William H. Holmes is a distinguished leader in project management and data strategy, with a remarkable career spanning over three decades. His educational achievements are extensive, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Holmes holds a Master’s Certificate in Program Management (2011) and Project Management (2007) from George Washington University, a Senior Executive Fellowship from Harvard University (2003), and a BBA in Economics/Finance from Augusta State University (1990). His array of certifications includes Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master (DASSM), Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), and multiple Project Management Institute credentials such as PMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA, PMI-RMP, and PMI-SP.
Currently, Holmes serves as the Managing Director of Prosper Project Management, a role he has held since May 2020. In this capacity, he leverages his extensive experience to drive strategic project initiatives and deliver exceptional results. Concurrently, he has been an instructor at Saint Louis University since 2021 and at the Project Management Academy since 2019, where he imparts his vast knowledge and expertise to aspiring project management professionals. His dedication to education and training ensures the next generation of project managers are well-prepared to meet industry demands.
Holmes’s illustrious career at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from 1990 to 2023 includes a series of high-impact executive roles. His tenure at the IRS is marked by his leadership in various critical departments, including Director of the South Atlantic Collection Area, Director of Central Collection Area, Director of International Data Solutions, Director of International Data Management, Director of Data Strategy Implementation, Director of Collection Planning and Analysis, Director of Strategy and Finance, Director of Compliance Area 6, and Director of the Philadelphia Compliance Campus.
In these roles, Holmes demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision. He managed a diverse portfolio of IT projects with a cumulative budget exceeding $100 million and oversaw a staffing footprint of over 200 personnel. Holmes is globally recognized as an expert in project and data management, having conducted technical meetings in over forty countries. He has represented the U.S. government in numerous international forums, including the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), the Global Forum, and the Forum on Tax Administration, where his insights and expertise were highly sought after.
Holmes’s work involved close collaboration with various government entities, including the State Department, Treasury Department, FinCen, CBP, and GAO, to resolve complex data-related issues. He pioneered the establishment of the first Large Business and International Data Science Lab at the IRS, showcasing his adeptness in data science and analytics techniques. His contributions to IT infrastructure were pivotal, including support for the OECD Common Transmission System and the development of IRS Form 8975.
A key highlight of Holmes’s career is his leadership in implementing the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) IT aspects. He delivered crucial tools such as the Participating Foreign Financial Institution (PFFI) registration portal and the Global Intermediary Identification Number (GIIN). He played a significant role in developing the International Data Exchange Service (IDES), the first worldwide electronic platform for the secure exchange of treaty tax data, demonstrating his ability to innovate and lead in a global context.
Holmes also held executive responsibility for a large portfolio designed to modernize the IRS data infrastructure. He successfully delivered functionalities including the enterprise Metadata repository, consolidated compliance relational database, and standardized 4GL tools. His work integrated with and supported other major IRS IT initiatives, such as the Corporate Account Data Engine (CADE), Return Review Program (RRP), and Information Return Document Matching (IRDM). His leadership extended to developing the IRS’s 5-year Strategic Plan and redesigning corporate recruiting processes, ensuring the organization’s sustainability and growth.
In addition to his professional achievements, Holmes is a published author, entrepreneur, patent and trademark holder, and commercial real estate investor. These roles reflect his diverse interests and entrepreneurial spirit. As an author, he has contributed valuable insights to the field of project management and data strategy, influencing both practitioners and academics alike. His entrepreneurial ventures showcase his ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities, while his involvement in commercial real estate underscores his strategic acumen and investment savvy.
Holmes’s career is a testament to his expertise in project management, data strategy, and leadership, making him a highly respected figure in his field. His ability to navigate complex challenges, drive strategic initiatives, and foster collaboration across diverse teams underscores his remarkable contributions to the field and his enduring legacy as a leader. His commitment to professional excellence and continuous improvement has set a high standard for those who follow in his footsteps, ensuring that his impact will be felt for generations to come.
- Character: William H. Holmes is a dedicated and visionary leader known for his commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence.
- Knowledge: Holmes possesses extensive expertise in project management and data strategy, evidenced by his numerous advanced degrees and professional certifications.
- Strategic: He has demonstrated exceptional strategic acumen in managing large-scale IT projects, modernizing data infrastructure, and driving international initiatives.
- Communication: Holmes is a highly effective communicator and sought-after public speaker, representing the U.S. government in various international forums and educational settings.
