JOANNE FRECHETTE
Pakenham,ON
Summary
An experienced self-starter with; a utilitarian leadership style, broad knowledge of IT procurement and extensive service-management experience within the government security domain. Throughout my career I have been delivering on complex IM/IT projects and services where I am currently a Senior Manager (IT-04) leading the Enterprise Licensing and Vendor Engagement capability for the CIO Group within National Defence. I am responsible for managing an annual budget of $85M in enterprise assets and services as well as the key point of contact for liaising with vendors, resellers, regional service management centres, clients, and national strategic stakeholders to deliver IT products and services across the country.
LANGUAGE PROFILE: CCB current as of July 2023
CORE STRENGTHS: Outgoing and energetic team leader; Skilled problem solver with the ability to manage competing priorities and creatively resolve challenging issues; Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills focused on relationship building with the ability to align and facilitate effective discussions with various audiences; Effective negotiator to support IM/IT business objectives; Comprehensive analytic skills with a keen eye for detail; Highly disciplined in utilizing Project Management and ITIL practices and principles; and Results oriented. Versatile Managing Director with proven abilities across all levels of organizational management. Talented in developing partnerships, overseeing personnel and developing tactical plans to meet strategic goals.
Proven leader with significant background in Vendor Management and Enterprise Contract experience.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Minister
Jim Watson, MPP, West Nepean
Acting Director
03.2023
- Entrusted to led and manage the DIMCD Directorate while the Director was on leave;
- Represented the directorate at DG led governance committees;
- Championed issues to successful resolution; and
- Managed overall budget to prepare for fiscal year end reconciliations
CIO, Senior IT Manager
Department of National Defence, DND
10.2019 - Current
- Directorate Information Management Capability Development (DIMCD), Group
- Enterprise Contracts and Vendor Engagement, Lead and manage eleven (11) employee’s work, priorities, performance agreements, and leave;
- Provide training, guidance and leadership to staff by setting realistic time-based objectives and providing and receiving iterative feedback;
- Analyze work and team structure to identify shortfalls and realign priorities and responsibilities within the team;
- Manage an annual budget of approximately $85M and have significant experience with business planning;
- Prepare multi-year financial forecasts for DND/CAF’s Enterprise contracts and manage financial commitments and expenditures throughout the year
- Act as the departmental authority to deliver expert technical advisory services related to Enterprise contracts, licensing and professional services;
- Provide analysis and strategic advice to senior management on sensitive and time-sensitive procurement issues;
- Develop and strengthen internal and external partnerships with senior management stakeholders, clients, regional service management organizations, national engineering and integration resources, as well as other government departments and private sector vendors;
- Negotiate Memoranda’s of Understanding (MOUs) and Service Level Agreements (SLA) with clients and support organizations
- Lead contract negotiations with vendors targeted at software, cloud services and support suppliers;
- Represent the Defence IM organization internally and interdepartmentally in consultations and negotiations with senior managers and officials to identify current and future needs related to Enterprise Licensing and Asset management;
- Chair and facilitate meetings with internal client / support organizations, senior management, interdepartmental stakeholders (SSC, PSPC, etc.), and IT suppliers to identify requirements and provide solutions to business requirements;
- Develop and contribute to Business Line Support Services policies, directives, procedures, guidelines and processes to ensure effective asset management governance and reporting;
- Create and deliver enterprise-level contracts and services aligned with strategic IT-enabled business priorities; and
- Nominated to lead and develop a Vendor Management Office on behalf of the CIO Group
- Directorate Information Management Capability Development (DIMCD), CIO Group
IM/IT Project Manager
DIMCD 9
01.2019 - 10.2019
- CIO Group
- National Services Management Office, Software Asset Management (IT-03), Provided technical advice, guidance and assistance to the NSMO to establish Software Asset Management (SAM) capabilities;
- Developed project work plans, requirements, milestones and communications plans for a SAM pilot as well as promoted and communicated the roadmap to senior management, clients and colleagues;
- Effectively managed several employees, by setting priorities, outlined tasks, discussed performance agreements as well as tracked leave; and
- Championed SAM processes and requirements with stakeholders such as SSC, and internal stakeholders to ensure consistency and delivery of repeatable processes for effective asset management’
- Successfully completed the SAM pilot which informed a National RFP for an Enterprise SAM tool.
