James Tada
Solving Problems With People, Perspective, and Technology
About Me
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my site. With 20 years of experience in the IT industry, I am a results-driven executive leader specializing in driving strategic initiatives that align technology with business objectives. My expertise spans IT application development, operations, security, infrastructure, and business intelligence, allowing me to provide comprehensive solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness and fuel growth.
I have a proven track record of managing complex IT portfolios and fostering collaborative partnerships with business stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that address their unique challenges. My ability to dissect intricate problems and translate them into actionable strategies has consistently led to improved operational efficiencies and significant business outcomes.
As I conclude my tenure at First American Property & Casualty, where I played a pivotal role in aligning IT solutions with business strategy, I am eager to explore new opportunities to leverage my experience in shaping business solutions that drive transformative change within a forward-thinking organization.
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Professional Highlights
Work Experience
Major Initiatives
IT Operations / Strategy & Planning / Change Management / Vendor Management / Resource Management
Company Wind Down
Led strategic IT resource reduction initiatives during company winddown, collaborating with business leaders to streamline operations. Successfully planned workforce reduction, application decommissioning, and hardware retirement while ensuring smooth policy transfer to buyers. Negotiated vendor contract terminations, effectively reducing financial obligations.
Digital Transformation / Automated Underwriting / Process Improvement / Feedback Loop
Electronic Application Implementation
Collaborated with third-party insurance agents, underwriters, and claims agents to implement the company's first online application system using ACORD standards. Led requirements gathering, conceptual architecture design, and facilitated user training and feedback, streamlining the application process and improving operational efficiency.
Strategy & Planning / Resource Management / Solutions Architect / Transformation / Process / Culture / Transparency
Core Platform Migration
Spearheaded a comprehensive review of a year-overdue, multimillion-dollar project, identifying critical issues impeding progress. Engaged with project managers, stakeholders, and developers to design an actionable turnaround plan. Initiated cultural and process changes, fostering stronger collaboration between teams to enhance project execution and delivery.
Automated Testing / Release Management / Process Automation
Automation
Identified and implemented automation opportunities to reduce repetitive tasks, leveraging Katalon, ReadyAPI, and Nexial Automation for testing and process automation. Streamlined operations through self-service solutions and backend automation, resulting in headcount reductions across multiple departments.
TFS / Agile Scrum / Culture
Methodology/Microsoft TFS
Transformed IT project management by migrating from a ticketing system to Microsoft Team Foundation Server, introducing Agile Scrum methodologies. Established sprint cycles and revamped change control processes, improving project quality, risk transparency, and alignment with business objectives.
SOAP / REST / XML / Automation / Data Exchange
Integrations
Strategically aligned business needs with technology solutions by architecting all internal and external integrations, including the company's first B2B integration. Developed an automated underwriting system that enabled significant production growth and nationwide expansion, achieving scalability without substantial increases in headcount.
.NET Development / CSS / Web Design / User Experience
Commercial and Consumer Websites
Oversaw the end-to-end development lifecycle, from conceptualization to implementation, of the company’s public and private web applications. Led cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, high-quality solutions that aligned with business objectives and enhanced user experience.
References
James is a great leader. I had the pleasure of reporting to him during my time at First American. He constantly empowered our team to own our own work, and provided us support and guidance when we needed it. He has broad technical knowledge and experience within the IT space. He's creative, forward-thinking, and supportive. He'd be an incredible asset to any IT organization.
I have had the pleasure of working with James for over 4 years now. As a sales leader, he was and still is my go to IT guy! He has an ability to speak to the business unit in a way you can easily understand, he finds creative solutions to exceed the business's original needs, and is an all around pleasure to work with.
I have worked with James for several years now. He has always been the manager that gets things done, and so is constantly the one our business owners go to when they need something; he is a master at multitasking. Despite that, he always finds time to check in on his team, making sure everyone has what they need to do their job effectively. He is willing and eager to share his knowledge; I have increased my skill sets thanks to the many things I've learned from James. Firm, fair and highly intelligent, I would recommend James for any managerial position.
James is a true asset. As a leader, he is always willing to mentor others in an effort to have the highest functioning team possible. As a team player, he will stay late with the team on deployments and work to resolve issues. As a technical resource, he will leave no stone unturned. He is an individual that truly cares for others and will continuously work to improve processes and procedures.
I have known James both personally and professionally for over 17 years. Personally, he has become one of my very good friends and someone I can count on. Professionally, I have seen him grow from an analyst to a manager. Through his leadership skills and technical expertise, James has led many successful projects to which I was a part of. He is an asset to any organization.