Erica Pentland
Personal Lines Director of Program Management and Portfolio Standards at Farmers Insurance- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Jason Wills
In the workplace there are co-workers, colleagues, friends and then there is an Erica. I had the honor to work under and with her for the 4 years we were together at Farmers. Her accolades and experience speak for themselves, but what really sets Erica apart from other leaders is that she genuinely cares and wants the absolute best for her team. I consider Erica a mentor and someone that not only challenged me to be the best I could be, but also gave the needed support and confidence to be that. I always enjoyed conversations with her because I always walked away feeling important and learning something new. Her ability to lead, stay on the cutting edge and inspire her team made a really strong group. I am thankful for Erica not only on a professional level, but on a personal one as well.
Jose Smith
It is my honor to recommend Erica. She is highly skilled and experienced in Project Management processes and Leadership, and has used those skills to drive growth and excellence within a large PMO organization. She has extensive knowledge and experience in program management, incorporating and implementing various methodologies, leading a large group of project managers and related resources, introducing organized Change Management as a workstream as part of our PMO offerings, and providing overall excellent leadership, guidance, and mentoring to her staff. As a leader, Erica was always on the cutting edge of keeping our team trained on new technologies and methodologies, as well as ancillary learning such as Emotional Intelligence and LEAN processes. More importantly, she cares deeply about every individual on her staff, and goes far and beyond to ensure that they each have what they need to strive towards their own personal goals as well as those of the organization. She is the single best Leader I have ever worked for and would be a great addition to any organization!
Jason Wills
In the workplace there are co-workers, colleagues, friends and then there is an Erica. I had the honor to work under and with her for the 4 years we were together at Farmers. Her accolades and experience speak for themselves, but what really sets Erica apart from other leaders is that she genuinely cares and wants the absolute best for her team. I consider Erica a mentor and someone that not only challenged me to be the best I could be, but also gave the needed support and confidence to be that. I always enjoyed conversations with her because I always walked away feeling important and learning something new. Her ability to lead, stay on the cutting edge and inspire her team made a really strong group. I am thankful for Erica not only on a professional level, but on a personal one as well.
Jose Smith
It is my honor to recommend Erica. She is highly skilled and experienced in Project Management processes and Leadership, and has used those skills to drive growth and excellence within a large PMO organization. She has extensive knowledge and experience in program management, incorporating and implementing various methodologies, leading a large group of project managers and related resources, introducing organized Change Management as a workstream as part of our PMO offerings, and providing overall excellent leadership, guidance, and mentoring to her staff. As a leader, Erica was always on the cutting edge of keeping our team trained on new technologies and methodologies, as well as ancillary learning such as Emotional Intelligence and LEAN processes. More importantly, she cares deeply about every individual on her staff, and goes far and beyond to ensure that they each have what they need to strive towards their own personal goals as well as those of the organization. She is the single best Leader I have ever worked for and would be a great addition to any organization!
Jason Wills
In the workplace there are co-workers, colleagues, friends and then there is an Erica. I had the honor to work under and with her for the 4 years we were together at Farmers. Her accolades and experience speak for themselves, but what really sets Erica apart from other leaders is that she genuinely cares and wants the absolute best for her team. I consider Erica a mentor and someone that not only challenged me to be the best I could be, but also gave the needed support and confidence to be that. I always enjoyed conversations with her because I always walked away feeling important and learning something new. Her ability to lead, stay on the cutting edge and inspire her team made a really strong group. I am thankful for Erica not only on a professional level, but on a personal one as well.
Jose Smith
It is my honor to recommend Erica. She is highly skilled and experienced in Project Management processes and Leadership, and has used those skills to drive growth and excellence within a large PMO organization. She has extensive knowledge and experience in program management, incorporating and implementing various methodologies, leading a large group of project managers and related resources, introducing organized Change Management as a workstream as part of our PMO offerings, and providing overall excellent leadership, guidance, and mentoring to her staff. As a leader, Erica was always on the cutting edge of keeping our team trained on new technologies and methodologies, as well as ancillary learning such as Emotional Intelligence and LEAN processes. More importantly, she cares deeply about every individual on her staff, and goes far and beyond to ensure that they each have what they need to strive towards their own personal goals as well as those of the organization. She is the single best Leader I have ever worked for and would be a great addition to any organization!
