Norah Schrum

Norah Schrum

Mentor
4.9
(49 reviews)
US$20.00
For every 15 mins
145
Sessions/Jobs
free badge
First 15 mins free for your first session
View Video
ABOUT ME
Technical Program Leader, Agnostic Software Engineer
Technical Program Leader, Agnostic Software Engineer

Fractional CTO, Operations & Systems Architect with over two decades of experience leading software strategy, enterprise CMS platform architecture, and multi-tenant cloud ecosystems. Intimately familiar with both proprietary and open-source stacks, bolstered by deep expertise in WebOps, CI/CD deployment pipelines, and high-availability infrastructure.

Proven knowledge leader and Systems Design Analyst offering unique change management and operational frameworks that elevate delivery performance, streamline agency workflows, and drive organizational efficiency. Experienced in aligning executive leadership, engineering, and product teams across distributed environments.

Continuous process and systems improvement specialist with over 15 years as a remote worker and community leader. Active in the open-source community, having served as Lead Organizer for MidCamp, and currently serving as a staff member for Drupal 4 Gov and founder of the Digital Career Sandbox community.

English
Central Time (US & Canada) (-05:00)
Joined April 2016
EXPERTISE
10 years experience
Technical leadership isn't just about expertise—it's about guiding teams through complex challenges and driving meaningful change. With o...
Technical leadership isn't just about expertise—it's about guiding teams through complex challenges and driving meaningful change. With over two decades of experience in the software industry, I've honed my skills to become a trusted leader, adept at leading teams, managing projects, and implementing transformative initiatives that drive organizational success. From leading remote teams and fostering a culture of collaboration to spearheading strategic projects and navigating organizational change, I've navigated the complexities of technical leadership with agility and vision. Leveraging my expertise in project management, I've successfully overseen the end-to-end delivery of projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, timelines, and budgets. Additionally, my proficiency in change management has enabled me to implement initiatives that drive efficiency, innovation, and performance improvement across teams and departments. As a mentor and advocate for continuous improvement, I've had the privilege of guiding aspiring leaders and professionals in honing their own leadership skills and navigating the challenges of organizational change. Whether it's coaching team members, facilitating workshops on leadership development, or leading by example, I'm committed to fostering a culture of growth and excellence within the professional community. In summary, my experience with technical leadership, project management, and change management is characterized by a dedication to driving meaningful outcomes and empowering teams to reach their full potential. Whether it's leading strategic initiatives, managing projects, or championing change, I'm passionate about leveraging technology and leadership to drive positive impact and drive organizational success.
20 years experience
With over two decades of experience in software development, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. My journey has primarily revolve...
With over two decades of experience in software development, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. My journey has primarily revolved around serving the Education, Government, and Legal Industries, where I've navigated both Proprietary and Open Source Application & Reporting environments with finesse. From network and server administration to detailed systems design analysis, I've honed my skills across the spectrum of software development. As a proven knowledge leader and detailed Systems Design Analyst, I specialize in crafting unique strategies and implementing change management techniques to drive significant organizational performance and efficiency gains. My approach involves providing collaborative, tailor-designed solutions from concept to launch, always with a keen eye on industry best practices to foster innovation and organic collaboration. Moreover, my extensive experience as a Remote First worker has equipped me with the ability to thrive in virtual environments, facilitating seamless collaboration and productivity. Whether mentoring students and junior developers or contributing to community initiatives like MidCamp and Drupal Association, I'm passionate about sharing knowledge and fostering growth within the software development community. In summary, my journey in software development encompasses a rich tapestry of skills and experiences, underpinned by a relentless commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Product designAPI IntegrationSoftware architects
View more
Product designAPI IntegrationSoftware architectsTestingSoftware development life cycle
View more
8 years experience
Crafting strategies is my forte, evident from my rich and diverse experience: 1. Digital Strategy: As a Fractional Leader CXO at tekNora...
Crafting strategies is my forte, evident from my rich and diverse experience: 1. Digital Strategy: As a Fractional Leader CXO at tekNorah and a Senior Technical Project Manager at Unleashed, I've honed my skills in devising and executing tailored digital strategies. My focus on CMS, CRM, ERP, and ETL frameworks has led to transformative outcomes for organizations. 2. Project Management Strategy: Managing large portfolios and remote teams at companies like Mediacurrent and Gun.io has equipped me with a keen understanding of project management strategy. I excel in scoping engagements, optimizing team productivity, and ensuring project success through meticulous planning and execution. 3. Technical Strategy: My roles at Apollo Education Group and Apex Systems have allowed me to contribute significantly to technical strategy. With expertise in Drupal and Progress OpenEdge, I specialize in designing custom solutions and optimizing system performance to meet diverse business needs. 4. Community Strategy: Actively involved in organizations like MidCamp and the Drupal Association, I leverage strategic thinking to foster community collaboration and engagement. Whether organizing events or contributing to open-source projects, I prioritize building strong networks and facilitating organic collaboration. In summary, my career reflects a consistent dedication to crafting and implementing effective strategies across digital, project management, technical, and community spheres.
