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ABOUT LARRY
Larry manages projects that support process improvement initiatives including system implementations at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). He uses statistical analysis, LEAN and Six Sigma methodologies to provide expert process improvement (PI) and project management services for complex projects. Larry leads projects from their original state to final implementation, integrating structured methodologies and using PI techniques. He collects, analyzes and communicates solutions using a variety of procedures to gather information about current and future state activities using industry standards. Additionally, he analyzes and presents data evidence using DMAIC and Kaizen practices for CMU leadership, stakeholders, and key business partners. Larry manages processes designed to improve sponsored project accounts and payroll systems. During his career, he has served as a senior PI engineer, a global PI consultant, and a senior project manager who has managed projects in the USA, Philippines, Europe, Mexico and Canada. In addition, he is a certified lean six sigma master black belt, certified project manager and leadership development consultant. Larry is the Chairman of the International Association of Technology and Management (IATM). He also serves as Co-chair of the CMU Project Management Center of Excellence (CoE) and Change Management Center of Excellence. The CoE offers skills based training, knowledge, and practical application tools to CMU departments, business units and employees.
EXPERIENCE
Work History
PROCESS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT MANAGER
Mar 2018 - Present
Leads projects that support process improvement (PI) initiatives and business innovation at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Larry uses statistical analysis, LEAN and six sigma methodologies to provide expert PI and project management services to complex projects. Provides solutions and presents data evidence using DMAIC and kaizen methods for CMU leadership. Managed processes designed to improve sponsored project accounts and payroll systems.
Larry also worked closely with the CMU Delphi Research Group to perform data analysis used for the COVID-19 Indicators Map. These metrics were used to identify symptoms across the United States. Larry monitored the Epidata API process anomalies of data sources used to track COVID-19 responses. Larry is a member of the CMU Business Innovation Office. He leads the Project Management and Change Management Center of Excellence (CoE) at Carnegie Mellon University.
SENIOR PROCESS IMPROVEMENT ENGINEER
Jan 2016 - Mar 2018
Evaluated and led complex process improvement projects from initial research and assessment through transition to the management team at PNC Bank. Provided support to Treasury Management, Bank Operations and International Trade Services. Conducted business diagnostics to identify and prioritize projects. Led efforts to improve quality and minimize waste. Presented analysis to senior leaders and developed outcome summary reports.
GLOBAL PROCESS IMPROVEMENT CONSULTANT
Nov 2013 - Dec 2015
Led global initiatives designed to improve efficiency and reduce operating expenses in the USA, Europe, Asia, Philippines, Latin America and Canada at Teletech Holdings, Inc. Implemented cost saving solutions designed to reduce absenteeism and attrition across the enterprise. Served as global process improvement leader for operational standards and compliance initiatives.
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
Jul 2008 - Nov 2013
Managed enterprise initiatives including leadership strategies, project management, operational excellence, and six sigma at Highmark, Inc. Responsibilities involved leading initiatives designed to improve performance and reduce operating expenses. Facilitated core leadership meetings and delivered presentations resulting in significant return-on-investment. Served in a cross-functional capacity as a member of the Operational Excellence (OpEx) Team. Conducted leadership training for Highmark exempt professionals, managers, directors and vice presidents. Led large projects and consulted with line-of-business (LOB) managers. Served as project leader for LOB and training related programs. Conducted analysis, designed and evaluated leadership development programs.
EDUCATION
University and Academic Studies
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Aug 2001 - Aug 2003
Master of Business Administration- M.B.A. Degree with emphasis in Management of Technologies.
California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U) is a public university in California, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1852, it is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Academic excellence is at the heart of the Cal U experience.
DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
Aug 1995 - Aug 1997
Master of Science- M.S. Degree in Leadership and Liberal Studies.
Duquesne University is a private Catholic research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Duquesne University is among the top institutions of higher education in the Pittsburgh area which are vital to our knowledge-based regional economy.
CLARION UNIVERSITY
Undergraduate Degree
Bachelor of Arts- B.A. Degree in Liberal Arts
Clarion University of Pennsylvania is a public university in Clarion, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1867 and offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, post master's certificates and a Doctorate degree. Clarion University prepares its students in the areas business, education, health, science and the arts. The university offers over 100 degree programs.
SKILLS
Professional Qualifications
PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
Managed enterprise initiatives: Primary role included leadership strategies, project management, operational excellence, training and six sigma. Responsibilities involved leading initiatives designed to improve performance and reduce operating expenses. Facilitated core leadership meetings and delivered presentations resulting in significant return-on-investment. Served in a cross-functional capacity as a member of the Operational Excellence (OpEx) Team.
CERTIFIED LEAN SIX SIGMA MASTER BLACK BELT
A Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (CLSSMBB) is a six sigma professional who acts as an internal leader for black belts, green belts and project teams. The CLSSMBB acronym means the individual in this role has completed 120 hours of classroom training. In addition, they would have completed a Villanova assigned project, and course testing to master the concepts of six sigma practices. This designation also requires that you successfully pass the certification exam.
