Blackbird, Since 2002
Prior to founding Blackbird Technical Staffing, Joanne's 20+ year career in the high tech sector includes:
10 years in SQA management
Building and leading SQA organizations at companies as varied as Wang Labs, Bitstream Inc., and Eastman Kodak Company.
7 years in various senior customer support roles
Including beta testing high volume end user products with Fortune 500 companies – “… it’s all about listening and translating input into requirements, and recognizing that requirements are both quantified and perceived. Bottom line, products are about the people who use them – when technology requirements are met, it’s still about people.”
5 years as top-performing recruiter
At a high caliber placement firm, learning the recruiting and placement business from all angles, and earning credibility and trust from hundreds of employers and job applicants alike.
Joanne's SQA management career trained her to focus on career goals and personal satisfiers of her clients. Her clients value her empathy and sense of humor as well as her results-oriented approach, energy, and inside-out knowledge of the high tech software industry.
"I still think like a manager. I'm a coach and an enabler. I listen, I ask questions, and I help my clients clarify their objectives and understand their options. I'm also aggressive and straightforward. I'm honest and I pull no punches. I'll do everything I can to remove any obstacles that might stand between you and that perfect job."