Donna Lash, Senior Consultant

Donna Lash joins Diane Meiller and Associates as a Senior Consultant.  Ms. Lash has over 20 years of information technology experiences that includes 10 years in leadership positions complimented by 10 years of practical execution in implementation of large scale technology solutions, establishing project management offices, creating strategic sourcing practices emphasizing the importance of vendor management and procurement procedures and defining technology strategy and organizational vision.

Most recently, she was Vice President of Client and Program Management for Wyndham Vacation Ownership where she led the deployment of PMO processes resulting in double digit percent improvement in on-plan project delivery. In addition, she established the strategic sourcing practice focused on vendor selection, contract negotiations and relationship management which drove significant savings related to vendor consolidation and contract re-negotiations.

Prior to Wyndham, Ms. Lash was Vice President of Technology for Cheaptickets.com.  There, she led a team of over 90 software engineers, project managers, business analysts, quality assurance analysts and architects in delivery of online travel distribution and marketing solutions.  In addition, she worked on several merger and acquisitions in the travel distribution industry, establishing repeatable processes for due diligence including creation of business models to estimate and later execute the integration of merging companies.

Bringing a breadth of experience in repeatable, on-plan delivery of complex business solutions in the hospitality, travel distribution, retail, telecom and financial industries, Ms. Lash is a strong addition to the performance excellence team at Diane Meiller and Associates, Incorporated.

Jackie Kelley, Senior Consultant

Jackie Kelley has also joined the staff of Diane Meiller and Associates.  Ms. Jackie Kelley has over 20 years of experience in engineering, airline, and most recently the vacation ownership business.  She has a wide variety of expertise in the areas of project and program management, change management, business analysis and process reengineering.  As a recent college graduate, she worked Southern California in the aerospace engineering industry for five years, before she was recruited to join Delta Air Lines in Atlanta.  She held multiple positions during her ten years at Delta; including pricing and revenue management, and program management of one of Delta’s largest reengineering initiatives facilitating the build out and usage of electronic ticketing data for core business processes in marketing and revenue recognition.  Immediately prior to joining Diane Meiller and Associates, Inc., Ms. Kelley spent three years as a Senior Director at Starwood Vacation Ownership in Central Florida, where she had responsibility for program and priority management, business analysis and change management. 

Ms. Kelley has a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from University of Colorado, and currently lives in Winter Garden, Florida with her husband and two children.  She is active in the community, including Society for Information Management, International Institute for Business Analysis, and spends much of her time mentoring youth.

As we head into the second quarter of 2009, the shock of 2008 has faded, and our desire to build an even stronger economy increases, we continually assess our objectives, values, and contribution both professionally and personally.  Over the past several months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with numerous colleagues, clients, consultants, industry and community leaders, and overall job seekers, about where we are today and expectations for the future, and it never ceases to impress me how motivated and realistically optimistic most people are about the path of our community and economic prospects for the future.

In February, I was fortunate to be included in a delegation of local leaders accompanying Mayor Crotty on a Metro Orlando EDC on a trip to Dubai.  Similar to Orlando, Dubai’s main industry is tourism, with an additional focus on building a health care city to provide world class medical services in the Mid-East.  Some of the trip’s highlights included meeting with the head of transportation in Dubai and learning about the rapid implementation of a rail system, which transports tourists, residents, and business people throughout the city via a modern, convenient commuter rail system.

We were present when Anne Chinoda, The CEO of Florida’s Blood Centers, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Minister of Health for the United Arab Emirates, which initiates the first-ever collaborative blood cell research effort between her organization and the UAE Health Administration.  Additionally, we met with Central Florida executives currently doing business in the Middle-East, as well as numerous other leaders of health care and hospitality organizations.  The common comment by many of those that we met with was how surprised and impressed they were by the depth and breadth of Central Florida’s industry diversity; specifically health care, biomedical research and training, digital media, and engineering/construction.  These economic missions are critical in expanding the awareness of our region’s repository of talent and expertise to attract economic investment in the Orlando area.