IM/IT Project Manager
Directorate Defence Resource Management Information
09.2018 - 01.2019
- Systems (DDRMIS) SAP, Provided technical advice related to security, by providing guidance and assistance to clients;
- Developed work plans, IT security requirements, managed expectations and monitored deliverables with routine briefings to senior management, and clients;
- Monitored, reviewed and modified models for client IT business environments, operations, processes and practices in context with proposed changes or opportunities;
- Identified, developed and communicated business requirements, benefits and recommendations into clear IT business solutions to clients;
- Represented the Project at discussions with senior managers, IT specialists, IT suppliers, and clients to collaborate, influence and obtain understanding and agreement on requirements or the resolution of IT business line and/or technical issues; and
- Worked collaboratively with stakeholders to assess the impacts of IT product and/or service changes;
- Evaluated and recommended innovative solutions to support the streamlining of business processes
- Communications Security Establishment (CSE)
- Secretariat, IT Investment and Architecture Committee (ITIAC)
IT projects
08.2016 - 09.2018
- Performed the additional duties of the secretariat role for the CSE governance committee that approves, and architecture
- This body’s mandate was highlighting dependencies horizontally across the organization for effective budgeting and business planning enterprise wide;
- Facilitated committee meetings that encompassed Director General / Director level representation; and
- Maintained alignment with strategic vision and direction.
Project Manager
05.2016 - 09.2018
- Championed project to successful completion with application deployed enterprise wide on secure network on time and on budget;
- Developed a deep understanding of the business objectives of internal and external stakeholders, evangelized the product vision and built trust by maintaining an accurate and achievable roadmap;
- Developed project documentation for official approval; Project Charter, Project Plan, Communications Plan etc.;
- Managed multiple stages within the project across all phases of development;
- Monitored workflow, created and managed the project schedule and risk register;
- Worked as part of an interdisciplinary team to achieve project milestones;
- Developed status reports, cost estimates, and resource plans;
- Implemented and maintained Software Asset Management development best practices;
- Supported development and software quality assurance to ensure optimal progress and product stability for end users;
- Coordinated with stakeholders to gather requirements and manage expectations; and
- Set and adjusted project milestones.
Team Lead
05.2016 - 09.2018
- Service Management, IT Procurement/Enterprise Contracts (CITCC), Led, motivated and supported a team of six (6) by streamlining processes and removing obstacles while providing support and routine communication on deadlines and priorities;
- Managed and completed employee's performance agreements, day-to-day activities and leave requests;
- Briefed Senior Management and stakeholders on complex technical issues and recommended viable solutions;
- Collaborated with other government departments and partners such as PSPC, SSC, Vendors, and Resellers;
- Worked with IM/IT clients at a strategic level in providing advice and guidance to senior management in understanding their business and aligning effective and efficient technical solutions with that knowledge to empower client programs;
- Led the technical review of major/complex hardware and software maintenance & support contracts and coordinated the renewal process;
- Collaborated routinely with multi-disciplinary technical IT Teams to resolve technical issues with software deployments and installations;
- Gathered requirements from IM/IT/IS clients in order to understand technical specifications to assist with the identification of software requirements and products
- Example: I championed the creation of the Cisco Enterprise contract which collapsed 46 individual contracts and CSE realized a net savings of $1.8M;
- Acted as a point of escalation in assisting Financial/Procurement Analysts and CSE technical clients acquire software and hardware assets;
- Represented the Software Asset Management (SAM) team at weekly management meetings to brief on technical issues/projects that could impact other groups within CSE;
- Provided strong client focus for the SAM team ensuring all clients are responded to in a timely and professional manner;
- Led internal software audits to report on CSE’s compliancy; and
- Balanced competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining an open line of communication.
