Dee J.

• As Senior Director of Engineering, I lead a cross-functional organization at the intersection of mentorship innovation and engineering excellence.
• I define and execute the technology strategy that powers iMentor’s suite of web and mobile applications, ensuring alignment with mission-critical KPIs and product outcomes.
• Key Responsibilities
• Oversee engineering efforts across the full stack, including Python, Node.js, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, mobile applications, and reactive support operations.
• Drive AI integration strategies, embedding large language models and AI agents into workflows with practical, results-driven approaches.
• Lead compliance initiatives across SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI, and WCAG, ensuring robust security, accessibility, and governance.
• Partner with product and design leadership to shape and deliver roadmaps aligned with business and mission goals.
• Mentor engineers and managers, fostering technical rigor, leadership growth, and a collaborative, inclusive culture.
• Scale engineering capacity through strategic hiring, offshore team management, and process improvements.
• Key Achievements
• Delivered organizational savings and value by optimizing SaaS licensing, renegotiating vendor contracts, and securing strategic grants and partnerships.
• Expanded AI adoption across the stack, enabling faster delivery cycles and enhanced user experiences.
• Built a scalable, cloud-based infrastructure on AWS to support rapid organizational growth.
• Strengthened compliance readiness, reducing risk and improving client trust in enterprise partnerships.
• Cultivated a high-performing, diverse engineering team capable of delivering consistently at scale.

iMentor builds mentoring relationships that empower students to graduate high school, succeed in college, and achieve their ambitions. Since 1999, iMentor has connected more than 30,000 students with mentors. In the next 5 years, iMentor will scale to serve even more mentor-mentee pairs. In New York City, Baltimore, Chicago, and the San Francisco Bay area, iMentor partners with public schools to ensure every student in the schools receives a mentor. Across the country, iMentor provides nonprofit partners the tools to run their own high-impact programs in the iMentor model. This includes a technology platform, a research-based curriculum, and program analysis tools.

• Led the engineering team across all products, enhancing web, APIs, and mobile apps for iOS and Android.
• Generated $438,920 in organizational savings through strategic optimizations and vendor contract renegotiations.
• Architected and implemented SOC 2 Type I compliance, aligning with ISO 27001 framework.

The Web3 Company is a product studio building creator and community platforms at the intersection of AI and blockchain. We focus on identity, ownership, and portability, giving people control over their audiences, content, and value. Through products spanning social and entertainment, we turn ambitious ideas into durable, future ready systems. Our work blends speed with rigor, using AI to remove friction and blockchain to establish trust so modern platforms can scale without losing integrity.

• AI layer: defining where automation and intelligence create real leverage, including agent driven workflows, safety and policy guardrails, personalization, content operations, and analytics that translate behavior into product insight.
• Blockchain layer: designing pragmatic ownership and settlement primitives, including token strategy, wallet and custody considerations, on chain versus off chain boundaries, and future ready identity and access patterns.
• Platform layer: shaping cloud, data, security, and integration strategy so MVPs can launch quickly without painting the company into a corner on scalability, compliance, or cost.

• Lead the engineering organization for iMentor, overseeing the delivery of products that transform and accelerate the mentorship space while driving key business metrics and KPIs.
• Accountable for the technology strategy of a rapidly growing, mission-driven SaaS organization, with a focus on innovation, compliance, and exceptional user experiences.
• Key Responsibilities
• Manage and grow a cross-disciplinary engineering team covering web applications (Python, Flask, Node.js, MongoDB, PostgreSQL), mobile apps (iOS, Android), DevOps and SecOps.
• Drive AI adoption by integrating large language models and AI agents into the technology stack using practical, business-focused strategies.
• Own and implement SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI, and WCAG compliance organization-wide.
• Provide coaching and mentorship on software engineering best practices and modern development methodologies.
• Collaborate with product and design leadership to define roadmaps, prioritize initiatives, and deliver impactful features on schedule.
• Manage vendor relationships, technical contracts, and infrastructure strategy for AWS-based hosting and services.
• Champion diversity, inclusion, and collaboration in building high-performing engineering teams.
• Key Achievements
• Successfully led end-to-end SOC 2 Type I compliance implementation, significantly enhancing security posture and client trust.
• Introduced AI-driven development practices, enabling faster delivery cycles and improved feature scalability.
• Built a resilient, cloud-based infrastructure to support growth and operational efficiency.
• Elevated engineering talent quality through strategic hiring, retention, and skill development programs.

