Howard Sheppard has over 14 years of experience in IT and software development using languages like COBOL, SQL, Java, and .NET. He has worked as a software developer and analyst for companies like Sempra Energy and Universal Studios, developing and maintaining various systems. Currently he works as a Computer Information Technology Specialist for the State of Missouri developing applications using technologies like Java, Websphere, and Struts. He also has experience leading worship teams and managing technical aspects of church services.

1. Howard V. Sheppard<br />2012 Long Gate Court, Chesterfield, MO 63017-7415<br />(636) 536-9777 (home) (636) 579-0888 (cell)<br />hvsheppard@gmail.com<br />http://www.linkedin.com/in/hvsheppard<br />OBJECTIVE: Programmer Analyst / Software Developer<br />QUALIFICATIONS<br />Design and create unique programs that support or promote outcomes for individuals and organizations<br />Research and analyze methods and techniques to develop and implement solutions<br />Persuade and collaborate with individuals to come to agreement and take action for mutual benefit<br />Manage and direct individuals and teams to complete tasks on time<br />SKILLS<br />Over 14 years of IT experience in computer systems analysis, design and coding throughout all phases of the software development life cycle (SDLC)<br />Proficient in several computer languages, including COBOL II, Command-Level CICS and SQL<br />Skilled in DB2 and IMS databases, VSAM and sequential datasets, OS/JCL and MVS/XA<br />Highly analytical, thorough and accurate, carefully attentive to detail, and enjoy working closely with business users to define their needs, and following through to meet their requirements<br />Other tools/platforms/languages used: Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Project and Outlook; QMF, TSO/ISPF, EDI, Compuware Xpediter and Abend-AID, CA Endevor and Easytrieve Plus, IBM Assembler and DYL-280<br />Knowledgeable in C#, .NET, ADO.NET, WPF, C++, Java, JavaScript, JSP, EJB, Struts, Visual Basic, HTML, XML, PalmOS and Palm Mojo WebOS<br />Experienced in supervising teams, handling and resolving issues and personality conflicts, establishing budget priorities, reporting on a regular basis to supervisors and subordinates, training personnel in various responsibilities, planning and conducting meetings and preparing multimedia presentations<br />Strong desire to continue growing in knowledge and understanding of new computer and web-based programming languages and technologies<br />CAREER EXPERIENCE<br />Software Development<br />State of Missouri – Office of Administration – Department of Labor4/10-present<br />Computer Information Technology Specialist<br />Working on USTAR (Unemployment State Tax Automated Reporting) system, using Java, IBM Websphere, RAD, EJB, JavaScript, JSP and Struts <br />Working on legacy Personnel, Supply and Training systems, using z/OS, COBOL, CICS, DB2, JCL and VSAM<br />Sempra Energy - Southern California Gas Company8/00-11/01<br />Software Developer<br />Wrote and upgraded software for application programming systems and data on IBM enterprise server using COBOL II, DB2 and SQL to support and improve customer service<br />Developed and supported applications to serve and process data readings for 5 million customers per month, uploading and processing over 250,000 meter reads each day<br />Supervised and coordinated large scale system wide data collection events to gather data used for generating billing statements<br />Upgraded Customer Information System interfaces using Smalltalk Object Oriented language to provide customer and user access to account data<br />Universal Studios, CA2/98-6/00<br />Senior Systems Analyst<br />Developed and upgraded COBOL II software to launch new product lines for company with over $15 billion in revenues<br />Developed CamBar enterprise server distribution system using EDI for catalog of over 100,000 music and video products for company with annual earnings of $860 million<br />Managed data in several multi-Gigabyte IMS databases and hundreds of VSAM and sequential datasets to provide access to vast music and video catalog<br />Converted raw data into user-friendly information to be used by management teams for strategic planning<br />Designed production and ad hoc reports using DYL-280, including cash collections and various extracts from enterprise server data to aid business users in decision-making<br />Farmers Insurance, Los Angeles, CA8/88-2/98 <br />Systems Analyst<br />Collaborated with colleagues and consultants to develop and implement data conversion strategies for over 12 major groups of auto and fire insurance applications representing over $10 billion in premiums written<br />Worked closely with business users to define their needs and gather requirements, and followed through to meet those requirements<br />Designed, coded and maintained COBOL II, Command-Level CICS and IBM Assembler software applications with VSAM and IMS datasets, using OS/JCL and MVS/XA, TSO/ISPF, Xpediter, Abend-AID, Endevor and Easytrieve Plus to provide commercial insurance coverage to business customers <br />Generated over 500 date-versioned DB2 tables across more than 20 test, QA and production environments to provide automobile and fire insurance coverage to customers<br />Worship Ministry<br />Bonhomme Presbyterian Church, Chesterfield, MO11/01-2/09<br />Director of Contemporary Worship<br />Oversaw all aspects of design, planning and execution of technical, creative and production elements, using MediaShout presentation software, Horizon Lighting Control System and other software, for weekly service with average of 500 attendees<br />Developed innovative technological solutions to implement creative elements in audio, video and other media, using Cakewalk SONAR Digital Audio Workstation, Avid Pinnacle Video Editing software, Anim8or 3-D modeling and animation software, Camtasia Studio 6 and WinMorph graphic morphing software<br />Supervised and scheduled team of over 100 volunteers using Planning Center Online scheduling and distribution system, and collaborated with staff to produce and lead weekly service<br />Bonhomme Presbyterian Church (cont’d)<br />Recruited, trained and rehearsed with volunteer musicians and singers to prepare and present music at service, using Finale Music Notation software, Margi presentation system and Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Project<br />Spearheaded redesign of gymnasium into suitable venue for worship service, including stage with audio, video, lighting and computer systems<br />Arcadia Presbyterian Church, Arcadia, CA11/95-11/01<br />Director of Contemporary Worship<br />Recruited, taught and rehearsed with volunteer musicians and singers to prepare and present music at weekly service<br />Supervised and scheduled team of over 20 volunteers and collaborated with staff to produce and lead weekly service<br />Oversaw all aspects of design, planning and execution of technical, creative and production elements, using SongShow presentation software and other software tools, for weekly service with average of 200 attendees<br />EDUCATION<br />Certificate in Application Programming with .NET<br />C.A.I.T. (Center for the Application of Information Technology)<br />Washington University, St. Louis, MO<br />Diploma in Computer Systems and Programming<br />Computer Learning Center, Los Angeles, CA<br />Bachelor of Music (cum laude) in Vocal Performance<br />California State University, Northridge, CA<br />