What initially attracted you to join Pacific Life and how has your career path evolved?

I joined Pacific Life to drive the technical side of journey digital transformation in the former Retirment Solutions Division. This initiative focused on significant data and integration efforts for a seamless customer experience. Using top-tier tools like Snowflake, Tableau, AEM, MuleSoft, ADO, and AWS, we ensured comprehensive data access and integration.

About a year ago, I transitioned to the Workforce Benefits Division for a new challenge. The startup-like environment, advanced technology, and a single admin system, combined with a talented team, drew me in. Since then, my career has focused on technology strategy, collaboration, and execution.

What is your role today? Tell us about your job responsibilities and what a typical day looks like for you.

As the Head of Applications, I lead both front-end and back-end development teams. My responsibilities include:

• Overseeing software development
• Ensuring quality assurance
• Collaborating with infrastructure and integration teams

A typical day involves strategic planning, team coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Could you share a milestone that you're particularly proud of achieving?

One of the most significant milestones has been the launch of Workforce Benefits to the market, initially focusing on quoting dental, vision, and life insurance. This foundational success, achieved through collaborative efforts, set the stage for our continued growth. We've since added supplemental health and are working on incorporating disability coverage. Every two weeks, we release significant capabilities, continually enhancing our offerings. The highlight of this journey was the official market launch, where I had the honor of ringing the first bell, marking the culmination of our team's dedication and hard work.

How has Pacific Life supported your career growth and development?

Pacific Life has supported my career growth by providing ample support and encouraging self-development. The leadership is amazing, fostering solid collaboration between business, sales, operations, and IT. We have a “two in the box” concept. This environment allows me to learn more about the domain every day. The leadership team is accessible and values its employees, investing in continuous learning and development. Working with extremely bright individuals challenges me to stretch my skills and think creatively. Moreover, Pacific Life’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusivity brings together minds from different backgrounds, creating an innovative and dynamic workplace where great ideas thrive.

What do you enjoy most about working on our Technology team? Do you have any favorite memories or team achievements?

The most rewarding aspect of working on our Technology team is witnessing our journey from zero to one—transforming ideas into successful projects. One of my favorite achievements is the successful launch of Workforce Benefits, a testament to our collaborative efforts and innovation. Ringing that first bell was fabulous! I’ll cherish the memory.

What makes Pacific Life a great place to work? Why should others consider joining our team?

Pacific Life stands out due to its people-centric culture, meaningful work that makes a difference, and a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Our senior leadership values every voice, even entertaining ideas from interns during their short tenure. This inclusive approach fosters innovation and ensures that everyone feels valued and heard. Joining our team means being part of a supportive environment where collaboration is key, and personal and professional growth are actively encouraged.