Kevin Boers

I'm a Technology Director from the Chicago area with many years of experience in DevOps, Test Automation, Technology Management, and Leadership. I enjoy and excel at building teams, platforms, and processes to solve problems for technology organizations.

I've previously worked on technology teams at Stratanet.net, Encyclopædia Britannica, Leapfrog Online (now iProspect), and Legacy.com, giving me over 20 years of experience specifically in Software Infrastructure and Test Automation. The second half of my career also includes a lot of hiring, training, and people leadership. 'Expert' is maybe too strong of a word, but I would certainly say that I've excelled at each one of these skills. Read below for more background on my skills, and click the Experience tab for a full rundown of my proudest accomplishments.

I've previously worked on technology teams at Stratanet.net, Encyclopædia Britannica, Leapfrog Online (now iProspect), and Legacy.com, giving me over 20 years of experience specifically in Software Infrastructure and Test Automation. The second half of my career also includes a lot of hiring, training, and people leadership. 'Expert' is maybe too strong of a word, but I would certainly say that I've excelled at each one of these skills. Read below for more information on my skills, and click the Experience tab for a full rundown of my proudest accomplishments.

What am I good at?

DevOps and Infrastructure

I cut my teeth on Linux and Windows server management in the late 90s, while consulting for a small suburban ISP and web host (Stratanet). I've continued to run web, DNS, and email servers ever since, ultimately getting into Infrastructure as Code. At Leapfrog, I was a part of the Infrastructure team and worked with them on datacenter migrations and disaster recovery.

Test Automation

I started teaching myself test automation in the mid-2000s, using Ruby and Watir. Soon after, I joined the QA team at Britannica, where I built out a testing platform for validating Britannica's array of websites. I leveraged that experience after joining Leapfrog Online, building teams and platforms to shake out a bevy of marketing websites. I took a short break from testing before joining Legacy.com, where I created a new team, new processes, and a new platform.

Hiring and Onboarding

I've had experience with team building since my final year at Britannica. After joining Leapfrog Online, I was responsible for the hiring and onboarding of Test Engineers. Ultimately, I took over all hiring for early-career software engineers and developed a monthlong curriculum-based 'bootcamp' to teach new engineers how the inhouse CMS was built and how to extend it. Following that, I developed a slimmer version of the onboarding program for Legacy.com as well as revamping Legacy's entire hiring process. At both Leapfrog Online and Legacy.com, I endeavored to remove as much bias from the processes as possible, which included blinding the early review and skill assessment process.

Leadership

I enjoy leading teams, from a technical (designing platforms), cultural (organizing events, setting a positive tone, helping people to connect), and management (direct reports and technical project ownership) perspective. I try to lift up and advocate for the people who report to me, making sure that they continue to develop their skills in the direction that they choose. It's an incredible honor to promote people up and align them with the career track that they enjoy most.

Diversity and Inclusion

Look, I'm a run-of-the-mill CisHet white guy, though I would say I am neurodivergent. I try to use my position to lift up under-indexed/under-represented folks, whether through hiring, mentoring, or leading. I've had the privilege of serving on the DEI teams at Leapfrog Online and Legacy.com, where I've tried to build people up and put a spotlight especially on mental health and where it intersects with the workplace.

Coaching with Compassion

Compassionate Coaching is where psychology and management meet. Within this framework, I look for opportunities to help people with their development by bringing kindness and empathy to my interactions. Someone's mindset extends beyond who they are at work, so I try to listen and understand their work-life relationship so that I can help them make healthy decisions. I aspire to only bring positive vibes to our time together and foster a safe space where people can be their authentic selves.