STATISTICS & DATA ANALYTICS
Leads projects that support process improvement (PI) initiatives including system implementations at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Uses statistical analysis, LEAN and six sigma methodologies to provide expert PI and project management services to complex projects. Provides solutions, analyzes, develops and presents data evidence using six sigma and kaizen methods for CMU senior leadership, process owners and key business partners.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Professional Achievements
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
March 2021
Larry was awarded the designation of Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (CLSSMBB) by Villanova University on March 16, 2021. He is therefore given all rights and privileges to practice the skill as a master black belt professional. The CLSSMBB acronym means the individual in this role has completed 120 hours of classroom training. In addition, they would have completed a Villanova assigned project, and course testing to master the concepts of six sigma practices. This designation also requires that you successfully pass the certification exam.
JURAN INSTITUTE
March 2008
Larry was awarded the designation of Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) by the Juran Institute on March 31, 2008. He is therefore given all rights and privileges to practice the skill as a black belt professional. Larry completed 120 hours of six sigma black belt classroom training. Passed a 3.5 hour written examination. Successfully finished a 12-month company project that saved his organization over 500K. Passed a 2.0 hour oral defense of the project in front of a Master Black Belt Instructor, and submitted a “stand alone" project portfolio presentation consisting of over 100-pages.
PROSCI
January 2024
Larry earned the designation of Certified Change Practitioner awarded by PROSCI in January 2024. The term PROSCI means professional science. It focuses exclusively on “Change Management” backed by research, knowledge, and industry best practices. A certified change practitioner has the skills to apply the strategy and plans necessary to achieve organizational results and outcomes.
Larry was also awarded the designation of Certified Project Manager (CPM) by Kepner-Tregoe in Princeton, NJ. The CPM is given all rights and privileges to practice as a project management professional. Kepner-Tregoe partners with the Project Management Institute (PMI) using a practical step-by-step approach resulting in the successful management of projects, regardless of size or complexity.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Lending a Helping Hand
PennWest University Council of Trustees
Sep 2022 - Present
The PennWest University Council of Trustees is comprised of twelve members who are nominated and appointed by the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania with advice and consent of the Senate. PennWest is comprised of three former colleges, Clarion, Edinboro, and California Universities. Larry serves as a member of the executive review committee, and co-chair of the finance and administration committee.
Clarion University Council of Trustees
Nov 2008 - Jun 2022
The Clarion University Council of Trustees is composed of eleven members who are nominated and appointed by the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania with advice and consent of the Senate. The role of the Council includes the establishment of academic programs and approval of operating and capital budgets. In addition to these responsibilities, Larry also served as a member of the university's Academic Affairs and Governance Committee.
National Black MBA Association- Director of Business and Economic Development
May 2004 - Dec 2007
In this role, Larry managed financial support to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Greater Pittsburgh. In addition, he helped to develop their businesses from the ground-up and supported the growth of existing enterprises. Moreover, Larry helped to expand and improve their business infrastructure, as well as develop a more skilled and educated workforce.
"Believe you can and you're halfway there"
Theodore Roosevelt
RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
Professional Achievements
WALL OF FAME AWARD
November 2023
The Westinghouse High School “Wall of Fame” is a collection of over 100 plaques that line the main hallway of the school, each with a photograph of successful Westinghouse alumni and a short description of their achievements. Larry is now recognized as an official Wall of Fame inductee.
50 MEN OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
October 2012
This award was issued to Larry by The New Pittsburgh Courier. The “50 Men of Excellence” Award is given to individuals of color in the Pittsburgh area, who have left their mark of accomplishment, sacrifice and service on the local community and the business environment.
PANELIST AND PRESENTER AWARD
May 2022
The International Conference on Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for Higher Education was conducted at PennWest University, Clarion Campus. It was organized by Dr. Nripendra Singh, Professor of Management and Marketing. Dr. Singh recognized Larry for his dedication and commitment to DEI for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
SOCIAL EQUITY AWARD
November 2012
This recognition was presented to Larry by The Student Senate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania. This honor is presented to individuals who demonstrate ongoing efforts towards the cultivation of a fair and equitable campus environment. The Student Senate recognizes Larry as such an individual.
PUBLISHED AUTHOR
October 2023
Larry is recognized as a publisher of several Business Management articles. His writings are based on real-life experiences designed to assist professionals in the business industry—especially those expecting to sustain or advance their careers. Read more about his writings at:
ORGANIZATIONS
National and Local Affiliations
KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY
Life Member
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is an international organization with worldwide affiliated members. The fundamental purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is "Achievement" in every field of human endeavor. The organization seeks to train its members as leaders in their respective communities. It also encourages the highest levels of professional and academic excellence.
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY
Professional Member
The American Society for Quality (ASQ) is committed to providing enhanced expertise, professional networks, tools, and solutions to advance products, services, and industries. The ASQ organization has members in 130 countries around the world. Its primary focus is on “Quality Assurance” and advancing the knowledge and skills of leaders in this field of study.
PITTSBURGH CHESS CLUB
Local Member
The Pittsburgh Chess Club is an educational non-profit organization. Its roots go back to the mid-1800s and remain committed today to serving the needs of chess players in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. The Club holds some of the nation’s longest-running tournaments in the United States. It has organized national championship tournaments going back as far as 1946.
Hello! My name is Larry C. Pickett
Welcome to the world of Process Improvement, Data Analysis and Six Sigma! I'm here to support you on your journey forward. This is a great day to learn about statistics and process efficiency! Grab a cup of coffee and let's chat!
