Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Morgan Lajaunie

Prairieville,LA

Summary

Detail-oriented professional with 16 years of experience and a proven knowledge of customer service skills, reconciliation and management. Hoping to use my skills to successfully fill the Grants Management Group Lead role at the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Team Lead II

Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency
04.2023 - Current

• Serves as a subject matter expert in the FEMA Public Assistance grant program

• Supervises a team of 5 to 10 Program Specialists

• Provides technical assistance to Public Assistance grant program subgrantees and the Grants Management Section staff

• Works with established processes, policies, and procedures pertaining to the FEMA and State recovery program

• Interprets applicable laws, rules, and regulations relating to the FEMA Public Assistance grant program

• Provides guidance and oversight to the Program Specialists in preparing documentation, invoices, and information to request reimbursement for approved, federally funded Public Assistance grants from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• Provides guidance and oversight in all Standard Operating Procedures for the Public Assistance Grants Management Section

• Monitors the progress of each assigned Program Specialist to ensure their professional growth and technical development

• Advises the Group Lead and/or upper management on all situations as needed

• Provides management with accurate and timely status reports

• Directs resources to complete set goals and accomplish the Section’s mission

• Monitors the progress of each assigned applicant to ensure that all Federal and State grant requirements are met and that files are closed in a timely manner

• Coordinates and/or works with applicants to gather/compile information and/or documentation to request eligible reimbursements

Claims Specialist

ShoppersChoice.com Dba BBQGuys.com
10.2022 - 04.2023
  • Followed up with customers on unresolved issues.
  • Developed strong working relationships with external partners such as adjusters, legal counsel, and medical professionals to facilitate efficient claim resolution processes.
  • Handled high-pressure situations with professionalism and composure, consistently achieving positive outcomes for both clients and the organization.
  • Improved claim processing efficiency by streamlining workflows and implementing time-saving strategies.
  • Delivered comprehensive training sessions for new hires on claims handling procedures, policy interpretation basics, negotiation techniques, and other core competencies related to the role of a Claims Specialist.
  • Managed a high volume of claims effectively by prioritizing tasks and maintaining excellent organizational skills.
  • Identified fraudulent claims through diligent investigation and collaboration with law enforcement agencies when necessary.

Escrow Officer

Choice Title
08.2019 - 09.2022
  • Returned executed loan packages to lender for review and approval in accordance with lender instructions.
  • Scheduled closing appointments for seller and buyer or arranged for delivery of documents for out of area closings.
  • Followed industry standard escrow procedures and maintained awareness of regulations governing escrow process.
  • Managed real estate closing process in compliance with applicable standards and legal requirements.
  • Opened incoming orders and set up escrow files within [Number] hours of receiving purchase agreement.
  • Followed-up on status of releases, policies, and return of recorded documents.
  • Examined purchase and sale agreement for potential items of concern and addressed immediately.
  • Collaborated with real estate agents and lenders to expedite closing times on property sales.
  • Prepared detailed settlement statements for each transaction, accurately reflecting funds received and disbursed.
  • Managed multiple escrow accounts simultaneously, balancing financial transactions and minimizing risk of errors.
  • Reviewed escrow accounting reports and resolved outstanding check or open file balance issues.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues related to escrow transactions.
  • Coordinated efforts between buyers and sellers to achieve mutually agreeable terms during negotiations of property sales.
  • Reviewed contracts thoroughly to ensure accuracy before proceeding with the escrow process.
  • Conducted thorough research on properties to confirm ownership, title status, and outstanding liens or encumbrances.
  • Prepared documents for closing and handled complete disbursement and follow up of escrow transactions.
  • Consistently met deadlines for preparing necessary paperwork for closings while maintaining high-quality work standards.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Residential Closing Specialist

Baton Rouge Title Co Inc
05.2017 - 08.2019
  • Managed multiple concurrent transactions while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring all timelines were met without sacrificing accuracy or customer satisfaction levels.
  • Increased accuracy in final settlement statements by thoroughly reviewing all calculations prior to distribution to relevant parties.
  • Mitigated risks by diligently researching property histories and identifying any potential title issues that could impact the transaction''s success.
  • Reduced errors in loan documentation by meticulously reviewing and verifying information prior to submission.
  • Reviewed funding packages by calculating fees and arranging for disbursement of loan funds.
  • Confirmed accurate fundings, lien payoffs and final mortgage recordings by collaborating with real estate agents, loan officers, and attorneys.
  • Coordinated with sellers, buyers, escrow agents, and real estate agents to complete loan submissions and scheduled closing dates.
  • Facilitated smooth closings for clients by managing deadlines and coordinating all parties involved in the transaction.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing timely updates and addressing concerns promptly throughout the closing process.

Claims Specialist

ShoppersChoice.com Dba BBQGuys.com
03.2014 - 04.2017
  • Handled high-pressure situations with professionalism and composure, consistently achieving positive outcomes for both clients and the organization.
  • Improved claim processing efficiency by streamlining workflows and implementing time-saving strategies.
  • Reduced claim processing errors by conducting thorough investigations and accurately interpreting policy details.
  • Settled complex claims fairly by applying critical thinking, negotiation skills, and detailed knowledge of insurance policies.
  • Delivered comprehensive training sessions for new hires on claims handling procedures, policy interpretation basics, negotiation techniques, and other core competencies related to the role of a Claims Specialist.
  • Managed a high volume of claims effectively by prioritizing tasks and maintaining excellent organizational skills.
  • Identified fraudulent claims through diligent investigation and collaboration with law enforcement agencies when necessary.

ECommerce Account Manager

Home Depot Direct/Your "other" Warehouse
02.2007 - 06.2013
  • Trained new team members on best practices in e-commerce account management, fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.
  • Oversaw inventory management efforts to maintain optimal stock levels while minimizing carrying costs.
  • Optimized e-commerce fulfillment strategy to minimize costs while maximizing profits and customer satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
  • Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Graphic Design

The Art Institute of Houston
Houston, TX
01-2005

Skills

    ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents

    ICS-400 Advanced Incident Command System

    IS-00235C Emergency Planning

    IS-100 Intro to Incident Command (ICS)

    IS-1000 PA Program and Eligibility

    IS-120 Introduction to Exercises

    IS-200 Basic ICS for Initial Response

    IS-230 Fundamentals Emergency Management

    IS-235 Emergency Planning

    IS-240 Leadership and Influence

    IS-241 Decision Making & Problem Solving

    IS-242 Effective Communication

    IS-244 Developing & Managing Volunteers

    IS-393 Intro to Hazard Mitigation

    IS-558 Public Works and Disaster Recovery

    IS-700 Intro to Nat Incident Management System

    IS-800 National Response Framework, An Introduction

    IS-907 Active Shooter

    IS-1000 PA Program and Eligibility

    IS-1001 Public Assistance Delivery Model

    IS-1008 Scope of Work Development

    IS-1017 Scope Change Requests, Time Extensions, Improved/Alternate Project Requests

    CPTP Training

    Public Assistance Grants Training

Timeline

Team Lead II

Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency
04.2023 - Current

Claims Specialist

ShoppersChoice.com Dba BBQGuys.com
10.2022 - 04.2023

Escrow Officer

Choice Title
08.2019 - 09.2022

Residential Closing Specialist

Baton Rouge Title Co Inc
05.2017 - 08.2019

Claims Specialist

ShoppersChoice.com Dba BBQGuys.com
03.2014 - 04.2017

ECommerce Account Manager

Home Depot Direct/Your "other" Warehouse
02.2007 - 06.2013

Associate of Applied Science - Graphic Design

The Art Institute of Houston
Morgan Lajaunie