• As Principal Software Engineer and Regional Manager for the NYC engineering team, I led enterprise-level initiatives spanning Web3 adoption, AI-enabled application development, and secure, scalable cloud operations.
• I oversaw a cross-functional, multinational engineering team while driving technical strategy and delivering world-class digital solutions for Marketing, Communications, Business Intelligence, Events, and other
• organizational units across the United States.
• Key Responsibilities
• Directed engineering strategy for blockchain adoption, including digital wallet integrations, NFT projects, smart contract development, and Web3/NFT launch roadmaps.
• Introduced AI capabilities across the organization, developing the first generation of AI-enabled applications.
• Managed cross-functional agile teams (Scrum, Kanban, XP elements) ensuring delivery of high-quality releases on time and within scope.
• Served as integration engineer for version control systems and deployment manager for all application releases.
• Operated as Regional DevOps Manager for all cloud-based hosting services (Pantheon) and Regional SecOps Manager for application security.
• Oversaw database architecture, web services, and API integrations across multiple platforms.
• Key Achievements
• Reduced spam on a flagship AKC application from 95% to under 20%, significantly improving user experience and trust.
• Successfully introduced blockchain and AI development strategies to the organization, laying the groundwork for future innovation.
• Delivered NFT and digital wallet solutions that expanded AKC’s digital offerings and engagement channels.
• Streamlined release management processes to reduce deployment time and improve reliability across multiple teams and platforms.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the primary registry and governing body for purebred dogs in the United States. Founded in 1884, it maintains breed standards, manages millions of dog registrations, and oversees thousands of competitive events each year, from conformation shows to agility and working dog trials. Beyond sport, the AKC funds canine health research, sets welfare standards, and represents dog owners and breeders in legislative matters. Today, it operates as both a heritage institution and a large scale digital organization serving breeders, clubs, and dog owners worldwide.

• Led modernization of core digital platforms serving breeders, clubs, and event organizers, improving performance, reliability, and scalability across high volume workflows.
• Defined architectural direction for legacy to modern system transitions, aligning engineering execution with long term business and data strategy.
• Acted as a strategic bridge between product, operations, and engineering, ensuring complex domain requirements translated into resilient, user centered platforms at national scale.

• As Lead Software Engineer, I oversaw the development, optimization, and maintenance of multiple high-traffic websites and internal applications across the AKC’s portfolio.
• My work supported hundreds of millions of annual visitors and included both customer-facing platforms and mission-critical internal tools.
• Key Responsibilities
• Led full-stack development efforts for flagship sites including akc.org, marketplace.akc.org, shop.akc.org, akccanineretreat.com, akcwinners.com, and reading.akc.org.
• Designed, built, and maintained scalable applications using the LAMP stack, MVC frameworks, and AWS infrastructure.
• Developed RESTful APIs and integrated third-party services to support e-commerce, event registration, and membership features.
• Managed MySQL databases, optimizing queries and ensuring high availability for peak traffic periods.
• Directed front-end development using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery to deliver responsive, accessible, and brand-compliant experiences.
• Provided technical leadership, mentoring junior developers, and implementing best practices across the SDLC.
• Coordinated with cross-functional teams including design, marketing, and operations to align technical delivery with organizational goals.
• Key Achievements
• Spearheaded site performance improvements that reduced page load times by over 40% on high-traffic properties.
• Led migration of key services to AWS EC2, improving scalability and disaster recovery capabilities.
• Developed internal tools that streamlined workflows for multiple AKC departments, saving hundreds of staff hours annually.

• At Marvel Entertainment, I combined data engineering and software development expertise to support the company’s digital and operational ecosystem.
• I managed the enterprise data warehouse, developed reporting tools, and built scalable applications using PHP with Zend and CakePHP frameworks.
• Key Responsibilities
• Managed and maintained Marvel’s data warehouse, ensuring data accuracy, security, and accessibility.
• Developed BI reports from non-transactional data to provide insights for business and editorial teams.
• Built and enhanced internal applications using Zend and CakePHP, integrating them into the Marvel ecosystem.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Performed regular updates and maintenance on core systems to ensure optimal performance.
• Key Achievements
• Delivered BI reports that improved decision-making for marketing and content strategy.
• Streamlined data workflows, reducing processing time and increasing reporting speed.
• Enhanced Marvel’s internal platforms, improving stability and scalability.