Locally, DM&A has certainly felt the impact of the economic slowdown like many of our contemporaries, but remain committed to providing value to our clients and community to help others get through these tough times to reposition enterprises for competitive advantage and success.  Now is the time to look ahead, invest wisely today for a prosperous economic rebound.

DM&A continues to work with clients as they transform their businesses, and IT functions.  Specifically, engagements in 2009 have included Corporate Strategic Planning, Risk Mitigation, Governance, Portfolio/Project Management and Business Process Efficiency and Execution.

I want to personally thank our consultants, colleagues, clients and community partners for their continued confidence and partnership with DM&A and look forward to a year of growth and prosperity.  Diane Meiller

DM&A Staff

Serena Frank Presents to SIM

Serena Frank, Principal of Governance and Strategy of DM&A, was the guest speaker at the Central Florida Chapter of SIM’s March meeting. The topic of her presentation was “IT Governance, Project Portfolio Management, and Business Alignment through Relationship Management”.  If you would like to see this presentation, please contact Diane Meiller or Serena Frank at dmeiller@meillerassociates.com or sfrank@meillerassociates.com

UCF Internship at DM&A

DM&A welcomed Eric Kami , a UCF student, who joined our staff in October of 2008 to observe our consulting business and shadow both Diane and Cheryl throughout the-day-to-day operations of the business.

Eric currently a junior at UCF is preparing for his LSAT’s while also leading several organization.  Eric’s busy schedule has required him to return to his academics full time.  While at DM&A Eric demonstrated a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence and a professional demeanor.  We wish Eric much success in his endeavors!

Diane Meiller Joins SIM Central Florida Chapter Board of Directors

The Central Florida Chapter of SIM, recently appointed Diane Meiller to their Board of Directors as Director of Communications and Publicity Chair.  For more information on SIM and the local chapter, please go to www.simnet.org

SIM (Society of Information Management) is a professional non-profit society that provides Central Florida’s Chief Information Officers and other IT leaders the opportunity: To give back to the community, to further create opportunity for others and enhance Central Florida’s reputation nationwide as a community of outstanding technology leaders.  This is accomplished through mentoring, scholarships and speaker programs; To learn from contemporaries, business executives, technology experts, and community leaders by leveraging shared experiences; To enable career development through increased knowledge and greater exposure in the community and help develop the next generation of IT leaders; To network among peers who become confidantes, advisors, and friends; To act as the voice of the IT community on critical issue.

BioFlorida

Diane Meiller co-chairs with Anne Chinoda, CEO of Florida’s Blood Centers, on BioFlorida conference, scheduled for November 2009.

2008 Holiday Party

DM&A hosted its’ annual holiday gathering with clients, friends and colleagues.  With the changes in the economy that impacted so many, the holidays were a perfect time to remind us of hope and good will.  Thank you for celebrating with us!

To teach the energy balance equation, HMC linked the Safe Routes to School Program to the Team Nutrition Challenge and  provided bike, pedestrian, and traffic safety encouraging youth to bike and walk to school.  

When many of the local food stamp offices closed, Health Masters Club received funding from the USDA to pilot a “mobile education station” food stamp outreach utilizing a bilingual worker.  When Orange County Healthy Start Coalition was chosen to participate in the Black Infant Health Initiative, Health Masters Club joined the team.  HMC produced public service announcements for radio and television to raise awareness about some of the leading causes of black infant death including maternal health, teenage pregnancy, prematurity, and obesity. 

Dr. Moody, Founder of the Health Masters Club spearheaded the formation of Healthy Breast 2020 and Breast Health for Divas.  This project received a proclamation from the City of Apopka.  Breast Health for Divas is a television production which integrates nutrition, fitness and stress management in the prescription for breast cancer prevention.  

Please visit the Health Master Club website for more information at healthmastersclub.org.

Aaron

Joanne

Ken

Currently, I interact with several other DM&A consultants all of whom provide value and commitment to their assignments. We use a “tag team” approach to assist each other with learning the business environment, process flows and general company protocol.

I would recommend that anyone considering engagement in the project management field give DM&A a call”.

