LORETTA MARYANN MCDONALD
Manager Projects - AI/ML
Chennai
Summary
Highly skilled Manager Projects with over 13 years of expertise in Learning & Development (L&D) and Release Management. Proven ability to translate complex business needs into effective strategies, developing comprehensive learning programs and managing end-to-end product releases. Adept at cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder management, and driving business transformation through data-driven decisions. Recognized for proactive problem-solving, strong communication, and leading teams to achieve strategic objectives in fast-paced environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Manager - Projects (AIA - AI/ML)
Cisco System India (Remote)
07.2017 - Current
- As a Manager Projects (AIA - AI/ML) & Digital Transformation Partner, I specialize in architecting scalable, enterprise-grade learning ecosystems that drive product adoption and ROI. I am an expert at orchestrating cross-functional SMEs—across AI, Networking, Security, and IoT—to deliver high-impact Customer Success (CS) learning tracks. By bridging the gap between technical administration (Jira, SharePoint, XML) and executive strategy, I leverage automation and Agile governance to streamline content engineering and deliver measurable operational excellence.
- Project Management & Strategic Execution
- End-to-End Delivery Management: Directed high-stakes project lifecycles (Initiation to Closing) for enterprise LMS migrations and AI-driven technical roadmaps, consistently meeting milestones within scope and budget.
- Strategic Planning & Governance: Defined project charters, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), and governance frameworks to align cross-functional initiatives with organizational KPIs.
- Risk Mitigation & Change Management: Proactively identified project bottlenecks and technical risks; engineered contingency plans and led Change Advisory Board (CAB) reviews to ensure seamless global deployments.
- Resource & Capacity Planning: Managed multi-disciplinary teams (Developers, SMEs, Media Designers) and optimized resource allocation to maintain high velocity in both Waterfall and Agile environments.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Acted as the primary liaison between executive leadership, L&D, IT Security, and Release units, translating complex technical requirements into actionable business outcomes.
- Strategic Business Analysis & Leadership
- Requirements Elucidation: Led deep-dive stakeholder analysis and business process modeling to identify core needs for enterprise-wide systems.
- Financial Stewardship: Conducted Net Asset Value (NAV) reviews, cost-benefit analyses, and complex workflow audits to ensure all solutions delivered high ROI.
- Cross-Functional Liaison: Fostered high-speed communication loops between technical and non-technical units to drive continuous operational efficiency.
- Content Engineering & AI Innovation
- L&D Strategic Management: Managed the full-cycle learning ecosystem, aligning professional development initiatives with emerging technology trends.
- AI Curriculum Architecture: Spearheaded the development of high-level AI courses, translating complex domains like Data Center (DC), IoT, and Collaboration into structured learning paths.
- Platform Automation & Uplift: Engineered the technical transition from legacy web courses to Self-Service Platforms (SSP) by leveraging XML and structured data mapping.
- Quality Orchestration: Partnered with Graphics and Media teams to ensure 100% information accuracy for Head Office (HO) standards and content integrity.
- Systems Administration & Release Governance
- Scrum Mastery & Agile Coaching: Facilitated Sprint ceremonies (Planning, Stand-ups, Retrospectives) and cleared organizational blockers to improve sprint predictability.
- Jira & Confluence Administration: Architected custom workflows, permission schemes, and project tracking modules for technical engineering teams.
- SharePoint Environment Design: Configured end-to-end SharePoint ecosystems for data visualization, secure collaboration, and centralized documentation.
- Lifecycle Management: Orchestrated full Release Management processes, including Change Facilitation, UAT (User Acceptance Testing), and global Beta testing.
Business Development Manager
Arka Insurance Broking Private Limited
03.2017 - 04.2017
- As a Business Development Manager at Arka Insurance, accountable for designing and executing strategic initiatives aimed at driving business growth, fostering long-term client relationships, and achieving sales objectives.
- Growth Strategy Development: Created and implemented a growth strategy to expand market reach, drive customer acquisition, and increase sales revenue.
- Market Research & Analysis: Conducted thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify new business opportunities and guide strategic decisions.
- C-suite Relationship Management: Built and maintained relationships with C-suite executives, understanding their challenges and offering tailored insurance solutions.
- Lead Generation: Generated qualified leads through targeted outreach, networking, and partnerships, significantly expanding the sales pipeline.
- Proposal Presentation: Delivered persuasive business proposals, showcasing the value of insurance products, resulting in successful deal closures.
Consultant
Secova e-Service US HealthCare
10.2016 - 11.2016
- As a Consultant at Secova e-Service US HealthCare, responsible for optimizing and managing the credentialing and enrollment processes for healthcare providers, ensuring timely and compliant integration into insurance networks.
- Credentialing Process Management: Managed the credentialing process for healthcare providers, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and timely participation in insurance networks.
- Provider Collaboration: Collaborated with healthcare providers to gather and verify credentials, licenses, certifications, and documentation.
- Enrollment Application Management: Initiated and completed enrollment applications with various insurance plans, ensuring accurate and timely provider information.
- Deadline Management: Prioritized and managed multiple deadlines to ensure timely provider participation and minimize claim denials.
- Data Integrity & Maintenance: Maintained accurate and up-to-date provider information in credentialing and enrollment databases, ensuring data integrity.