IT Security Analyst
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Provided recommendations to Senior Management (ADM level) on IT systems via technical letters, briefings and presentations outlining background, risks etc
- In order to provide a snapshot of the risks being inherited;
- Qualified and triaged incoming SA&A requests;
- Performed SA&A accreditation and audits on existing and expired systems;
- Managed delivery of the SA&A process for various IT systems;
- Balanced competing priorities and deadlines and managed expectations while maintaining an open line of communication;
- Led client meetings to gather IT requirements;
- Provided advice and guidance on IT requirements in order to provide clients with SA&A expectations and required evidence;
- Analyzed evidence submitted from clients to ensure it was compliant with IT Security policies and procedures to protect CSEs IT infrastructure (ITSG-33);
- Executed Penetration testing and vulnerability scans for systems in an SA&A process as required;
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary technical IT Teams including ISSO, IT Security policy;
- Participated in the Business Process Improvement (BPI) initiative within the team; and
- Coordinated weekly Request for Change (RFC) meetings – ensured all RFC’s received were circulated to the appropriate technical IT teams for review and recommendation to proceed to the Change Management Board (CMB)
- Director General’s Executive Office, Finance
Executive Assistant and Office Supervisor
07.2014 - 08.2015
- Managed the Director General’s executive office – workload, distribution of tasks, and ensured efficient and high level of quality hand off of official tasks;
- Built and strengthened relationships with internal stakeholders and partners;
- Managed the performance of administrative staff including yearly performance agreements;
- Held bilateral and team meetings to ensure transparency and effective dissemination of information;
- Developed the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and providing training to the Finance Directorate;
- Monitored and provided governance over the Finance-HQ budget;
- Participated and coordinated business planning for the Director General;
- Prioritized tasks and negotiated deadlines routinely with other executive offices and external partners;
- Compiled, filtered and organized information from a wide variety of sources and subjects to develop responses to assigned projects/tasks or queries;
- Provided advice on sensitive issues pertaining to staff and other political challenges; and
- Led special projects as required
- Chief’s Office (DM Level
Senior Protocol Officer
11.2012 - 07.2014
- Planned, organized and coordinated security and logistics for senior level visits and corporate events;
- Assisted in the identification, implementation and maintenance of appropriate security and compliance measures for offsite senior management engagements that required secure communications;
- Set up and deployed secure communications centre’s offsite;
- Managed and monitored the secure communications centre;
- Managed COMSEC equipment and provided briefings to individuals entrusted with the equipment;
- Analyzed a network of offsite venues; coordinated installation of Local Area Networks (LAN) when required;
- Ensured network security devices and measures existed and functioned correctly when offsite;
- Provided advice and guidance on security risks and vulnerabilities by providing Threat Risk Analysis (TRA) for offsite international conferences;
- Engaged and coordinated Physical Security inspections for offsite meetings;
- Provided regular briefings and updates to stakeholders and Senior Management; and
- Contributed to individual and team goals in a fast paced, high pressure environment
- Chief’s Executive Office (DM Level
Ministerial Liaison/Coordinator
02.2010 - 11.2012
- Managed and monitored all communication and documentation within the Office of the Chief, CSE (DM level);
- Streamlined processes and procedures to ensure maximum professionalism and efficiency within Executive Office;
- Effectively negotiated reporting and submission deadlines and extensions with internal CSE departments as well as external departments such as the Minister of National Defence; and
- Liaised and built strong relationships with government stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient communications relating to highly sensitive and classified submissions requiring approval from the Minister of National Defence
- Cyber Development Support Office, IT Security
Business Analyst
03.2009 - 02.2010
- Conducted research and interpreted CSE and GC internal document/information management policies, legislative requirements and administrative practices;
- Identified and adapted to meet CSE review requirements, and recommended implementation of innovative practices/systems;
- Worked with client organizations to define service parameters, enabling policies, etc
- And developed strategies/plans/processes for incorporation in the establishment of service agreements to support compliance validation monitoring; and
- Provided operational support to the unit as required.
Protocol Officer
IT Security
08.2006 - 03.2009
- Led, planed and coordinated IT and logistical requirements for international conferences, and external events;
- Gathered requirements for the set-up and installation of a secure data centre;
- Established, tested and configured secure communications centre for Executives;
- Identified, communicated and mitigated technical challenges within the secure communications centre;
- Conducted COMSEC briefings and entrusted with the installation, monitoring and safeguarding of COMSEC equipment as required;
- Provided advice and guidance on security risks and vulnerabilities for offsite international conferences;
- Established contracts, negotiated and built relationships to achieve financial and security goals; and
- Engaged and coordinated with Security teams to ensure positive control remained intact after the premises were secured.
Special Assistant
08.2005 - 08.2006
- Managed a variety of complex tasks with competing deadlines;
- Organized all incoming and outgoing correspondence, tasks and deliverables;
- Provided advice and recommendations on complex and/or sensitive matters;
- Liaised with other government departments, internal stakeholders and international partners on joint initiatives;
- Developed, edited and coordinated written material for senior officials;
- Built effective working relationships with various partners including, colleagues, counterparts and senior officials;
- Controlled and maintained senior official’s calendar;
- Tracked and followed-up on expected deliverables; and
- Attended high profile events as a senior official’s representative.
Program Coordinator
The Heart and Stroke Foundation
02.2005 - 08.2005
- Built, managed and sustained internal and external business relationships;
- Promoted HSFO’s image and mission within the corporate environment;
- Assisted Area Manager in identifying and developing operational plans for programs;
- Tracked and reported on program performance;
- Surpassed business targets and goals, increased profits by over 20% from the previous year within the annual Big Bike for Stroke program;
- Communicated and collaborated with a variety of audiences including: community partners, volunteers, department team members and Heart and Stroke Foundation staff;
- Maintained and updated sales resources and databases;
- Developed and implemented new ideas/concepts for fundraising initiatives; and
- Coordinated committees, staff, and volunteers to successfully deliver results within several programs.
