The California JPIA is proud to announce the promotion of Habib Ali from Accounting Specialist to Accountant.
“Habib has been a dedicated member of our team for nearly a decade,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Alex Smith. “His adaptability, commitment to service and eagerness to learn have prepared him well for this next chapter. I look forward to seeing how his skills will further strengthen the Authority’s financial operations and overall organizational goals.”
Through his promotion, Ali will act as a key leader during an exciting period of transition and expansion for the Authority’s accounting department. The California JPIA is in the process of adopting new accounting software and onboarding new team members—Ali plays a critical role in maintaining the current system and ensuring a smooth transition for the team.
“We’re growing into a more dynamic accounting team,” said Ali. “Once we are fully cross-trained on the new systems, I can contribute to a wider range of finance and accounting areas, increasing efficiency and providing enhanced support for our members.”
Ali brings his extensive experience and passion for community service to the role. After earning a degree in business administration with a concentration in finance, real estate and law from Cal Poly Pomona, Ali worked in various fields before landing in the public sector. His path to the California JPIA began while he was working as an accounting technician in the City of Artesia’s finance department.
“Financial decisions are at the heart of everything,” said Ali. “They touch every aspect of an organization, so working in accounting puts you in tune with what is happening across the board.”
Ali’s commitment to serving the community through a public sector role is deeply rooted in his upbringing as a child of immigrant parents. His father, who worked for the federal government, instilled in him the value of giving back to the community—principles that have guided Ali’s approach to his work at the Authority and beyond. Since 2023, he has served as the co-chair of the City of Cerritos’ Community Safety Committee, advising the city on matters related to crime prevention, traffic and pedestrian safety.
“Habib’s dedication to service is felt across his professional and personal life,” said Finance Director Jason McBride. “Those lucky enough to count him as a teammate or a friend know that he leads with a spirit of care and camaraderie.”
Throughout his tenure on the accounting team, Ali has made significant contributions to the organization. He was integral to maintaining the Authority’s accounts payable systems during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s also bolstered the team’s lighthearted culture, organizing a digital scavenger hunt during the 2018 Risk Management Educational Forum (Forum) in Carlsbad and reprising the activity at the 2022 Santa Barbara Forum following popular demand.
Ali has also demonstrated dedication to staying updated on accounting and financial trends. He’s tuned into ongoing artificial intelligence applications in the field and regularly attends conferences and workshops to ensure that the Authority team extends best practices to its members.
With his new responsibilities and ongoing dedication to the Authority’s mission, he is well-prepared to lead the accounting team into a streamlined future.
Congratulations, Habib, on your well-deserved promotion!
Providing innovative risk management solutions for its public agency partners for more than 45 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is one of the largest municipal self-insurance pools in the state, with more than 125 member cities and other governmental agencies. Members actively participate in shaping the organization to provide important coverage for their operations. The California JPIA provides innovative risk management solutions through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, including liability, workers’ compensation, pollution, property and earthquake coverage, as well as extensive training and loss control services. For more information, please visit the California JPIA’s website at cjpia.org.