Experience
Sep 2021 – Apr 2025
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
Directed a team of nine engineers to develop critical banking app features, including a complete redesign of the mobile check deposit system. Led a transformation initiative that advanced enterprise-wide test automation across mobile and web platforms. Collaborated cross-functionally to enhance the Pay and Move Money feature, elevating customer experience and driving measurable business outcomes.
Aug 2017 – Sep 2021
Senior Manager, Mobile Development
Led iOS and Android development teams delivering monthly updates for over 200 mobile apps, driving key revenue initiatives across advertising and subscriptions. Championed cross-platform Flutter development to streamline costs and accelerate product delivery. Spearheaded personalization and engagement strategies using server-side technologies, enhancing customer experience across flagship products.
Dec 2010 – Aug 2017
Principal Android Software Developer
Served as principal architect and engineer for Gannett’s flagship Android news products, driving mobile strategy and engineering high-impact advertising and analytics integrations. Pioneered native app development practices that became the foundation for 200+ news apps, contributing to award-winning user experiences and increased monetization.
Results
Driving 800K+ monthly transactions by launching streamlined Pay and Move Money mobile banking hub.
Reducing customer service calls 35% by leading redesign of mobile check deposit with Pre-Deposit Funds Availability.
Automating 95% of 4,000+ test cases to accelerate mobile release cadence by 33% across 40+ teams.
Expertise
Mobile Technologies
DevOps
Computing Solutions
SDLC Management
Cyber Security
Machine Learning
Threat Modeling
Test Automation
Enterprise Architecture
API Integration
Risk Management
Global Team Leadership
Strategic Leadership
Cost Optimization
Technology Management
Strategic Alliances
Modeling & Contingency Planning
Financial Management
Employee Development
Emerging Technologies
Reorganizations
Turnarounds
IT Governance
Project Management Office (PMO)
Scrum/Agile Development
Cross-Platform Development
Cloud Computing
Product Roadmap Execution
Performance Optimization
Code Quality
Debugging & Troubleshooting
Stakeholder Management
Education
(BS) Computer Science
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Meet Michael
Q & A
What aspects of your work energize you the most, and what moments make you feel the most fulfilled in your role?
I’m a very human-centric engineer, and on the job, I’m most energized by two things: building a strong relationship with a team member or partner, and seeing those relationships bear fruit in the form of an attained goal. From seeing a direct report celebrated for an achievement to bringing home an ambitious, large-scale enterprise initiative that I helped drive, it’s those moments of shared success that make me feel the most fulfilled.
When faced with a major challenge, what instincts or principles guide your decision-making process?
When faced with a major challenge, I ask three questions:
- What are the needs and priorities of my leadership, partners, and customers?
- What does the data say—have we done our due diligence and do we have enough information to make a wise decision?
- How can we quickly move toward a successful outcome while delivering on the identified priorities and minimizing risks?
What personal or professional values have shaped your leadership style, and how do they influence the way you build and support teams?
I believe that every colleague is a valuable human being and expert in their field worthy of a mutually beneficial relationship, that goals and objectives should be clear and transparent and based on solid data and measurements, and that those same objectives, as well as business processes, should be subject to change based on updated data. These values lead me to build teams on a basis of empathy and mutual support, hungry for data on all aspects of our work, and ready for anything.
Was there a defining moment in your career that shifted your perspective on success or leadership? If so, what was it?
When my team at Gannett delivered the USA Today Crossword app, which we had built by completely reinventing our tech stack (to use the cross-platform Flutter framework rather than native iOS and Android) and our software delivery process (to work as one unified team rather than separate Android and iOS teams), this made it clear to me that measured risk and major change can pay off beautifully if approached with solid data and tight collaboration.
At the end of a project or collaboration, what do you hope people take away from working with you?
I hope that, after working with me to deliver a project, the folks I’ve worked with will say that I listened deeply and empathically to their concerns, and that I proceeded in a way that sought to balance those concerns with the overall success of our shared work.
Interests
Running
Tabletop Gaming
POETRY
Testimonials
“Mike was a member of my team for 3.5 years at Capital One. He led a group of iOS and Android engineers to implement mobile banking features on time with minimal defects. Under his leadership, Mike’s engineers were innovative and productive, generating multiple patents for image capture technology. He fostered a cohesive group culture that delivered results while remaining inclusive.
Mike was a key collaborator on multiple projects, including the relaunch of Capital One’s flagship app in 2024, the implementation of automated mobile test suite standards across the Bank, and the cultivation of a collegial community of mobile engineers along the way. He drove large-scale change with empathetic leadership and strong communication skills.
If you’re looking for a relationship focused engineering manager, I wholeheartedly recommend Mike!”
Valerie Smith, Director, Software Engineering, Capital One
“I had the privilege of working alongside Mike Croghan at USA TODAY, both as a colleague and as his manager. During our time together, Mike consistently stood out as one of our top performers, consistently delivering outstanding results and exceeding expectations.
Mike’s ability to handle and lead complex engineering projects is exceptional. He has an innate talent for breaking down intricate challenges and developing effective, innovative solutions. More than just a technical expert, Mike excels in people management. Over the years, he’s built and nurtured strong, high-performing teams that loved working for him. His leadership and dedication to their growth created a positive and motivating environment, fostering collaboration and success.
Mike truly left a lasting mark at USA TODAY with the products he led. His impact was evident not only in the success of the projects but also in the way he built teams that were driven and cohesive. His blend of technical expertise, leadership, and people management is a rare combination, and I have no doubt he would be an invaluable asset to any organization.
I highly recommend Mike without hesitation—he is an outstanding leader and professional.”
Erik Bursch, SVP, Consumer Product and Engineering, Gannett
“I had the pleasure of working under Mike, and he was a fantastic manager and a true people leader. He was an inspiring presence—always empowering his team and providing opportunities for growth and development. I learned a lot from his leadership style. Mike is also a great teammate—collaborative, supportive, and always putting others first. I saw him take on big challenges, including leading major initiatives like 100% test automation, and he handled them with ownership and confidence. He would be a valuable asset to any team.”
Aeman Jamali, Manager, iOS Engineer, Capital One
“Working with Mike was one of those rare experiences where you witness leadership that is both principled and practical. Mike has a remarkable ability to cut through complexity, build alignment, and move things forward without ever losing sight of the people involved. He doesn’t just manage work—he cultivates trust, sharpens focus, and raises the standard for what great leadership looks like. If you’re looking for someone who will elevate your team in both delivery and culture, Mike is that person.”
Saleem Sangi, Senior Manager, Software Engineering, Leading Mobile Innovation