Jason Wills
In the workplace there are co-workers, colleagues, friends and then there is an Erica. I had the honor to work under and with her for the 4 years we were together at Farmers. Her accolades and experience speak for themselves, but what really sets Erica apart from other leaders is that she genuinely cares and wants the absolute best for her team. I consider Erica a mentor and someone that not only challenged me to be the best I could be, but also gave the needed support and confidence to be that. I always enjoyed conversations with her because I always walked away feeling important and learning something new. Her ability to lead, stay on the cutting edge and inspire her team made a really strong group. I am thankful for Erica not only on a professional level, but on a personal one as well.
Jose Smith
It is my honor to recommend Erica. She is highly skilled and experienced in Project Management processes and Leadership, and has used those skills to drive growth and excellence within a large PMO organization. She has extensive knowledge and experience in program management, incorporating and implementing various methodologies, leading a large group of project managers and related resources, introducing organized Change Management as a workstream as part of our PMO offerings, and providing overall excellent leadership, guidance, and mentoring to her staff. As a leader, Erica was always on the cutting edge of keeping our team trained on new technologies and methodologies, as well as ancillary learning such as Emotional Intelligence and LEAN processes. More importantly, she cares deeply about every individual on her staff, and goes far and beyond to ensure that they each have what they need to strive towards their own personal goals as well as those of the organization. She is the single best Leader I have ever worked for and would be a great addition to any organization!
Credentials
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Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner
ProsciNov, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Certified SAFe® 5 Program Consultant
Scaled Agile, Inc.May, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Fire & Casual Insurance License
California Department of Insurance -
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB)
Farmers Insurance
Experience
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Farmers Insurance
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United States
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Insurance
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1 - 100 Employee
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Personal Lines Director of Program Management and Portfolio Standards
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2021 - Present
Promoted to lead an Agile Program Management Office of 13 employees, executing Personal Lines, Customer Experience, and Distribution strategies • Developed and executed on department Lean goals, resulting in 49 Lean Yellow Belt certifications, doubling the Lean Green Belt certifications, and generating efficiency savings; on target to exceed the goals in 2023 • Led the cross-functional DEI&B team for 3 years; focused on delivering solutions supporting employee feedback and improving… Show more Promoted to lead an Agile Program Management Office of 13 employees, executing Personal Lines, Customer Experience, and Distribution strategies • Developed and executed on department Lean goals, resulting in 49 Lean Yellow Belt certifications, doubling the Lean Green Belt certifications, and generating efficiency savings; on target to exceed the goals in 2023 • Led the cross-functional DEI&B team for 3 years; focused on delivering solutions supporting employee feedback and improving communications and work-life balance initiatives • Explored innovative approaches to applying employee engagement tactics; successfully introduced executive coffee talks, a mentor program, and resource kits to boost leadership development opportunities across the organization • Facilitated SAFe business agility workshops for Personal Lines Leadership to amplify adaptability and responsiveness to provide a continuous flow of valuable products and services to delight customers • Collaborated with key stakeholders to create and implement a change management strategy for achieving Lean OPEX objectives; ensured business owner participation in program planning and oversaw adjustments in SAFe agile job profiles and ART modifications • Leading the multiyear Agile business transformation focused on ensuring seamless integration at each stage • Active participant in the ASPIRE program panel, dedicated to emerging leaders and preparing them for success through sharing insights and strategies • Chosen as a site lead for the Woodland Hills office welcome committee upon employees' return in Oct 2023; serving as a resource, leading by example, and hosting meet-and-greets to create a friendly environment • Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, and retaining top talent for the team and providing an inclusive environment • Active member of the Women Inclusion Network, Black Professional Alliance, and Farmers Future ERGs Show less Promoted to lead an Agile Program Management Office of 13 employees, executing Personal Lines, Customer Experience, and Distribution strategies • Developed and executed on department Lean goals, resulting in 49 Lean Yellow Belt certifications, doubling the Lean Green Belt certifications, and generating efficiency savings; on target to exceed the goals in 2023 • Led the cross-functional DEI&B team for 3 years; focused on delivering solutions supporting employee feedback and improving… Show more Promoted to lead an Agile Program Management Office of 13 employees, executing Personal Lines, Customer Experience, and Distribution strategies • Developed and executed on department Lean goals, resulting in 49 Lean Yellow Belt certifications, doubling the Lean Green Belt certifications, and generating efficiency savings; on target to exceed the goals in 2023 • Led the cross-functional DEI&B team for 3 years; focused on delivering solutions supporting employee feedback and improving communications and work-life balance initiatives • Explored innovative approaches to applying employee engagement tactics; successfully introduced executive coffee talks, a mentor program, and resource kits to boost leadership development opportunities across the organization • Facilitated SAFe business agility workshops for Personal Lines Leadership to amplify adaptability and responsiveness to provide a continuous flow of