James Branch

Experience

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  J.E. Robert Companies / JER Partners

  Oct 1990 - Oct 2009

  Vice President, Information Technology

  • Led the development and implementation of technology strategies and initiatives within the platform of companies. • Transformed the company from a 20-person organization with little to no infrastructure into one of the largest real estate private equity and real estate asset management companies in the world.• Provided SOX compliance for the private equity functions of the business. • Set up a co-location of system resources to ensure business continuity and improve recovery in the event of a disaster.• Led the technology development for three sister companies of JER.• Created and implemented IT procedures, policies, and standards for technology. • Developed software for the Real Estate Asset Management divisions of JER that had a portfolio of over $2 billion. Show less

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  Advanced Discovery

  Oct 2009 - Oct 2018

  Senior VP, CTO/CIO

  • Worked with global leadership to drive change and create operational workflows for all information systems and technology. Ensured achievement of performance targets and strategic initiatives by establishing KPI’s aligned with the overall enterprise vision and individual departments. Oversaw annual budget planning and reporting. Managed 1k+ production servers serving line-of-business Web-based applications to 20k+ active users. • Architected a remote desktop solution for approximately 20,000 accounts. • Increased business value by adding Litigation Hosted Technology (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS), and infrastructure for litigation review.• Spearheaded the technical systems integration for 25+ Acquisitions and Mergers.• Designed a 24/7 load-balanced hardware infrastructure that contained no single points of failure and maintained a near-perfect SLA.• Certified compliance for the company datacenter for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI. Show less

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  Resourceful Solutions

  Oct 2018 - Apr 2023

  IT Consultant

  Current and past projects:- Provided leadership and management for a document management system conversion for a financial services company- Provide guidance and strategic thought leadership to private equity companies.- Deliver IT strategies that support highly efficient and cost-effective work environments. - Provide leadership and management to companies seeking assistance implementing new products or operational efficiencies using technology.

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  HaystackID

  Nov 2021 - now

  Vice President Global Advisory Services and Technology Solutions

  Vice President, Global Advisory Services and Technology Solutions: provided strategic advice to HaystackID clients, specializing in CFIUS, Information Security, and high-end consulting on all facets of the Information Governance and the EDRM model. Supported clients by implementing documented best practices and workflows while also leveraging resources to create solutions that enhance the client experience. Built the documentation for application procedures, protocols, workflows, reports, etc. Contributed to business development efforts by attending scoping efforts for potential projects. Provided insight into where HaystackID clients can apply third-party applications and high-end information governance and data management solutions.CFIUS Security Client Manager (Data Owner) for a Social Media company with 20+ million users • Served as an expert on a full range of complex policy issues related to CFIUS security and governance. • Provided management, analytical support, best practices, and recommendations on CFIUS-related security, risk management, and policy.• Coordinated with the CFIUS data monitor and client executive leadership.• Monitored compliance with national security agreements and performed testing of compliance and security controls.• Lead special projects involving new policies, workflows, procedures, and KPIs. Identify solutions and create response plans.• Maintained client relationships and tailored the engagement to meet the client’s needs and expectations.• Played a visible leadership role during client engagements: developed strategy and delivered solutions while managing up, down, and outward.• Install structure and excellence over Enterprise Governance & Cybersecurity Risk Assessments, Data Privacy, Internal Audit, Sarbanes-Oxley programs, and strategic client projects. Show less