Q&A Panel with Engineering Managers

Ron Lichty has been managing and, more recently, consulting in managing software development and product organizations for over 25 years. Before that, as a programmer, he coded compiler code generators, was awarded patents for compression and security algorithms for embedded microcontroller devices, wrote 2 widely used programming texts, and developed the computer animation demo that Apple used to launch and sell a next-generation line of PCs. The primary focus of his consulting practice has mirrored what he did as a manager: untangling the knots in software development. As Ron Lichty Consulting, he takes on fractional Interim VP Engineering roles, trains teams and executives in scrum, transitions teams to agile, trains and coaches managers in managing software people and teams, and advises organizations and coaches teams to make their software development “hum.” His 450-page book, Managing the Unmanageable: Rules, Tools, and Insights for Managing Software People and Teams, was recently released as video training - LiveLessons: Managing Software People and Teams - both from Pearson and on O’Reilly’s Safari Network. He also co-authors the periodic Study of Product Team Performance.

Tammy is a software development leader for over 20 years and as a Vice President of Engineering has lead teams of native-mobile, full stack, .Net and Java developers, QA and project management. She’s held VP roles at several startups and large companies including USA Technologies, Cantaloupe Systems, Untangle, WeatherNews and E-Color.

Jerry Krikheli is the VP of Engineering at Houzz where he oversees all infrastructure, platform, and engineering across Consumer, Marketplace, and Industry Solutions initiatives. Prior to Houzz, Jerry was an engineering director at Google responsible for developing early versions of the display ad serving infrastructure and launching YouTube ads as well as video ads on mobile apps. He has a passion for building high-performing systems, products, and people.

Director of Manufacturing Systems and Emotional Intelligence Coach - A unique blend of engineering manager & Stanford-trained psychologist who can help you get the most from your teams!

Vidal Graupera is an experienced engineering leader. He hosts the popular "Managers Club" website where you will find interviews with top engineering leaders and managers at https://www.managersclub.com. Vidal works as an Engineering Manager at Uber. Vidal holds engineering degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Southern CA. He also holds an MBA from Santa Clara University. Vidal is a co-author of "Pro Smartphone Cross-Platform Development: iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and Android Development and Distribution" from Apress.

I have hired, lead and coached cross-disciplinary design & development teams for over 15 years. Today I help other agency owners and technicians elevate from doing the hands on work to leading their teams.