Opinion ID: 1193933
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: March 2004 Re-Opening of the Strategic Accounts Region Director Position

Text: In March 2004, Mendel reopened the Strategic Accounts Region Director position, submitting an official email to this effect in mid-April. Fischer again expressed interest in this position and was highly recommended for the post by David Schmitt, Vice-President of the Bank. Also applying for the position was Robert Lewis. Statements made by Mendel as early as February of that year reflect that Lewis had already been deemed the presumptive frontrunner to receive the promotion. At the time the opening was announced, Lewis was a Project Manager for the Central Region, rated at a Level 55, and had recently been assigned to assist on the same Bank project Sieverding had been on. Prior to joining Avanade in 2001, Lewis had compiled over seven years' experience in information technology and project management. In addition. before joining the Bank project, Lewis had worked on a $25 million project where he had managed 100 consultants. Notwithstanding this experience, Lewis did not meet all the formal qualifications that apparently had been required when the position was first opened in October 2003. In particular, Lewis had not obtained a university degree, did not hold ten years' consulting experience, and had not managed a project in the Strategic Accounts Region or been a member of that region. In late April or early May, Mendel interviewed both Fischer and Lewis for the Director position. Mendel sought Kilman's approval on May 20 to offer the position to Lewis, and Lewis was subsequently awarded the position on June 1, 2004, resulting in a promotion to Level 60 and a salary raise.