Stephen Laird

About Stephen Laird

Dynamic and results-driven Senior Technical Program Manager with over 15 years of experience delivering complex, cross-functional projects in data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML)-focused environments, as well as Large Language Models (LLMs). Deep expertise in program strategy, resource allocation, and risk mitigation, aligning technical initiatives with organizational objectives. Skilled at driving software development lifecycle (SDLC) projects using Agile, Scrum, and Kanban methodologies to meet diverse stakeholder needs. Recognized for fostering collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams, achieving measurable outcomes, and continuously improving program management processes. Certified PMP, SSM, and CSM, with hands-on experience in Jira, Azure DevOps, and advanced analytics tools. Committed to creating inclusive, high-performing environments that support innovation and growth.Professional SkillsAgile & Waterfall Project ManagementSoftware Development Life Cycle (SDLC)Cross-Functional Team Leadership & DevelopmentStrategic Planning & ExecutionBudget & Resource AllocationEffective Stakeholder Communication & EngagementProcess Improvement & Best Practices ImplementationRisk Identification, Management & MitigationHealthcare IT & Data Integration ExpertiseGenerative AI & AI FundamentalsChatGPT & Microsoft Copilot ApplicationsVendor Relations & Contract ManagementTechnical ProficienciesProject Management Tools: JIRA, Confluence, MS ProjectAI Tools: ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and other AI-driven analytics platformsDevelopment Frameworks: Agile, Scrum, SAFeCertificationsProject Management Professional (PMP)Certified Scrum Master (CSM)SAFe-certified Practitioner (SAFe)ObjectiveSeeking a dynamic role where I can leverage my extensive program management experience, coupled with my recent advancements in Generative AI and artificial intelligence, to drive innovation and deliver value to forward-thinking organizations.

Experience

1. Ai Technical Project Manager

   DaVita Kidney Care

   Mar 2025 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   Responsible for successful end to end delivery of Glean Enterprise AI Search, Chat, and Agents to DaVita teammates, including Enablement, Demo/Q&A sessions, Governance, and other critical components. Platforms used include Vertex AI and Google Cloud Platform, and Gemini and Claude models. Own user feedback loop for continuous improvement.Delivered 200+ agents to end users to perform a wide variety of tasks including inbox sorting/prioritizing, data analytics, adversarial analysis, UX/UI design, and others.Responsible for delivery of AskBenny Benefits chatbot. Allowed in-depth conversations about benefits options for DaVita teammates during Open Enrollment 2025.Responsible for delivery of Windsurf and Gemini Code Assist platforms to 200+ users, including Enablement, Governance, and other factors.

Education

• University of Vermont

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), English Language and Literature/Letters

  1999 — 2003

• Middlebury Language Schools

  Certificate, Russian Language and Literature

• Texas McCombs School of Business

  Post-Graduate Certificate, Post Graduate Program in AI & ML: Business Applications

• University of Vermont

  Master of Arts (M.A.), English Language and Literature/Letters

  2004 — 2006

Skills

• Project Management
• Program Management
• Software Project Management
• Training
• Telecommunications
• Team Leadership
• Management
• Microsoft Office
• Team Building
• Sharepoint
• Business Process
• Recruiting
• Training Delivery
• Business Analysis
• Vendor Management
• Databases
• Higher Education
• Problem Solving
• Telecommuting
• Remote Access
• Leadership
• Networking
• Visio
• Software Documentation
• Business Process Improvement
• Change Management
• Pmp
• Sdlc
• Process Improvement
• K-12 Education
• Student Information System
• Learning Management Systems
• K-12
• Education
• Risk Management
• Leadership Development
• Customer Service
• Crm
• Integration
• E-Learning