Business Development Manager/Account Executive
LibertyIMS
02.2003 - 02.2005
- Imaging and Document Management software, Developed and monitored business initiatives and strategies;
- Developed Volume Added Reseller (VAR) channels – Recruiting;
- Provided pre-sales/technical support to Re-Sellers and Sales Representatives;
- Generated revenue and maintained existing relationships;
- Developed sales strategies, techniques and tactics;
- Provided live software demonstrations to potential clients or partners;
- Attended and presented at tradeshows;
- Communicated with key stakeholders and negotiated agreements;
- Researched competitive products;
- Responded to Requests for Proposals / Requests for Information (RFP/RFI’s);
- Led generation and research; and
- Conducted Quality Assurance of the LibertyNET product.
Associate Project Manager
COREL CORPORATION
07.2002 - 11.2002
- Examined software requirements including setup, content and localization to ensure accuracy and acceptable performance levels;
- Acquired content, conducted quality assurance, produced documentation and performed media mastering;
- Executed and edited scripts using Visual Basic;
- Conducted extensive quality assurance testing of content within software applications;
- Provided technical support for all non-engineering teams;
- Worked closely with marketing to research and target specific markets in the design of marketing collaterals;
- Coordinated requirements and delivery of third party technology;
- Liaised with the legal department for proper legal attributes;
- Managed the distribution of end user license agreements for all products;
- Managed the accumulation and organization of content for Corel products;
- Liaised with Project Managers, Graphics Design Team, Quality Assurance, Media Mastering and Marketing;
- Coordinated the creation and set up of Beta sites along with tracking of feedback from sites; and
- Successfully met product release schedules.
Senior Project Coordinator
08.1999 - 07.2002
- Managed multiple concurrent projects related to Corel products under development;
- Utilized and altered multiple VBA and Visual Test scripts for automation, quality assurance, testing, and content development;
- Liaised with Legal, Project Managers, Graphics Design Team, Quality Assurance, Media Mastering and Marketing;
- Tracked illegal issues regarding images and ensured the utmost quality of all content provided – maintained information in customized databases;
- Conducted extensive quality assurance testing of content within software applications;
- Met tight deadlines with regards to acquisition of content, QA, documentation, media mastering and product release schedules;
- Communicated with individuals conducting beta testing;
- Built the Digital Content Manuals for products; and
- Collaborated with manufacturing by providing risk analysis and setting milestones.
Education
Undergraduate Degree - Psychology
Athabasca University
Master’s -
Sprott School of Business
Diploma (OSSD) -
Arnprior & District High School - Ontario Secondary School
Arnprior, ON06.1991
Skills
- Contract Performance Monitoring
- Overseeing Logistics
- Professional Networking
- Software Improvements
- Sales Statistics Analysis
- Vendor Negotiations
- Strategic Planning
- Industrial Software
- VMware Experience
- Operational Efficiency
Accomplishments
Receipant of the prestigis NOVA Award
Timeline
Acting Director
03.2023
CIO, Senior IT Manager
Department of National Defence, DND
10.2019 - Current
IM/IT Project Manager
DIMCD 9
01.2019 - 10.2019
IM/IT Project Manager
Directorate Defence Resource Management Information
09.2018 - 01.2019
IT projects
08.2016 - 09.2018
Project Manager
05.2016 - 09.2018
Team Lead
05.2016 - 09.2018
IT Security Analyst
08.2015 - 05.2016
Executive Assistant and Office Supervisor
07.2014 - 08.2015
Senior Protocol Officer
11.2012 - 07.2014
Ministerial Liaison/Coordinator
02.2010 - 11.2012
Business Analyst
03.2009 - 02.2010
Protocol Officer
IT Security
08.2006 - 03.2009
Special Assistant
08.2005 - 08.2006
Program Coordinator
The Heart and Stroke Foundation
02.2005 - 08.2005
Business Development Manager/Account Executive
LibertyIMS
02.2003 - 02.2005
Associate Project Manager
COREL CORPORATION
07.2002 - 11.2002
Senior Project Coordinator
08.1999 - 07.2002
Minister
Jim Watson, MPP, West Nepean
Undergraduate Degree - Psychology
Athabasca University
Master’s -
Sprott School of Business
Diploma (OSSD) -
Arnprior & District High School - Ontario Secondary School
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