Valerie Mc Cord
About Valerie Mc Cord
Valerie Mc Cord is a Senior Systems Analyst at NWEA, specializing in translating business requirements into developer-ready specifications for AWS applications. With extensive experience in various technical roles, she has worked in organizations such as Educational Testing Service and OneCall Now, and holds degrees in Forensic Science and Anthropology.
Work at NWEA
Valerie Mc Cord has been employed at NWEA as a Senior Systems Analyst since 2021. In this role, she focuses on translating complex business requirements into actionable developer-ready specifications for AWS native applications. Her work involves collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that technology solutions align with organizational goals. She continues to contribute to the development of internal architecture and documentation, enhancing communication between developers and end users.
Previous Experience at Educational Testing Service
Prior to her current position, Valerie worked at Educational Testing Service (ETS) as a Systems Analyst from 2018 to 2021. During her three years in the Lawrence, Kansas area, she applied her analytical skills to support the development and implementation of testing systems. This role involved working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that testing solutions met educational standards and user needs.
Education and Expertise
Valerie Mc Cord holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven, which she completed from 1991 to 1996. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Sewanee-The University of the South between 1986 and 1990. Her educational background, combined with her extensive experience in systems analysis, equips her with a unique skill set. She specializes in using AWS Elastic and Redis for UI development and has expertise in a technology stack that includes Java, Python, JavaScript, React, and Postgres.
Career Background
Valerie has a diverse career spanning multiple roles and industries. She began her professional journey as an Analyst in Client Services at National Research Corporation from 1996 to 1999. Over the years, she has held various positions, including Technical Support Engineer at ERUCES, Operations Analyst at Computerized Assessments and Learning, and Sales Engineer at OneCall Now. Her experience also includes roles at Jack Henry & Associates and ZOLOZ, where she further developed her technical and analytical skills.
Technical Skills and Focus
Valerie Mc Cord specializes in bridging the gap between developers, end users, and business stakeholders. She emphasizes the importance of designing internal architecture and writing comprehensive documentation. Her technical skills include proficiency in AWS native applications and a technology stack that features Java for backend development, Python and JavaScript for AWS Lambdas, and React with Material UI for frontend development. This combination of skills enables her to effectively contribute to technology projects.