About

Featured Work

IBM Operational Decision Manager

IBM Operational Decision Manager

Built Selenium and Java UI tests and JavaScript front-end features for enterprise business rules management systems.

Boomerang

Boomerang

Created test cases and automated browser tests to support the launch of a Turner and Warner Bros. animation streaming service.

DC UNIVERSE INFINITE

DC UNIVERSE INFINITE

Led a team of Quality Engineers for a cross-platform video streaming and digital comics app.

Tessitura

Tessitura

Leading software and QA engineering teams building CRM and ticketing technology for arts organizations worldwide.

Wizarding World

Wizarding World

Took over QA management and introduced shift-left practices to elevate quality for a high-value global brand.

Warner Bros. Discovery Screeners

Warner Bros. Discovery Screeners

Led test automation for the Roku app and other platforms for an industry app where media insiders screen upcoming WBD film and TV releases before they air.

DramaFever

DramaFever

Built a Python, Selenium, and Appium automation framework used across Warner Bros. teams, supporting web, iOS, Android, Roku, and Smart TVs.

Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report

Led frontend and backend test automation which supported a major replatforming for Warner Bros. Discovery's flagship sports news and fan engagement destination.

SundanceNow Doc Club

SundanceNow Doc Club

Created browser test automation to test an independent documentary streaming service for film enthusiasts.

CNN

CNN

Led a QA team that introduced backend API automation for CNN digital and streaming products within Warner Bros. Discovery.

DC Shop

DC Shop

Led QA engineering for the official DC Comics e-commerce shop.

Harry Potter: Magic Caster Wand

Harry Potter: Magic Caster Wand

Led testing for the launch of an interactive connected toy bringing Harry Potter spells to life through mobile and IoT devices.

Moodica

Moodica

Wrote test cases and automation for an innovative mood-based relaxation streaming service, a DramaFever subsidiary.

Harry Potter Shop

Harry Potter Shop

Led QA for the official global Harry Potter merchandise e-commerce platform.

IBM Operational Decision Manager

IBM Operational Decision Manager

Built Selenium and Java UI tests and JavaScript front-end features for enterprise business rules management systems.

Boomerang

Boomerang

Created test cases and automated browser tests to support the launch of a Turner and Warner Bros. animation streaming service.

DC UNIVERSE INFINITE

DC UNIVERSE INFINITE

Led a team of Quality Engineers for a cross-platform video streaming and digital comics app.

Tessitura

Tessitura

Leading software and QA engineering teams building CRM and ticketing technology for arts organizations worldwide.

Wizarding World

Wizarding World

Took over QA management and introduced shift-left practices to elevate quality for a high-value global brand.

Warner Bros. Discovery Screeners

Warner Bros. Discovery Screeners

Led test automation for the Roku app and other platforms for an industry app where media insiders screen upcoming WBD film and TV releases before they air.

DramaFever

DramaFever

Built a Python, Selenium, and Appium automation framework used across Warner Bros. teams, supporting web, iOS, Android, Roku, and Smart TVs.

Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report

Led frontend and backend test automation which supported a major replatforming for Warner Bros. Discovery's flagship sports news and fan engagement destination.

SundanceNow Doc Club

SundanceNow Doc Club

Created browser test automation to test an independent documentary streaming service for film enthusiasts.

CNN

CNN

Led a QA team that introduced backend API automation for CNN digital and streaming products within Warner Bros. Discovery.

DC Shop

DC Shop

Led QA engineering for the official DC Comics e-commerce shop.

Harry Potter: Magic Caster Wand

Harry Potter: Magic Caster Wand

Led testing for the launch of an interactive connected toy bringing Harry Potter spells to life through mobile and IoT devices.

Moodica

Moodica

Wrote test cases and automation for an innovative mood-based relaxation streaming service, a DramaFever subsidiary.

Harry Potter Shop

Harry Potter Shop

Led QA for the official global Harry Potter merchandise e-commerce platform.

I'm a software engineering manager with a career spanning startups, enterprise technology, streaming media, and the nonprofit arts sector. I care deeply about building strong teams, shipping software that matters, and creating environments where people can do their best work.

Currently, I lead engineering teams at Tessitura Network, a nonprofit providing CRM and ticketing technology to arts and cultural organizations worldwide. Before that, I spent years at Warner Bros. Discovery - starting at a video streaming startup that was acquired and became Warner Bros. Digital Labs - where I grew from an individual contributor into leading global engineering teams for some of the world's top media franchises. Earlier, I was a software engineer at IBM, working on enterprise business rules management systems. Throughout my career I've cared about building teams where people with different backgrounds and experiences are genuinely valued: where disagreement is safe, credit is shared, and everyone can be themselves and do their best work. I believe the extra effort it takes to create these spaces is worth it.

Music

At Bryn Mawr College I studied bassoon with musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and Opera Philadelphia through private lessons and master classes, and I also served as co-president and music director of the student-led musical theatre organization. I went on to study orchestral conducting at the Bard College Conductors Institute under the late Harold Farberman. I continue to play bassoon with ensembles throughout the Philadelphia area: all part of the broader arts community that Tessitura and my work is supporting today.

Conducting selections from Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring at the Bard College Conductors Institute.
Mel Shafer with Jim Gardner after performing Peter and the Wolf with the Roxborough Symphony Orchestra
Peter and the Wolf with the Roxborough Symphony Orchestra and retired 6ABC anchor Jim Gardner as narrator, for a fundraiser for children with special needs (6ABC ↗).
O Little Town of Bethlehem, self-arranged and performed for bassoon quartet.
Turns out the extra effort IS worth it. 😉🐰