SEOBrand strategyStrategic Technology Planning
View more
SEOBrand strategyStrategic Technology PlanningStrategy Development
View more
11 years experience
Event planning isn't just a task—it's a passion that fuels my creativity and attention to detail. With over a decade of experience in org...
Event planning isn't just a task—it's a passion that fuels my creativity and attention to detail. With over a decade of experience in organizing and coordinating events, I've honed my skills to become a seasoned event planner, capable of orchestrating memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact on attendees and stakeholders alike. From conceptualizing event themes and managing logistics to coordinating with vendors and ensuring seamless execution, I've navigated the complexities of event planning with precision, leveraging strategic thinking, adaptability, and effective communication to bring visions to life. Whether it's corporate conferences, community workshops, or networking events, I thrive on the challenge and excitement of creating memorable experiences that exceed expectations. As a leader in the remote work community, I've had the privilege of sharing my event planning expertise with aspiring organizers and professionals, helping them develop their own skills and execute successful events in virtual and hybrid settings. Additionally, my involvement in community initiatives like online forums and industry conferences underscores my commitment to fostering connection and collaboration within the professional community. In summary, my experience with event planning is characterized by a dedication to creativity, organization, and excellence. Whether it's coordinating logistics, managing budgets, or engaging attendees, I'm committed to delivering exceptional events that inspire, educate, and connect people in meaningful ways.
Conference OrganizationEvent Coordination
View more
Conference OrganizationEvent Coordination
View more
10 years experience
Here's a tailored summary highlighting your expertise with Drupal for your online profile: --- With a deep-rooted passion for Drupal, I...
Here's a tailored summary highlighting your expertise with Drupal for your online profile: --- With a deep-rooted passion for Drupal, I've spent years immersing myself in its ecosystem, contributing to its growth and leveraging its capabilities to drive impactful solutions. My journey with Drupal spans various roles and projects, where I've played pivotal roles in architecting, implementing, and optimizing Drupal-based solutions for diverse clients across industries. As a seasoned Technical Project Manager and leader at companies like Mediacurrent and tekNorah, I've spearheaded the successful delivery of complex Drupal projects, managing remote teams and large portfolios with finesse. My hands-on experience with Drupal extends to custom module development, theming, and system architecture, allowing me to craft tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each project. Beyond project management, I actively contribute to the Drupal community, serving as a member of the Drupal Association and participating in events like MidCamp. My commitment to the Drupal ecosystem is evident in my contributions to patches, issue queues, and documentation, as well as my role as a mentor and educator for aspiring Drupal developers. In summary, my journey with Drupal is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and community collaboration. Whether leading projects, contributing code, or mentoring others, I'm deeply committed to advancing the Drupal platform and empowering organizations to achieve their digital goals.
Drupal
View more
Drupal
View more
5 years experience | 4 endorsements
Python is not just a programming language to me; it's a versatile tool for innovation and problem-solving. With a robust background in so...
Python is not just a programming language to me; it's a versatile tool for innovation and problem-solving. With a robust background in software development, I've honed my Python skills to become a proficient developer capable of tackling a diverse range of projects and challenges. From scripting and automation to web development and data analysis, I've leveraged Python's simplicity and power to build impactful solutions across various domains. Whether it's developing backend systems, creating machine learning models, or orchestrating complex workflows, I thrive on the flexibility and versatility that Python offers. As a mentor and leader in the remote work community, I've had the privilege of sharing my knowledge and passion for Python with aspiring developers, helping them unlock their potential and master the intricacies of the language. Additionally, my involvement in community initiatives like the Python Slack workspace underscores my commitment to collaboration and continuous learning within the Python community. In summary, my journey with Python is characterized by a deep-seated passion for innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether it's developing cutting-edge applications, mentoring others, or contributing to the broader Python ecosystem, I'm dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible with this powerful language.
Django
View more
Django
View more
10 years experience | 1 endorsement
Linux has been a cornerstone of my journey in technology since 2001, when a friend introduced me to Red Hat Linux. Since then, I've been ...
Linux has been a cornerstone of my journey in technology since 2001, when a friend introduced me to Red Hat Linux. Since then, I've been passionately administering Ubuntu and Red Hat derivatives, becoming the go-to expert for all things Linux. In a recent project, I led the decommissioning of a $1.2M data center, overseeing 50+ Linux servers. I designed and implemented robust bash scripting to manage Dell and HP RAIDs, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal resource utilization. Additionally, I orchestrated DoD wipes on over 300 HDDs and SSDs, meticulously logging progress and time to completion for maximum efficiency. My experience spans from system administration to scripting and automation, allowing me to tackle complex challenges with confidence and precision. As a mentor and leader in the technology community, I'm dedicated to sharing my knowledge and expertise, empowering others to harness the power of Linux for their own projects and endeavors. In summary, my journey with Linux is characterized by a deep-seated passion for innovation and problem-solving. Whether it's managing data centers, designing intricate scripts, or mentoring others, I'm committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible with this versatile and powerful operating system.

