Ben Schaaf - Resume
Photo by Frances, age 7
Introduction & Leadership Philosophy
I am an experienced Director of Technology and developer advocate at the University of Michigan. As a people-first manager, I create thriving, diverse, and efficient work environments for both development and business teams—because I believe our goals are most achievable when teams have alignment and are nurtured. Guided by my core values, I build environments where individuals and businesses can innovate and thrive.
Core Values
- Collaboration
- Authenticity
- Professionalism
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Innovation
Recent work experience
Director of Technology at University of Michigan
Oct 2017 — Present
Ann Arbor, MI
Provide organization-wide strategic direction and lead the execution of a multi-disciplinary team of creative and technical individuals to produce award-winning websites, applications, design systems, and tools.
- Develop responsible AI policy and guidelines
- Cultivate a positive, efficient, learning work culture
- Lead business development efforts with YoY growth
Co-Lead & Treasurer at Saline Indivisible
Mar 2025 — Present
Saline, MI
Community leader of the grassroots collection of citizens living in and around the Saline (MI) community, upholding democracy.
- Lead organizer for weekly, monthly, and on-demand programming and events
- Grow membership, create a leadership council, and a volunteer matching system
- Liaison for Federal-, State-, and local-elected officials, law enforcement, and partnering organizations
Chief Technology Officer (Interim) at PainTools
Aug 2023 — Aug 2025
Ann Arbor, MI
Guide and mature the health tech start-up by providing strategic, business development, security, product, governance, and marketing expertise.
- Advise and educate the internal stakeholders and investors
- Assumed product ownership role, feature roadmap, functional specification, and technical documentation
Technology Manager at GTB (now VMLY&R)
Jun 2014 — Oct 2017
Dearborn, MI
Manage all technical aspects of a massive global project for Ford Motor Company & Ford Credit. Educate clients and peers with research, best practices, and technology trends.
- Orchestrate a project team of +20 globally distributed resources (Poland, UK, USA)
- Modernize Ford Credit development stack and methodology
Co-Founder, Advisor, Instructor at Level Up Tutorials
Mar 2012 — 2023
Ann Arbor, MI
Acquired by Sentry in Syntax.fm deal (2023)
Education
Davenport University
Graduated 2005
Grand Rapids, MI
BBA. International Marketing
John Cabot University
2003
Rome, Italy
Art & Marketing (Study abroad)