- Issue Resolution: Resolved credentialing and enrollment issues, including application denials or delays, ensuring smooth provider onboarding.
- Team Leadership: Led a team of credentialing specialists, providing guidance, mentorship, and training to enhance team performance and efficiency.
- Process Improvement: Developed and implemented efficient workflows and process improvements, streamlining credentialing and enrollment procedures.
Analyst
SCOInspire Holdings, Inc (EXL)- US HealthCare
03.2015 - 07.2016
- As a Subrogation Claims Analyst at SCIO Inspire (EXL) - US HealthCare, responsible for investigating, evaluating, and resolving insurance claims, with a primary focus on identifying and recovering overpayments.
- Claims Evaluation & Review: Investigated, evaluated, and reviewed insurance claims to determine coverage, liability, and eligibility, ensuring accurate and timely resolution.
- Claims Validation & Overpayment Identification: Analyzed medical records, bills, and supporting documentation to validate claims and identify potential overpayments.
- Subrogation Support: Conducted thorough investigations, gathering relevant information to support subrogation efforts and recover overpaid funds.
- Record Maintenance & Compliance: Maintained accurate and detailed records of claims, investigations, and correspondence, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal procedures.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborated with insurance adjusters, medical providers, and other stakeholders to gather information, resolve discrepancies, and facilitate timely claim settlements.
- Process Improvement: Led requirement gathering efforts and conducted medical record assessments, contributing to the improvement of claims data analysis processes.
L2 - Tele Researcher
Merit Software Solutions (Merit Data & Technology)
01.2014 - 01.2015
- As a L2 - Tele Researcher at Merit Software Solutions, accountable for identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities, fostering client relationships, and driving sales growth.
- Business Opportunity Identification: Identified and pursued new business opportunities through market research, industry analysis, and networking events, contributing to client base expansion.
- Client Relationship Management: Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, understanding their business needs and offering tailored software solutions.
- Proposal Creation & Presentation: Created and delivered persuasive business proposals, highlighting the value proposition of software products and services to potential clients.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborated with internal teams, including marketing and product development, to align sales efforts with overall company objectives.
- Lead Generation & Management: Managed the lead generation process, qualifying and nurturing leads through CRM systems to drive sales conversion and revenue growth.
IT Support Engineer
CSS CORP (Movate)
05.2012 - 12.2013
- As an IT Support Engineer at CSS CORP (Movate), delivered comprehensive technical support to end-users, troubleshooting software, hardware, and network issues to ensure optimal system performance and enhance user satisfaction.
- Remote Technical Support: Provided comprehensive L1 & L2 remote support across various operating systems (Linux, Mac, Windows, Chrome OS, Android), resolving issues and ensuring system stability.
- Software Application Support: Delivered exceptional technical support for a wide range of software applications, assisting users with installations, troubleshooting, and escalating complex cases when needed.
- Network Troubleshooting: Utilized network troubleshooting techniques to identify and resolve connectivity issues, ensuring seamless access and optimal system performance.
- System Administration: Performed system administration tasks, including user account management and access control, ensuring data security and compliance with IT policies.
- Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Collaborated with senior technicians and team members to resolve complex technical issues, contributing to team success and knowledge sharing.
Education
Master of Computer Applications - AI and ML
SRM Institute of Science & Technology
Chennai12-2025
Bachelor of Computer Applications - undefined
Stella Maris College
Chennai05-2021
Skills
Business Analysis & Process Improvement: Requirement Gathering, Stakeholder Management, Data Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Business Process Optimization, NAV Review, Workflow Analysis, Release Management
SDLC & QA: Waterfall, Agile (SAFE 60), Continuous Delivery, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Beta Testing, Quality Assurance, Risk Management, Data & Change Management
Project & Collaboration Tools: JIRA Cloud (Site Admin), Confluence, Asana, Smartsheet, Trello, Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Visio, SharePoint), Lucidchart, Miro
Accomplishments
- Innovative eLearning Program Deployment: Pioneered the launch of a cutting-edge eLearning program at Cisco Systems, resulting in a 35% increase in employee training engagement and a 50% reduction in onboarding time, significantly improving training efficiency and employee productivity.
- Quick Turnaround & Impediment Removal: Delivered rapid resolution of all tickets by proactively identifying and removing impediments, ensuring seamless project progress and timely issue resolution.
- Award Recognition: Recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including 'Star Performer' at Merit Software Solutions and 'Best Performer' at SCIO Inspire, showcasing a strong commitment to excellence and consistently driving performance to meet organizational goals.
Certification
Certified ScrumMaster
Timeline
Manager - Projects (AIA - AI/ML)
Cisco System India (Remote)
07.2017 - Current
Business Development Manager
Arka Insurance Broking Private Limited
03.2017 - 04.2017
Consultant
Secova e-Service US HealthCare
10.2016 - 11.2016
Analyst
SCOInspire Holdings, Inc (EXL)- US HealthCare
03.2015 - 07.2016
L2 - Tele Researcher
Merit Software Solutions (Merit Data & Technology)
01.2014 - 01.2015
IT Support Engineer
CSS CORP (Movate)
05.2012 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Computer Applications - undefined
Stella Maris College
Master of Computer Applications - AI and ML
SRM Institute of Science & Technology