• Managed cross-functional teams, directed infrastructure upgrades, and implemented solutions that transformed DuJour’s digital platform into a high-traffic, globally scalable publishing system.
• Key Responsibilities
• Led technical teams, made all architectural and infrastructure decisions, and implemented a framework for organizational success.
• Managed hiring, downsizing, vendor negotiations, and contract management to align technology resources with business goals.
• Performed hands-on front-end and back-end development within a WordPress/Backbone environment.
• Identified and resolved technology stack inefficiencies, improving reliability and scalability.
• Oversaw AWS-hosted infrastructure (EC2, S3) and optimized server performance for high-traffic demands.
• Key Achievements
• Reduced server costs by over 65% through strategic vendor negotiations and infrastructure optimizations.
• Designed and implemented systems capable of sustaining trending article traffic and breaking news coverage worldwide.
• Enabled the platform to handle three of the highest-trafficked stories in North America in 2015, a milestone made possible through strategic scalability upgrades.
• Eliminated prior limitations that prevented the site from supporting a 100K+ email blast without service disruption.

• As Senior Software Engineer, I led development efforts for DuJour Magazine’s digital presence, managing projects from strategic planning through deployment.
• I worked closely with stakeholders to define requirements, architect solutions, and implement modernized systems that improved site performance and reliability.
• Key Responsibilities
• Led a cross functional team spanning product, design and DevOps, providing technical guidance and code reviews to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Participated in stakeholder meetings to align technical solutions with business goals.
• Designed and implemented system architecture upgrades to replace aging infrastructure.
• Managed the full SDLC for new features and site enhancements, from planning to production deployment.
• Developed and maintained front-end and back-end features using PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, and MVC frameworks.
• Oversaw AWS-hosted environments (EC2, S3) and optimized infrastructure for scalability.
• Key Achievements
• Successfully migrated legacy systems to a modern, maintainable platform, improving uptime and performance.
• Reduced deployment errors and downtime through improved release management processes.
• Delivered enhanced user-facing features that increased engagement and streamlined content management workflows.

• As Technical Co-Founder of Snapshottr, a mobile social-sharing platform, I led the technical vision, architecture, and development strategy for an MVP available on both Android and iOS.
• Similar in concept to Instagram, the app allowed users to post photos and videos to a chronological feed, fostering organic engagement through a streamlined, content-first experience.
• Key Responsibilities
• Defined the technical architecture for a cross-platform mobile application supporting rich media uploads and playback.
• Managed a distributed remote development team, overseeing all phases of the SDLC from concept to MVP delivery.
• Designed and implemented back-end services, APIs, and cloud infrastructure using the LAMP stack and AWS (EC2, S3).
• Ensured scalability, performance, and media storage optimization for mobile consumption.
• Coordinated UI/UX decisions with design teams to deliver an intuitive and engaging user experience.
• Key Achievements
• Delivered a fully functional MVP for both Android and iOS platforms within aggressive timelines.
• Established a cloud-based architecture capable of supporting rapid scale-up for user growth.
• Implemented robust API endpoints to handle media uploads, user profiles, and feed management.

• At Domani Studios, I developed and maintained high-traffic, enterprise-level marketing and e-commerce sites for globally recognized brands including Nintendo, Nike, Umbro, Estée Lauder, Shiseido, and Starwood Hotels.
• My work spanned back-end architecture, API integrations, and front-end implementation, with a focus on delivering visually compelling, high-performance web experiences.
• Key Responsibilities
• Designed and developed robust applications using MVC frameworks (CakePHP) and database abstraction layers to support complex business requirements.
• Built and integrated REST and SOAP-based APIs, optimizing data flow between internal and client systems.
• Managed Linux-based LAMP stack environments, leveraging AWS EC2 for scalable deployments.
• Implemented responsive front-end features with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery, ensuring cross-browser compatibility.
• Created dynamic, database-driven content experiences in MySQL, ensuring efficiency and scalability for high-traffic campaigns.
• Collaborated with designers, project managers, and offshore teams to deliver projects on time and within scope.
• Led troubleshooting efforts and optimized site performance for peak traffic during major marketing campaigns.
• Key Achievements
• Delivered fully responsive, brand-compliant websites for global launches, achieving millions of unique visitors without performance degradation.
• Streamlined development workflows by introducing productivity improvements that reduced deployment time and minimized production errors.
• Managed high-profile brand presences that drove measurable engagement and conversion for marketing campaigns.

