Title: Programmer, Analyst IV
Company: West Virginia State Tax Department IT Division
Location: Dunbar, West Virginia, United States
Earl Thomas Allen, programmer and level-four analyst at West Virginia State Tax Department IT Division, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements, and leadership in technology.
With over three decades of experience to his credit, Mr. Allen has built a successful career in technology, specializing in programming languages, including Common Business-Oriented Languages (CBOL). Since 2012, he has excelled as a programmer and analyst IV in the IT division of the West Virginia State Tax Department. In this capacity, he mentors new staff to help them quickly adapt to policies, procedures, and daily operations. His previous roles include serving as a programmer and analyst III for the Family and Children Tracking System at the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources from 1992 to 2012. He also dedicates his time to the tech department at The Tabernacle of Praise, a church focused on sincere worship, practical preaching, and creating an atmosphere for spiritual growth and transformation. In light of his impressive undertakings, he has been recognized for his outstanding service with a certificate of recognition from the director of the tax department in 2022 and the technology award for outstanding service from West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. He laid a solid educational foundation by earning an associate’s degree in business computer programming from the National Institute of Technology in 1987 and a Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia State University in 2014.
Reflecting on his path, Mr. Allen takes great pride in his work with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, particularly in the distribution of the tax application, which he and his team built from the ground up. Over time, it was refined with better equipment, and this project earned him a Governor’s Award for his contributions. He attributes his success to consistently meeting deadlines, a skill that has been key to his career longevity. In the coming years, he plans to continue working as long as he is able, while also exploring opportunities in remote programming or volunteering with animal shelters. However, if he secures a remote COBOL programming job that he finds fulfilling and is part of a positive work environment, he is open to extending his career beyond his planned retirement. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and thorough documentation for aspiring professionals, noting that maintaining detailed records of processes is crucial, especially for infrequent tasks that are easy to forget. This ensures knowledge is preserved and accessible over time. Additionally, he stresses the value of being open to sharing expertise and learning from others. He believes that knowledge exchange within a team fosters enrichment and growth. As part of his current role, he mentors new team members, guiding them through processes and sharing practical tips, while also benefiting from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas brought by his colleagues.
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