Jim Stella

Innovative and solutions-focused executive with technical acumen, that understands what stakeholders need to be successful by utilizing learning and development to meet business goals. A talent for dynamic presentations, and extensive experience driving the design, development, and delivery of global training programs across the technology sector. Apt communicator and collaborator, with excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, featured speaker at numerous technical conferences, and published author. Recognized Adult Education expert, optimizing hands-on background to engage, educate, and embolden technical professionals and impact operations.

Amazon Web Services                                                                                                                                     August 2022- April 2024

Technical Trainer II

Responsible for delivering and developing training programs on Amazon Web Services (AWS) to internal staff, partners, and clients. Created engaging training materials, conducted training sessions, and provided technical support and guidance to learners.

• Deliver training sessions in various formats including instructor-led classroom training, virtual instructor-led training (VILT), and online self-paced courses.
• Design and develop comprehensive training systems and materials on AWS products, services, and best practices.
• Customize training content to meet the specific needs and skill levels of different target audiences.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, surveys, and feedback mechanisms, and continuously improve training content and delivery methods.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts, instructional designers, and other stakeholders to ensure accuracy and relevance of delivered training.
• Stay updated with the latest AWS technologies, certifications, and industry trends to incorporate into training programs.
• Provide technical support and guidance to learners during and after training sessions.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of lab environments and hands-on exercises for practical learning.
• Contribute to the development of certification preparation materials and exam readiness workshops.
• Assist in the marketing and promotion of training programs to internal and external stakeholders.

The Training Associates, Westborough, Ma                                                                                             May 2021- August 2022

Director of Technical Training and Partner Programs 

Establish and maintain relationships with key partners to understand their training needs and ensure alignment with company initiatives. Responsible for leading and managing technical learning programs for training professionals across the technical partner eco-system.

• Develop and execute strategic plans for technical training and partner programs that align with the company's goals and objectives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through feedback mechanisms, metrics, and ongoing assessment, adjusting as needed.
• Assist in the development of key software tracking and recruiting software.
• Manage a team of trainers and instructional designers, providing leadership, guidance, and support to ensure the successful execution of training initiatives.
• Work closely with sales and business development teams to deploy partner enablement programs that drive revenue growth and market expansion.
• Collaborate with product management and engineering teams to ensure that training materials are accurate, up-to-date, and reflective of product enhancements and updates.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify training needs and develop curriculum and materials that address those needs.
• Design and deliver technical training programs, both in-person and online, for partners and internal teams
• Viewed as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor by the organization - Stay current on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies related to technical training and partner programs.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and partner meetings to promote training initiatives and foster collaboration with partners.

CommScope/Ruckus, San Jose, CA                                                                                                                                         2010 - 2021

Manager, Global Services Technical Training                                                                                          

Directed the global training department with a focus on advanced technical training, targeting customers, partners, and internal senior level consultants. Drove multiple, concurrent training initiatives from proposal through implementation, including but not limited to; LMS implementation, video micro-learning and virtualization of instructor-led training. Supervised trainers, developers, and subject matter experts (SMEs) regarding development and delivery for all levels of technical training courses including instructor-led, blended learning and web-based solutions. 

• Implemented global technical training framework for consultants and support engineers, decreasing time to competency by 30%. 
• Created partner-focused support training program, decreasing service requests by 20% and increasing customer satisfaction 22% quarter over quarter. 
• Prepared and maintained overall department plan and any related project plans, facilitating communications among all stakeholders.   
• Planned and managed Education department budget with focus on optimization.
• Maintained Education operations functions including monthly, quarterly, and yearly reporting, as well as all vendor relationships.
• Guided implementation of technical and sales certification programs, including training paths, accreditations, and high stakes certifications.
• Led technical needs assessment and gap-analysis to develop new training programs or modify and improve existing materials.
• Managed all training key performance indicators, ensuring that development and delivery checkpoints are met with a level of quality that ensured success. 
• Administered instructor and courseware quality reviews, ensuring that all development and delivery checkpoints were met with a level of quality to ensure success. 
• Acted as key point of contact for technical program communications including lab, new products, and leadership development. 

Bachelor of Science (BS), Business Administration
Northeastern University, Boston, MA