As mentioned on the Experience page, Spark talks are short talks to inspire you to think differently. Our theme is intended to push this even a bit further. We want you to reflect on what you hear, then if the concept resonates with you, use an open discussion to see when and how you can apply what you have heard. Or does it inspire you to try something else? Have a dialogue on that!
We’re honored to have some really awesome Sparkers this year coming from around the country to share how they have stretched their agility. Here they are and the topics they will be providing:
Dante Vilardi
Dante is an enterprise agility coach with 18 years’ experience in IT and operations. He specializes in applying the Lean / Agile framework to data-driven technology programs. In both coaching and training contexts, Dante brings a product focus to Agile program delivery. He has a track record of successful Agile transformation in industries such as financial services, manufacturing, insurance and the public sector.
George Dinwiddie
George Dinwiddie helps organizations develop software more effectively. He brings thirty years of development experience from electronic hardware and embedded firmware to business information technology. He helps organizations, managers, and teams solve the problems they face by providing consulting, coaching, mentoring and training at the organizational, process, team, interpersonal, and technical levels. Involved in the Agile community since 2000, he has helped groups ranging from 8 developers to a Fortune 100 company and a half-billion dollar federal program. He is a frequent presenter at conferences such as the Agile conference, Agile Development Practices, and numerous regional and focused conferences, and has been published in print and on-line magazines.
Jenny Tarwater
Jenny is a 20-year veteran of Technical Program Management with a disciplined approach of cultivating success and growth in people, process, and products. Her mission is to lead others to surpass goals, contribute positively in collaborative environments, and explore undiscovered opportunities and solutions through continuous learning and game play. Her hobbies include purchasing sharpies and post-it notes in bulk.
Julie Bright
Julie tried on many hats before settling into her current identity as an Agile Coach at Capital One. In the past, she has worked in Purchasing, served as a childbirth doula, supported Government engineers designing military safety equipment, and even tried her hand at self-employment as a Personal Chef. In 2009, she was bitten by the Agile bug. She is happiest when facilitating workshops, teaching Agile concepts through games, and co-creating professional environments where people can feel motivated, engaged, and empowered. Julie is a CSM, SASM, SPMPO, and ICP certified in Facilitation and Agile Coaching (ICP-ATF, ICP-ACC).
Paul Boos
Paul Boos is an IT executive coach helping executives, senior managers, and teams transform their software development thinking and how to effectively lead them. He also serves as the Agile Alliance’s Program Director for the Agile Coach Camp Initiative. A passionate learner, he has continued to help those learn better ways to coach and lead people inside the Federal Government and software industry. When he was Fed and inspired by various conferences and unconferences, he founded GLASScon to help his peers learn more about Agile and Lean development.
Govt Lean-Agile Software and Systems Conference 