Kenneth Allen, Csm
About Kenneth Allen, Csm
Kenneth Allen is an Agile Project Manager with extensive experience in web development and game production. He has held various roles in prominent companies, including the New York Times and Shuffle Master, and possesses a strong focus on user experience and team dynamics.
Work at The New York Times
Kenneth Allen currently serves as an Agile Project Manager at The New York Times, where he has been employed since 2021. In this role, he functions as a Scrum Master, Agile Coach, and Project Manager, focusing on web development projects. His work is conducted remotely, allowing him to contribute to the organization while leveraging agile methodologies to enhance project delivery.
Previous Experience in Project Management
Kenneth Allen has held several significant positions in project management within the gaming and entertainment software industries. He worked as a Senior Project Manager at IGT from 2016 to 2019, overseeing casino systems deployment. Prior to that, he was a Senior Project Manager at Shuffle Master for 11 months in 2013-2014, focusing on iGaming and online poker. His experience also includes roles at Konami Gaming, Inc. as Studio Manager for game development from 2019 to 2021, and various producer roles at companies such as Electronic Arts and Atari.
Expertise in Game Development and User Experience
Kenneth Allen possesses extensive expertise in developing entertainment software, particularly in the areas of games-as-a-service and micro-transactions. He emphasizes creating intuitive user experiences to enhance engagement and streamline the acquisition-retention-conversion funnel. His background includes directing voice talent and video production, showcasing a diverse skill set that supports his project management capabilities.
Education and Certifications
Kenneth Allen received the Dean’s award for exceptional excellence in Music & Education from Pacific Coast Baptist College. He holds a certification in Agile Foundations from The New York Times, which underscores his commitment to agile methodologies and continuous improvement in project management practices.
Advocacy for Team Dynamics
Kenneth Allen advocates for fostering trust and psychological safety within teams. He values leadership by example and intellectual honesty, which are essential components in creating effective team dynamics. His approach is informed by a variety of project management methodologies, including SAFe, LeSS, and Cynefin, which he utilizes to enhance team performance and project outcomes.