William S. McConnell http://www.wsmsystems.com I am the owner and CEO of WSM Consulting. I am using my experience as a project manager, systems analyst, and emergency response director to provide business continuity planning for small and medium sized businesses. I have worked developing software applications for agribusiness. As a project manager I completed two major projects: Fleet Service Management System and Vessel Tracking System for Grossman and Associates. Grossman and Associates received an Industry Leadership award from the Grain Elevator and Processing Society for the Fleet Service Tracking System. Before entering the civilian workplace, I was in the United States Air Force (USAF).
In April 1973, I enlisted in the Delayed Enlistment Program. I was guaranteed a position in the United States Air Force (USAF) upon graduation. July 24, 1973 I arrived at Lackland Air Force Base for basic training. For the next seven weeks I learned how to march, be independent, and how to be a member of a fast moving organization. January 1974, I reported to Keesler Air Force Base for my initial training in my new career field – Command and Control. My interest in computers was further increased during a training class.
In the Command and Control system all reporting was done through computer systems. I had found my perfect career.
For the next 21 years, I traveled around the world and the United States. My last job title was Director, Command and Control Operations. I was in charge of developing, maintaining, and testing command and control emergency response operations. I gained experience in disaster response and recovery processes and organizational level continuity planning. This required a thorough knowledge of communications and presentation skills. It also provided opportunity to gain computer skills. In my long career, I was giving the opportunity to work with several wonderful organizations outside of the Air Force, such as Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL). I was a team member in the design of the Global Decision Support System. It was a joint effort between the USAF and JPL to develop a command and control computer system that would aid commanders in making timely decision on deployment of airlift resources. I retired in 1994 as a Master Sergeant.
After retiring, I made the decision to finish my college degree; however, I still needed a job to help pay for tuition costs. My first civilian job was with Sikorsky Support Services, Inc. I automated their job task tracking system. The system tracks Sikorsky engineers by task, location, and helicopter type.
I worked in a retail-clothing store where I was in charge of computer operations. This included stock tracking, invoicing, ordering, and employee time tracking. I became a network manager when we upgraded from stand-alone computers to a Local Area Network (LAN) system.
I graduated in 2004 from University of Phoenix On-Line with a Masters degree in Computer Information Systems. Troy State University (TSU) awarded me a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Science in 1998. I also have a minor in Earth and Space Studies. While enrolled with TSU, I was awarded the National Dean’s List for 1996-1997 and 1997-1998. I graduated Summa Cum Laude.
I earned an Associate Degree in Science for Computer Science from George C. Wallace State Community College and an Associate Degree in Applied Science for Aerospace Studied from the Community College of the Air Force. My certificates of training include Computer Systems Analysis from United States Air Force School of Applied Aerospace Science and World Wide Military Command Control System User and System Analyst from the Joint Command Information Systems. I have been recognized in Marquis Who’s Who In America for 2007, 2008, and 2009.
I live in Rantoul, IL. My hobbies include ballroom dancing as well as Salsa and nightclub style dancing, reading and music. I am married to Lisa. She is a Registered Nurse specializing in Critical Care. In total, we have six children – 3 girls and 3 boys. Ages range from 30 down to 7 yrs. I have three grand children.
The most interesting project I have had to manage is being a Cub Scout Den leader to 15 young men. You have never experienced project management at its finest until you have to do a year worth of activities for 15 2nd graders. | 
