–25% in operational costs every year by implementing strict selection, compliance, and evaluation standards department wide.
Reduced freelance costs by 30%–40% YOY in spite of production/workload spikes through improved screening, training, documentation, and internal/external stakeholder collaboration.
American Red Cross National Headquarters, Health & Safety Services, Falls Church, VA Manager – Research & Product Development, Technology Initiatives (2001 to 2003) Senior Associate/Associate – Product Development (1995 to 2001)
1995 to 2003
Realized $20M–$30M in annual sales by orchestrating transition from print-based and instructor-led health and safety certification programs to nationally supported LMS with blended learning methods; launched new system in less than 2 years.
Recognized with American Red Cross Spirit of Excellence Award (2002) for commitment to organization’s vision and mission.
Appointed for leadership role in partnership with US Olympic Committee to create nationwide sport safety training program.
Provided direction and technical development expertise for national health and safety training programs including but not limited to lifeguarding, water safety, first aid, and CPR education for lay and professional rescuers.
REFERENCES PROVIDED UPON REQUEST
