You’ve seen them quite often around the Pathfinder-verse, heard them speak at events or virtual meetings, maybe even dialogued with them in a forum thread—they’re our Most Valuable Pathfinders! They are the spark keeping the Pathfinder Community ablaze, so it was about time we took a beat to really get to know each one of our MVPs better and share their unique stories with you!
So without further ado, let’s get to know…
The Basics
- Current Company: Range Resources
- Official Title: Senior Corporate Program Manager
- Connect with Vernon in the Community:
@Vern Dickson
Vernon Dickson stands at the forefront of innovation in automation at Range Resources, where he holds the position of Senior Corporate Program Manager. With a keen eye for efficiency and a knack for leadership, Vernon spearheads the automation initiatives within the accounting department. His role transcends the mere implementation of technology; it embodies transformative leadership and a drive to enhance operational efficiencies across the board.
Biggest Professional Achievement to Date
Among Vernon's achievements, the transition of his organization to a citizen development model is particularly noteworthy. Under his guidance, accountants have been empowered to create and deploy 53 bots, revolutionizing the way tasks are approached and executed. This initiative not only underscores the scalability and impact of automation, but also highlights Vernon's commitment to democratizing technology and fostering a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency.
Fun Facts
- When it comes to reading, Vernon is a big Tom Clancy fan with “Hunt for Red October” being his favorite book of all time.
- In his free time, Vernon barrel races with his daughter. He jokes that it’s a pretty adventurous activity for an “old man” to get on a horse and do something like that, but we think it’s an adventurous (and cool!) activity at any age!
- Speaking of horses, if Vernon could automate any task in his personal life, it would be the feeding of his five horses and five cows. This daily chore, essential yet time-consuming, reflects his practical approach to automation, always seeking ways to streamline and improve efficiency, even in his personal life
- If colleagues could pick one word to describe Vernon, it would be consistency (well, three words: very, very consistent).
Paving the Way for Others
Vernon's ability to lead technical projects while nurturing talent has made him a key figure in his organization. Vernon is particularly passionate about guiding newcomers in automation, advocating for the importance of C-level support.
If Vernon had one piece of advice for someone new to automation it would be:
"Securing a C-level champion is crucial for anyone starting in automation. This support is key to overcoming organizational challenges and ensuring the visibility and success of your automation initiatives."
In the Community
Vernon's commitment to the automation community is evident through his active participation in the MVP program and speaking engagements, like at the Imagine conference on Citizen Development. His involvement is not just about sharing his own experiences; it's about fostering a culture of learning, sharing, and advancing the field of automation.
What’s Next for Vernon Dickson
Looking forward, Vernon aims to deepen his impact in the realm of automation, focusing on leadership, strategy, and the exploration of emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning. His vision for the future includes expanding his team's capabilities and continuing to advocate for the power of automation to transform industries. With a clear strategy and a passion for innovation, Vernon is set to guide his organization and the broader community towards new heights of automation excellence. 🚀🌟
Thank you, Vernon, for letting us all get to know you better. And thank you for your continued contributions to our Pathfinder Community!