Tom Blazek

Retired Accountant, IT Leader, Vendor and Operational Risk Manager

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States

About

Throughout my career, I have consistently sought out opportunities to take on diverse roles that challenged me to acquire new skills, learn new parts of the business, and increase the value I brought to the organizations I served. I take great pride in my adaptability and commitment to continuous growth. Now retired from full-time work, I am excited to embrace new experiences and adventures. While enjoying this next chapter, I remain open to select consulting projects and part-time opportunities in accounting and risk management, where I can continue to contribute my expertise.

Experience

  • Retired at Retired Professional
    Jun 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Now retired from full-time work, I am excited to embrace new experiences and adventures. While enjoying this next chapter, I remain open to select consulting projects and part-time opportunities in accounting and risk management, where I can continue to contribute my expertise.

  • Transamerica (13 yrs 7 mos)
    • Manager, Operational Risk Management (ORM)
      Feb 2020 - May 2024 · 4 yrs 4 mos

      ORM subject matter expert partnering with multiple business areas for the identification, mitigation and management reporting of risks for strategic enterprise projects and other corporate services such as HR, legal, and compliance. Served as the ORM lead for third party risk management and climate risk.

    • Lead Modernization Delivery Analyst
      Mar 2019 - Jan 2020 · 11 mos

      Overseeing the performance of operational modernization efforts through the execution of vendor engaged transformational and conversion programs within the Individual and Workplace business lines.

    • Lead Vendor Liaison
      Mar 2016 - Mar 2019 · 3 yrs 1 mo

      Subject matter expert and partner to business leaders in all vendor management lifecycle phases - opportunity identification through on-going vendor performance management and oversight. With a focus on technology operations, successful led the vendor due diligence, contract negotiations, contract development and transition activities for the company's large outsourcing engagements.

  • Infinite Computing Systems (2 yrs 7 mos)
    • Director, Project Delivery
      Sep 2008 - Oct 2010 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Director of the project delivery division of Infinite Computing Systems, Inc. Responsible for all aspects of project delivery employing an onsite/offshore or onsite/onsite engagement model. Successfully championed a more formalized approach to engagement pre-sales activities including the preparation of engagement proposals, determining prices and cost estimates and presenting engagement proposals to clients. Drove ongoing improvement efforts including the achievement of a CMMI-Level 3 rating, and a Microsoft Certified partner status in two competencies.

    • Senior Project Leader
      Apr 2008 - Aug 2008 · 5 mos

      Responsible for the delivery of all aspects of client engagements using an 80/20 split of on-shore and off-shore software development resources. Successfully delivered on key client projects with direct leadership over other Project Managers, Technical Architects, Developers, Business Analysts, Test Engineers and System Administrators. Technology core competencies included Microsoft .NET, SQL Server, SharePoint, Microsoft CRM, PHP & Java.

  • Manager, Electronic Product Development & Manager, Information Technology Solutions at Wolters Kluwer
    2000 - 2008 · 8 yrs

    Managing development staff, business owners, and support organizations for the execution of the department’s pipeline of projects involving the development of customer-facing Internet and desktop based applications. Technologies used for product development include .NET (ASP, C#), SQL Server, Visual SourceSafe, Visio, MS Project, MS Office, and SharePoint.

  • Writer Analyst, Programmer Analyst & Team Leader – Application Development at CCH
    1993 - 2000 · 7 yrs

    Performed business analysis and programming for tax research and compliance software products using VisualBasic and other 4th GL development tools. Served as Team Lead for application development and was responsible for the planning and scheduling of product enhancements and releases. Managed staff of two to four and trained customer support staff.