Jim Allen
About Jim Allen
Jim Allen serves as the Vice President of IT at Berkley Technology Services, where he oversees IT training, quality assurance, and various operations including release management and security. He has extensive experience in the IT sector, having previously worked as Assistant IT Director at Principal Financial Group for 19 years.
Current Role at Berkley Technology Services
Jim Allen serves as the Vice President of IT at Berkley Technology Services, a position he has held since 2010. In this role, he oversees critical operations including Release Management, Security, and Helpdesk. He is responsible for ensuring IT compliance and enterprise monitoring, which are essential for maintaining the integrity and security of the company's IT infrastructure. Additionally, he leads the Enterprise Application Teams at W R Berkley Corporation, focusing on optimizing application performance and alignment with business objectives.
Previous Experience at Principal Financial Group
Before joining Berkley Technology Services, Jim Allen worked at Principal Financial Group for 19 years, from 1991 to 2010. He held the position of Assistant IT Director during his tenure in Des Moines, Iowa. His responsibilities included managing various IT projects and initiatives, contributing to the organization's technological advancements and operational efficiency.
Educational Background
Jim Allen has a diverse educational background. He studied at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from 1987 to 1990. He also attended the University of Nebraska - Lincoln for one year, focusing on Actuarial Science from 1985 to 1986. Additionally, he studied French during his time at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. His foundational education began at Aurora High School.
Expertise in IT Management
Jim Allen possesses significant expertise in various areas of IT management. His skills include Software Development Life Cycle and Change Management, which are critical for overseeing software projects and ensuring smooth transitions during updates. He also has experience in Program and Portfolio Management, allowing him to effectively manage multiple IT initiatives and align them with strategic business goals. His role encompasses overseeing IT training and quality assurance, further enhancing the capabilities of his team.
Leadership and Operational Responsibilities
In his current position, Jim Allen is responsible for managing Data Center Operations and has served as an Interim Infrastructure Leader. His leadership ensures that the IT infrastructure is robust and capable of supporting the organization's needs. He plays a key role in guiding teams towards achieving operational excellence and maintaining high standards in IT service delivery.