Kamela R. Tatum
*** *********** ***** *******, ** 35749 256-***-**** [H] 256-***-**** [M]
***********@*****.***
OBJECTIVE: To secure a position providing an opportunity for career growth as an Auditor, Contract Specialist, Quality Manager, Budget Analyst, or Logistics Manager utilizing my educational background and advanced degree in Business Management. EDUCATION: MBA Business Administration
Alabama A&M University (AAMU) Normal, AL
GPA 3.75 /4.00
B.S. Business Management
Alabama A&M University Normal, AL
GPA 3.71/4.00
WORK EXPERIENCE:
July 1990 - Present
State Farm Insurance Company Huntsville, AL
Claims Specialist
Special Investigative Unit/Multi-Claim Investigative Unit
Investigate, evaluate, negotiate, and conclude claims including verification of coverage and legal liability for claims involving multiple contracts, complex coverage, and large loss
Procure supplies and services through acquisition and negotiation techniques
Create, perform, and investigate analytics of potential fraud relationships
Conduct extensive scene and background investigations by utilizing various internal and approved external sources to resolve possible staged or caused losses
Serve as a liaison to the public, governmental entities, and law enforcement agencies on insurance fraud issues and in response to Requests for Information and questions for the Record and Reports to governmental agencies
Interpret acquisition/procurement regulation for contract compliance
Review standard audit programs, audit steps, previous work papers, reports, other guidance materials and draft routine and pro-forma audit reports to complete audit working papers including preparation of schedules, summaries, and reconciliations as outlined in the policy.
Perform audit steps such as tests and examinations of labor and material costs. Check reports, records, ledgers, and other documents against invoices, receipts, payroll slips and other source documents. Verify appropriateness of charges for materials and labor and determine that transactions have been properly recorded to resolve property damage and business interruption claims.
Prepare working documents, graphs and charts and analyze contractor data for solicitation, negotiation, budgets, and awards for acquisition/procurement
Identify case strengths and weaknesses and develop possible outcome report
Present biomechanical and medical expert analysis as needed
Prepare on-site and virtual estimates, complete contractor metrics for compliance with performance standards and applicable laws for property damage of autos and residential/commercial structures for large loss settlements
Evaluate injury claims and create report to secure settlement authority
Develop negotiation position, determine contract type and negotiation authority and prepare justification for negotiation position to resolve complex coverage issues
Handle complex/non-routine lawsuits of commercial, business interruption, and loss of income claims
Direct the full range of contract administration actions required for the acquisition program, including contract modifications, negotiation of changes, exercise of options, investigation/resolution of contractor delays and appraisals
Manage contracts and advise vendors of all phases of the acquisition process including contracting method, solicitation and evaluation of proposals/bids, negotiation of contracts, price and cost analysis from submission to award
Monitor, review and responsible for supply, maintenance, and logistical functions during identified catastrophes and high volume claim activities in affected areas
Validate all claim costs through Generally Accepted Government Audit Standards (GAGAS) and cost accounting principles, procedures, and techniques.
Mitigate expenses by examining and reviewing accounting documents to determine if transactions were properly supported, mathematically correct, charged to appropriate cause of loss, allowable, allocable, and reasonable.
Train employees and agents on policy and claims procedures to accomplish tasks and projects and evaluate methods to improve team efficiency/work products and inform management of performance issues to recommend/request needed action.
Assist line unit team with the compilation, arrangement, and evaluation of claims data and preparation of audit working papers and summaries detailing and confirming the results of the work for audit steps.
Assemble budget exhibits and compile and consolidate estimates for claims expenses and vendor salaries. Actively and positively participates with other team members, providing updates on the status of auditor assignment and sharing of information.
Apply jurisdictional knowledge of state and federal laws, statutes, and insurance regulations
Investigate and negotiate approximately 520 claims annually
Negotiate claim inventory with total settlement value in excess of 5 million dollars per year
Interpret and enforce the policy based on contractual conditions and responsibilities
Testify on behalf of the company regarding contract coverage
File arbitration and direct mediation negotiations
Secure industry designations and maintain licensing through continued education
Selected for catastrophe duty and worked claims for Katrina and Andrew hurricanes, California earthquakes, and local catastrophes
Selected as subrogation liaison for north Alabama
Named as an arbitration panelist by Arbitration Forums, Inc for the state of Alabama Anniston Army Depot Anniston, AL
1988 – 1990 Systems Analyst, Directorate of Supply (Co-op to Permanent Position)
Performed audit of Anniston Army Depot and Department of Defense regulations for current processes in connection with procurement and contracting activities between the Directorate of Supply and the Contractor.
Visited operation sites for adherence to policies and procedures
Administered quality assurance of ammunition disposal
Served as an analyst and advisor to Anniston Army Depot management on the evaluation and the effectiveness of government programs and operations in comparison to the Department of Defense regulations for current processes in connection with procurement and contracting activities between the Directorate of Supply and the Contractor.
Provided line managers with objectively based information for making administrative and programmatic decisions based on site inspections
Analyzed and evaluated the effectiveness of line program operations in meeting established goals and objectives by administering quality assurance of ammunition disposal
Researched and investigated new or improved business and management practices for application and compliance to Anniston Army Depot policies and procedures. JC Penney Department Store and Worth’s Clothing Store Huntsville, AL 1987 – 1988 Salesperson
Managed inventory, refreshed stock, and completed sales transactions Community Development Gadsden, AL
1983 – 1986 Administrative Assistant
Processed and distributed government aid to qualified recipients SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Investigation, Communication, Negotiation, and Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher AFFILIATIONS:
2016 - Present Greater Huntsville Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
2017-2018 Fundraising Chair and The Arts Facet Co-Chair: organized activities to increase and expand exposure of The Arts to local youth and organized Grant Writing Initiatives to increase chapter funding for community service endeavors 2006 - 2009 Alabama A&M University School of Business Alumni Board
Initiate creative fundraising activities and determine most effective use of raised funds 2003 - Present Youth Motivation Task Force (YMTF), Alabama A&M University
Motivate youth to aspire to complete educational and career goals 1987 - Present Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Huntsville, AL
2012-2014; Fundraising Chair, raised in excess of $45,000 annually by initiating a new chapter event
1998-2008; Ebony Fashion Fair Chair and Committee Chair: raised in excess of $50,000 annually for local scholarships and community programs
2007-2009; Social Committee Chair: planned events that would enhance sisterhood while simultaneously raising funds for community charities
2000-Present; Delta Academy Committee: worked with girls ages 9 to 18 to build and maximize self-esteem while instilling in them a spirit of community service
2000-Present; Honors Day/Scholarship Committee, EMBODI, and Arts and Letters: showcase the successes of local students in both academics and the arts PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Agency and Out-of-State Claims Licensing
INS Designation – Associate in General Claims awarded by Insurance Institute of America
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter Designation (CPCU) - Graduation Summer 2019