REVIEWS FROM CLIENTS

4.9
(49 reviews)
LK
LK
December 2024
Norah is awesome! Expertly skilled, well-spoken, polite and resolved my issue seamlessly. Thank you for an outstanding session! Highly recommend!
Dominic Simpson
Dominic Simpson
July 2024
Was very helpful and informative, thank you.
Codrin Mares
Codrin Mares
May 2024
Had a wonderful and productive time.
Jack Renstrom
Jack Renstrom
May 2024
Shannon was great! She helped guide me through a tough school project and I was able to learn a lot through the session. Would highly recommend!
Mc Donald Kasonga
Mc Donald Kasonga
March 2019
very patient and outstanding programmer. I definitely recommend for any project.
Mc Donald Kasonga
Mc Donald Kasonga
March 2019
It was a learning experience that I will gladly do any time soon. I encourage anyone to work with her. she is very patient and listen to your ideas. Outstanding work
Jeff Wright
Jeff Wright
March 2019
shannon is great. she is not only mentoring me (saving loads of time on learning stuff like git and bash), but is also taking on some one-off projects that i need, but don't really want to do myself (writing utility functions in python, figuring out specific api's...) this is working great!
Jeff Wright
Jeff Wright
March 2019
excellent job, as always!
Jeff Wright
Jeff Wright
March 2019
shannon helped set up git and develop a workflow for my solo development effort for my business. and she even summarized the flow in a document i found in my email a few minutes later. she's the best!
Paul Matthew
Paul Matthew
March 2019
Excellent mentor! Highly recommend.
EMPLOYMENTS
Contract Product Strategist
Share Good
2025-03-01-Present

Direct product strategy and architectural roadmap planning for community engagement platforms. Align executive vision with technical e...

Direct product strategy and architectural roadmap planning for community engagement platforms. Align executive vision with technical execution to drive platform scalability, process efficiency, and sustainable digital operations.

