Fernando Lara

About Fernando Lara

Fernando is a technology delivery leader with over 20 years of experience building, scaling, and leading high-performing software development and IT infrastructure teams in regulated, enterprise environments. I specialize in aligning people, platforms, and priorities to deliver predictable outcomes while developing strong, resilient teams with a background spanning FinTech and global technology operations supporting technical teams and customers across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.Fernando has led multiple Software Development and IT Infrastructure teams across regulatory, security, and platform modernization efforts, including forming new teams, improving delivery health and metrics, bringing automation, modernization and driving talent development through upskilling and internal learning programs. My work focuses on creating repeatable systems that improve visibility, capacity planning, and long-term sustainability.His leadership approach centers on trust, accountability, and continuous improvement. Fernando is deeply committed to developing people, strengthening organizational capability, and delivering results that extend beyond individual teams.

Experience

1. Software Development Manager Authorization & Authentication (Current)

   Firstbank

   Jun 2025 — Present · Lakewood, CO, US

   Technology delivery and people leader for a newly established Authorization & Authentication Software Delivery Team supporting mission-critical security and regulatory capabilities. Responsible for standing up the team from the ground up, defining operating models, and delivering high-visibility security, regulatory, and platform initiatives.Key Impact & AchievementsBuilt and launched a brand-new Authentication & Authorization SDT, establishing team structure, delivery processes, agile ceremonies, metrics, and cross-functional partnerships with Architecture, Security, and Platform teams.Led delivery of a prioritized Entersekt security modernization initiative, migrating authentication capabilities to the cloud while strengthening core security controls for the bank.Led a cross-functional AI working group that developed a COBOL analysis tool for Solution Architects, supporting modernization and improving analysis efficiency.Partnered with Technology leadership to improve talent alignment through the IT Capacity Marketplace, increasing visibility into resource supply and demand across teams.Launched and led a Java Upskilling Program, enabling packaged-application developers to successfully transition into Java development roles and strengthening the organization’s internal talent pipeline.

Education

• University of Denver

  Latino Leadership Institute - Fellowship Program Cohort 9, Organizational Leadership

  2019 — 2020

• Harvard Business School Online

  CORe: Credential of Readiness

  2016 — 2016

• Colorado State University

  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Organizational Leadership, Computer Science

  2010 — 2014

Skills

• Windows
• Vmware
• Project Planning
• Security
• Empower Loan Origination System
• Lps
• Windows Server
• Software Project Management
• System Deployment
• Servers
• Mentoring
• Data Center
• Management
• Altiris Console
• Troubleshooting
• Project Management
• Disaster Recovery
• Team Leadership
• Infrastructure
• Process Improvement
• Information Technology
• Patch Management
• Complianceone Loan Management Software
• Vendor Management