valuable products and services to delight customers • Collaborated with key stakeholders to create and implement a change management strategy for achieving Lean OPEX objectives; ensured business owner participation in program planning and oversaw adjustments in SAFe agile job profiles and ART modifications • Leading the multiyear Agile business transformation focused on ensuring seamless integration at each stage • Active participant in the ASPIRE program panel, dedicated to emerging leaders and preparing them for success through sharing insights and strategies • Chosen as a site lead for the Woodland Hills office welcome committee upon employees' return in Oct 2023; serving as a resource, leading by example, and hosting meet-and-greets to create a friendly environment • Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, and retaining top talent for the team and providing an inclusive environment • Active member of the Women Inclusion Network, Black Professional Alliance, and Farmers Future ERGs Show less
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Farmers Insurance
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United States
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Insurance
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700 & Above Employee
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Personal Lines Project Management Office Director
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2015 - 2020
Promoted to lead a project management team of 10 employees; tasked with improving the cross-departmental alignment, boosting operational efficiency, and streamlining processes to achieve better business outcomes • Led Kaizen (BIG Forms), resulting in a 56% improvement in processing time • Coached a Green Belt project centered on Triage and Intake, resulting in the consolidation of five ticket systems into three and elevating Voice of the Employee scores by 8%; managed the change across… Show more Promoted to lead a project management team of 10 employees; tasked with improving the cross-departmental alignment, boosting operational efficiency, and streamlining processes to achieve better business outcomes • Led Kaizen (BIG Forms), resulting in a 56% improvement in processing time • Coached a Green Belt project centered on Triage and Intake, resulting in the consolidation of five ticket systems into three and elevating Voice of the Employee scores by 8%; managed the change across all initiatives • Generated an efficiency savings through operational efficiency; exceeded the department goal • Partnered with the University of Farmers to develop a situational leadership class for project managers focused on delivering superior service, adapting to change, and delivering on business goals; facilitated two classes per year • Created and implemented a PMO gold standards framework, boosting consistencies across the Distribution, Customer Experience, and Personal Lines businesses and strategic initiatives
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Service Operations Director of Project Management
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2011 - 2015
Promoted to spearhead project management operations and strategic planning in Service Operations to meet organizational objectives. Developed prioritization methods and a project governance structure, establishing standards, processes, and tools to ensure effective project delivery • Initiated and influenced the development of a Systems Capacity scorecard to mitigate risk and avoid service disruptions
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Lead Development Manager
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2010 - 2011
Hired to develop a newly established project management team and direct an Interactive Voice Response initiative • Created a mentoring program and implemented a quality audit process for the department, leading to a 7% improvement in job performance by aligning employees with roles that leverage their strengths and expertise • Led the integration and consolidation of support services in the Midwest service center to reduce redundancies and streamline processes across multiple service… Show more Hired to develop a newly established project management team and direct an Interactive Voice Response initiative • Created a mentoring program and implemented a quality audit process for the department, leading to a 7% improvement in job performance by aligning employees with roles that leverage their strengths and expertise • Led the integration and consolidation of support services in the Midwest service center to reduce redundancies and streamline processes across multiple service locations • Program Manager for the Interactive Voice Response program to reduce customer effort and eliminate the need for customers to speak to a service associate for basic policy information
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21st Century Insurance
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United States
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Insurance
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500 - 600 Employee
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Senior Project Manager
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Mar 2007 - Jan 2010
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AIG
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United States
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Insurance
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700 & Above Employee
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Operations Manager
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Aug 2005 - Mar 2007
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21st Century Insurance
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United States
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Insurance
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500 - 600 Employee
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Compliance Manager
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Dec 2004 - Aug 2005
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Quality Monitoring Supervisor
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Apr 2003 - Dec 2004
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Corporate Training Specialist
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Dec 1999 - Apr 2003
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Education
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California State University, Northridge
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Sociology
Community