  • Partner with leadership to define product vision, operational workflows, and technical roadmaps aligned with long-term organizational goals.
  • Evaluate platform architecture and integration touchpoints to optimize system performance and reduce operational overhead.
  • Lead cross-functional alignment across product, engineering, and client teams to ensure transparent delivery and risk mitigation.
Operations
Stakeholder management
Agile
View more
Operations
Stakeholder management
Agile
Team leadership
Software architecture
Technology Strategy & Roadmapping
Product structure/bom management
Cross Functional program execution
View more
Director of Delivery & Program Operations
Bluefly.io Collective
2024-11-01-Present

As Director of Delivery & Program Operations, I oversee cross-functional team delivery and program management frameworks, ensuring...

As Director of Delivery & Program Operations, I oversee cross-functional team delivery and program management frameworks, ensuring alignment between executive strategy, technical execution, and client success.

  • Lead operational excellence and delivery execution across complex client engagements and strategic initiatives from discovery through launch.
  • Build scalable delivery frameworks, operating rhythms, and systems for intake, estimation, reporting, and delivery visibility.
  • Align leadership, product, design, engineering, and client stakeholders while managing risks, dependencies, resourcing, and escalations.
  • Support distributed team onboarding, enablement, and collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams.
Process automation
Agile
Risk management
View more
Process automation
Agile
Risk management
Program Management
Resource management
Governance
Operational expertise
Executive Level communication
Cross Functional program execution
View more
Fractional Operations Architect & Systems Strategist
tekNorah
2009-04-01-Present

Responsible for orchestrating end-to-end business operations, client delivery, and technical consulting across digital agencies and en...

Responsible for orchestrating end-to-end business operations, client delivery, and technical consulting across digital agencies and enterprise accounts. Incorporating an Agile mindset to facilitate Scrum ceremonies, cross-functional team alignment, and continuous delivery across CMS, CRM, ERP, and cloud infrastructure initiatives.

  • Direct technical and business operations for a remote software consultancy, guiding digital agencies through enterprise CMS platform architecture, WebOps, and continuous delivery.
  • Lead engineering and operations teams through complex decoupled web applications, data migrations, and automated deployment pipelines across Cloudways, Platform.sh, Acquia, and AWS.
  • Advise executive leadership on risk management, software strategy, and operational frameworks to optimize delivery performance and reduce technical debt.
HTML/CSS
PHP
Python
View more
HTML/CSS
PHP
Python
SQL
Node.js
Git
WordPress
Drupal
GitHub
Google Analytics
Accessibility
Communications
GitLab
Shopify
Composer
React
Technical SEO
Strategy
Data Migration
JavaScript
Git flow
Data analytics
Technical Writing
CI/CD
Technical Support
Change management
Technical Product Management
Strategic Technology Planning
GitHub Actions
Technical Architecture
DevOps
Technology Strategy & Roadmapping
View more
PROJECTS
Lovin CommunityView Project
2018
Architected and migrated hosting infrastructure for an enterprise open-source social network, establishing automated deployment pipelines...
Architected and migrated hosting infrastructure for an enterprise open-source social network, establishing automated deployment pipelines and containerized local environments to optimize operational efficiency. • Executed zero-downtime platform hosting migration from Acquia to Cloudways, improving cost efficiency and stack flexibility. • Engineered automated build scripts and Docksal local development workflows to streamline environment parity across development teams. • Configured Git-based CI/CD deployment workflows to standardize release management and testing environments.
Drupal
Systems
CI/CD
View more
Drupal
Systems
CI/CD
Cloud migration
Software architecture
DevOps
View more
Penn State News — Enterprise Decoupled MigrationView Project
2022
Architected and executed the infrastructure migration for Penn State’s central news network ($1M+ page views/year), transitioning from a ...
Architected and executed the infrastructure migration for Penn State’s central news network ($1M+ page views/year), transitioning from a monolithic legacy backend to a high-performance decoupled architecture. • Migrated 250+ content author channels across 20+ campuses to a unified Gatsby JS frontend and open-source backend. • Optimized platform performance, security, and authoring workflows to establish a repeatable digital publishing standard across university units.
API
CMS
Gatsby
View more
API
CMS
Gatsby
Website migration
Software architecture
DevOps
View more