Brenda

Glen

As one of sixteen caucus members, I had the opportunity to play an active role to anticipate opportunities, support and encourage conversations and results, and ensure that ideas and challenges were identified and addressed. As Central Florida looks at the global competitive landscape, it is critical that we develop and execute and collaborative strategy in the areas of transportation, economic diversification, and brand alignment.

There have been significant strides made in the healthcare, biotechnology arena in Central Florida, positioning the region as a leader in biotech and robotics research and development. The unified efforts of the University of Central Florida’s medical school, Orlando Regional Healthcare, Florida Hospital, Burnham Institute, the Tavistock Group, and many other investors in our region’s growth in medical care and research are setting the standards for excellence worldwide.

The opportunity for Diane Meiller and Associates to meet and work with the business leaders, government and non-profit organizations that are dedicated to the future growth of Central Florida is tremendously rewarding. There is an enormous amount of talent, intellect, and desire to enhance the economic, educational, entertainment, and overall quality of life for the current and future residents as well as for those who come for a short stay in Metro Orlando. Diane Meiller and Associates is committed to active participation in the community as the region continues it trajectory toward establishing a worldwide reputation as the best place to live, work and play. The leadership team at Diane Meiller and Associates continues to appreciate our consulting staff, business partners, and colleagues in sharing this passion for the region’s growth and welcome your ideas and participation in this historic moment of our community’s road to global prominence.

Warmest Regards,
Diane R. Meiller

2007 Christmas Party
We had a delightful holiday celebration with our clients, friends and colleagues who joined us at the Buena Vista Palace. It was a wonderful time had by all. We thank everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules to join our holiday event.

Diane said, “It is an immense pleasure to ring in the holidays with Diane Meiller and Associates’ clients, team, friends and colleagues - a truly special way to close out a terrific year and ring in another“.

View the photo gallery

Diane Meiller and Associates Adds Change Management Expertise
Diane Meiller and Associates now has three Prosci Change Management Certified consultants on staff.

Now more than ever companies are looking for ways to become adaptive and have the new initiatives they roll out rapidly take hold throughout the organization. A change management strategy incorporated into enterprise wide initiatives is the right recipe for rapid acceptance and adoption by all employees. Often, the people side of change is sidelined to focus only on the mechanics of delivering the initiative. Paying attention to and addressing how the change will impact its’ people is the key element to success and is unfortunately the most commonly overlooked. We here at Diane Meiller and Associates are fortunate to have the credentials and successful track record of delivering and executing change strategies for our clients.

Dianne Meiller & Associates Invests in the Community
Diane Meiller and Associates, Inc. continues to be ensconced in the Central Florida Community. Most recently Diane Meiller and Associates has become a member of the United Arts of Central Florida. This organization is a dynamic collaboration of businesses, governments, foundations, etc. whose partnerships work to enhance the quality and variety of cultural experiences. As a member of the Economic Development Commission, Diane Meiller and Associates participates on the BioTec Orlando initiative, and recently made corporate contributions to Arnold Palmer Hospital, WMFE Public Radio and recently became a member of the Seminole Chamber of Commerce.

Investing in Consulting Services During a Recession
We have all heard the arguments for both sides of the debate as to whether we are in or are not in a recession. This article will provide an overview of IT forecasts for the coming year and key strategies for providing strategic value to your client and employer. We at Diane Meiller and Associates recognize that economic perceptions have a great impact on spend for consulting services. However, the realization is that sometimes there is a greater demand for project-based consulting during economic downturns, while downsizing permanent staff. It is also true that companies can also decide to reduce any investment in outside consulting services as a way to reduce budgets. The question is then, how do companies prioritize which projects are funded, and how, who and what resources are allocated?

Large companies, especially during recessions or economically unstable times, look for ways to save money. One primary way is outsourcing. CIO’s are paying closer attention to supplier performance metrics. That said, executives will prepare for

the future by looking carefully at their external business partnerships and ensuring that their service providers s are delivering the best value for their investment. CIO Connect recently found in comparison to 2007 that IT budgets are likely to stay the same for 45% of technology leaders, and will increase for 32% of organizations. Only 23% of firms say their 2008 IT budget will be lower than last year. Diane Meiller and Associates recently adopted some well-known tips on how PM’s and IT managers can thrive in the current belt tightening environment.

