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.

Let's Connect

Date Available
January 1, 2025
Email
Location
Irvine, CA
Social Media

Professional Highlights

IT Operations Management
Organizational Transformation
IT Strategy & Planning
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
Agile Methodologies
Security
Vendor Management
Project Portfolio Management
Product Management
Personal Lines Insurance (Homeowners/Auto)
Collaboration & Communication
Prioritization
Problem Solving
Interpersonal
Determination
Adaptability
Mentoring
Work Ethic

Work Experience

First American Property & Casualty Insurance Company
February 2019 - Present
Returned to the company to address a critical integration challenge within a multi-million-dollar initiative to modernize core policy administration systems. Identified project inefficiencies through interviews with leaders, analysts, and developers, and developed a strategic plan to streamline development. Expanded role to oversee daily IT operations, including software development, IT infrastructure, and system maintenance, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational efficiency.
Senior Information Technology Manager
February 2019 – Present
First American Financial Corporation
Transitioned to an IT Project Manager role in 2017 within the larger parent company’s IT organization, managing multi-million-dollar, multi-year projects utilizing SCRUM methodologies. Successfully delivered enhancements for title applications, ensuring timely project execution and alignment with strategic business goals.
October 2017 - February 2019
Information Technology Project Manager
October 2017 - February 2019
First American Property & Casualty Insurance Company
April 2003 - April 2017
Delivered hands-on architectural design and leadership for initiatives that drove company growth from $40M to $170M in annual revenue. Spearheaded the design, development, and strategic direction of all web-based B2B, B2C, and internal applications. Successfully integrated core applications with Vertafore ImageRight, Vertafore AMS360, Smart Communications (formerly Thunderhead), and Salesforce, enhancing operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Information Technology Manager
July 2011 - April 2017
Information Technology Supervisor
August 2008 - July 2011
Business Analyst Lead
July 2011 - April 2017
Business Analyst
April 2003 - April 2007

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

Gail Capati

Product Manager

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.

Lauren Ritchie

Sales Executive

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.

Don Dufau

Business Analyst

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.

Katie Potvin

Sr. Business Analyst, Information Security

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.

Sejal Damani

Sr. Business Systems Analyst

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.

Let's Connect

949.444.2248
james@jamestada.com