• Served as a full-cycle web application and social media developer, delivering both internal tools and customer-facing platforms.
• Worked closely with business stakeholders to design, build, and deploy applications that improved efficiency, enhanced customer engagement, and supported marketing and operational objectives.
• Key Responsibilities
• Designed and developed end-to-end web applications, including content management systems, ticketing platforms, and sentiment analysis tools.
• Built and maintained social media monitoring applications and Facebook integrations using the Facebook API.
• Created customer-facing web applications with responsive, user-friendly interfaces using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery.
• Developed and optimized back-end systems with PHP, MySQL, and MVC frameworks (CakePHP).
• Implemented SOAP and RESTful web services for data exchange between internal and external systems.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, prototype solutions, and ensure timely delivery.
• Key Achievements
• Delivered a custom social media monitoring and sentiment tracking system that improved marketing insight and engagement strategies.
• Streamlined internal processes by developing ticketing and content management systems tailored to operational needs.
• Created Facebook applications that increased user interaction and brand visibility.

• Served as the sole application developer and I. T. consultant for one of the top five MLM cosmetics companies, managing and enhancing corporate-wide applications built on a DB2 back-end.
• Worked across the full development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment, while ensuring the stability and performance of mission-critical business systems.
• Key Responsibilities
• Designed, developed, and maintained enterprise applications using Classic ASP, VBScript, ADO, and SQL.
• Integrated legacy systems with modern web components using PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, XML, and SOAP services.
• Managed and optimized DB2 database performance on AS/400 systems.
• Configured and maintained IIS servers to ensure application uptime and reliability.
• Collaborated with business stakeholders to identify process improvements and deliver tailored software solutions.
• Key Achievements
• Successfully maintained and enhanced legacy applications supporting nationwide sales operations.
• Implemented integrations between the corporate DB2 system and modern web-based interfaces, extending the life and capabilities of legacy infrastructure.
• Delivered solutions that improved efficiency for both back-office and field sales teams.

• Served as webmaster for The Shorthorn, the university’s award-winning student news publication. Oversaw the technical operations, design, and ongoing maintenance of theshorthorn.
• com, ensuring a reliable and engaging online presence for readers.
• Key Responsibilities
• Managed all aspects of site engineering, from architecture and development to performance optimization.
• Led the hiring, training, and management of technical staff and student contributors.
• Implemented content updates, design enhancements, and functionality improvements to support editorial and multimedia initiatives.
• Maintained the publication’s LAMP-based infrastructure, ensuring high uptime and responsiveness.
• Collaborated with editorial leadership to align technical updates with content strategy.
• Key Achievements
• Improved site performance and user experience through targeted optimizations.
• Expanded site functionality to support multimedia journalism, increasing reader engagement.
• Established workflows that streamlined publishing and reduced turnaround time for online content.

• As a member of the IT Department for one of the largest resort and casino operations in the region, I was responsible for maintaining and supporting the organization’s computer systems and network infrastructure across
• the property. My role involved both proactive system management and responsive troubleshooting to ensure minimal downtime and optimal performance for staff and guests.
• Key Responsibilities
• Provided Tier 1 and Tier 2 technical support for hardware, software, and networking issues across multiple departments.
• Installed, configured, and maintained Windows NT-based workstations and servers.
• Performed regular system updates, patches, and preventive maintenance to ensure compliance with security standards.
• Monitored network performance, identifying and resolving connectivity issues to maintain high uptime.
• Managed user accounts, permissions, and access controls in accordance with IT policies.
• Assisted with system upgrades, migrations, and technology rollouts.
• Collaborated with IT leadership to improve system reliability and streamline support processes.
• Key Achievements
• Reduced recurring system downtime by implementing preventative maintenance procedures.
• Provided rapid-response troubleshooting that minimized operational disruptions in high-volume, customer-facing areas.