Adversity breeds opportunities. Emerge as a leader during the tough times - be creative, come up with new ideas, and substantiate value. The best way for a Project Manager to contribute is to get involved up front and help solve the problem at hand. Be inquisitive, ensure the project scope as defined is produces results economically and effectively and ties to the overall organizational objectives. In the market that exists today, employees are often rewarded for coming up with creative solutions that contribute to the business’ bottom line.

Business Week’s Bruce Nussbaum agrees. He recently said, “Winners always emerge out of recessions, and they almost always beat their competition on the basis of something new.”

Be prepared to answer tough: C-Level executives want to know how their organizations can save money without sacrificing quality. The old adage of doing more with less is more prevalent during periods of perceived or real recession.

How do we at Diane Meiller and Associates ensure that we consistently provide high value to our clients, and what can we do to help them achieve their goal of optimizing the ability to obtain results while minimizing economic investment? This is a question we should continually ask ourselves throughout every client engagement. Smart people are all saying virtually the same thing: Recessions call for creativity, not only cost-cutting. Inevitably, Diane Meiller and Associates has seen that companies are looking to cut costs. Often times they are outsourcing more work to consulting firms because it is cheaper than hiring full time.

That is why we here at Diane Meiller and Associates make our clients strategic value our number one priority each and every day. We understand that clients need to feel that they are getting more from their investment now more than they ever have before. This is also why we constantly strive to upgrade the value we provide to our clients. With dollars tight and companies being very strategic with their investment dollars, we here at Diane Meiller and Associates put forth every effort to make those dollars work for our clients.

Sources: gantthead.com, Indo-Asian News Service, vnunet.com

UCF Internship at Diane Meiller and Associates
On March 10th, Diane Meiller and Associates will welcome a UCF student, who will join our staff in the Downtown Orlando office to observe our consulting business and shadow both Diane and Cheryl throughout the day-to-day operations of the business.

Diane Meiller and Associates Joins Forces with Junior Achievement “Me and My CommUnity”
Diane Meiller and Associates has taken on a new initiative to teach high school women the importance of leadership, teamwork, negotiation and the importance of professional collaboration in achieving organizational objectives. Diane Meiller and Associates is working in tandem with the Junior Achievement local Orlando chapter on hosting an all day event for young women. This event will be a project based format and the participants will work in groups of five. The goal is to not only have a winning team, but reach out and help the other groups’ effort to win as well. The panel of judges will be comprised of professional executive women who will evaluate each team on scorecard criteria such as leadership, creativity, negotiation, teamwork, helping others, etc., to select the winning team. The winning team will then be given a check to present to Junior Achievement. We anticipate that this will be a fun educational event, where teenage students will have an opportunity to participate in a real-life/real-reward professional experience.

As one of sixteen caucus members, I had the opportunity to play an active role to anticipate opportunities, support and encourage conversations and results, and ensure that ideas and challenges were identified and addressed. As Central Florida looks at the global competitive landscape, it is critical that we develop and execute and collaborative strategy in the areas of transportation, economic diversification, and brand alignment.

There have been significant strides made in the healthcare/biotechnology arena in Central Florida, positioning the region as a leader in biotech and robotics research and development. The unified efforts of the University of Central Florida’s medical school, Orlando Regional Healthcare, Florida Hospital, Burnham Institute, the Tavistock Group, and many other investors in our region’s growth in medical care and research are setting the standards for excellence worldwide.

The opportunity to meet and work with the business leaders, government and non-profit organizations that are dedicated to the future growth of Central Florida is tremendously rewarding. There is an enormous amount of talent, intellect, and desire to enhance the economic, educational, entertainment, and overall quality of life for the current and future residents as well as for those who come for a short stay in Metro Orlando. Diane Meiller and Associates is committed to active participation in the community as the region continues it trajectory toward establishing a worldwide reputation as the best place to live, work and play. The leadership team at Diane Meiller and Associates’ continues to appreciate our consulting staff, business partners, and colleagues in sharing this passion for the region’s growth and welcome your ideas and participation in this historic moment.

Warmest Regards,

Diane R. Meiller