The California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) congratulates Finance Director Jason McBride on his fifth anniversary with the Authority. From streamlining financial workflows to contributing to the architectural plans for the new building, McBride ensures that the California JPIA’s financial strategies align with its long-term vision.
“The past five years have been among the most fulfilling of my career,” said McBride. “I thoroughly enjoy working on initiatives that challenge and expand my professional expertise. There is a profound sense of collective pride when we implement changes that directly benefit our members or improve internal workflows.”
After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in accountancy from Brigham Young University, McBride started his career as an associate at Ernst & Young. Following his experience at the multinational accounting firm, he began working in the local sphere, first as a management auditor for the City of Anaheim, then as a senior administrative analyst for Anaheim Fire & Rescue, and finally as a strategic planning manager for Anaheim Public Utilities. After earning a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Irvine, McBride advanced to his current role as the California JPIA’s finance director.
McBride’s tenure has coincided with an evolution of the California JPIA. “We successfully transitioned to a new CEO, welcomed exceptional new talent into key roles, and carefully managed staffing transitions during a number of retirements,” said McBride. “We also modernized our operations by implementing advanced accounting software and streamlining several core processes to better serve our organization.”
One of McBride’s most significant achievements is building operational resilience within the Authority’s finance and accounting department. “By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, establishing clear process roadmaps, and prioritizing cross-training, we are creating a strong framework with staff versatility,” he said. “This ensures that team members can step in and support one another more effectively whenever needed.”
“Over the past five years, Jason has helped strengthen our financial position and modernize our financial systems, laying the groundwork for the Authority’s continued success,” said California JPIA CEO Alex Smith. “His expertise, combined with his genuine care for our members and staff, makes him a valued member of the Authority team.”
McBride attributes much of his success to the collaborative culture at the California JPIA. “Effectively serving this organization often means knowing when to guide and when to empower,” said McBride. “We have incredibly capable professionals at the Authority. Sometimes the best way I can support them is to provide the necessary resources or information and allow them the autonomy to achieve exceptional results in whatever manner best utilizes their talents.”
McBride is also committed to strengthening the Authority’s culture. “I genuinely enjoy organizing events and activities that bring staff together,” said McBride. “While our professional goals are paramount, building strong interpersonal relationships outside our daily tasks helps to strengthen our workplace culture and makes our collaborative efforts most successful.”
About California JPIA
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.