Get to Know Jeffrey Chan
Principal
As one of the co-founders of Manta Ray Consulting, Jeffrey Chan is involved in all aspects of company operations. He is good with people, knowledgeable of earned value management processes and proficient with technical tools, giving him the ability to deftly resolve challenges for the business and its clients. But, it is Jeff's innate sense of calmness that gets him recognized as the go-to guy for getting things done right. "I'm practical and methodical – it takes a lot to rattle me." Laughingly says Jeff, "I've been referred to as the most Zen among us."
Jeff's extensive Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) knowledge and industry experience in developing, implementing and managing all aspects of a project, allows him to see project issues and steps clearly. He is known for managing projects efficiently and effectively, and with thorough client communication. "It's not a one-way relationship – it's a partnership and communication is key," says Jeff. "There's a synergy that I like to develop to add value to the client experience."
Jeff began his career in project management while earning a bachelor's of science in business administration/production management from San Francisco State University. "I've always been interested in project planning," explains Jeff. "In college, there was nothing out there that taught you how to use schedules or how to plan and control projects – production management was the closest thing I could find. Now I use many of the strategic management theories from production management, applying them to the earned value world."
Jeff began his career working for the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC), a national, multipurpose accelerator laboratory and quickly progressed. As a manager, he developed project resource models, including funding profiles and contingency analyses. His responsibilities included the preparation and management of Department of Energy reports, development and maintenance of integrated master schedules, preparation of cost estimates, and coordination of budget development. He analyzed cost and schedule variances and prepared and analyzed monthly cost and schedule impact reports.
After 10 years, he moved to the consulting world, joining AIM Corporation to provide support for a number of high- visibility science projects. Through AIM, he went back to SLAC as a consultant and became part of the team that developed, implemented, certified and maintained the lab's earned value management system. This site EVMS certification was a notable achievement for Jeff and AIM – "a very big feather in our cap."
In 2008, Jeff and Manny Abela formed Manta Ray Consulting. "I have an entrepreneurial spirit. Owning a business is organic to me – it's always changing and you're always adapting," says Jeff. "It's refreshing to set your own path, to watch your vision come to life."
Today, Jeff enjoys his work as a nationwide consultant, helping organizations plan their controls and set up their projects using earned value management criteria. He also conducts Control Account Managers (CAM) training, a formal processes training that introduces client companies to earned value management principals - including project scheduling, how to interpret the data and best practices in project management – criterion to help them better manage their projects. "Every organization is run differently," says Jeff. "CAM training is tailored to each individual client. It is very similar to driving a car. In addition to simply relying on looking through the front windshield, we introduce clients to practical approaches like using the rear and side view mirrors and GPS to safely reach their destination on time."
Jeff greatly enjoys his work, saying, "At the end of the day, it's nice to know that you contributed to projects that impact the nation's science and technology programs. It's great to be part of it."
As a resident of San Francisco, California, Jeff appreciates the variety and culture that the city has to offer. He enjoys culinary activities, a good hockey game, running, motorcycle riding along the coast, leisure travel and spending quality time with friends and family.