User:Jim Plasse/sandbox

James M Plasse is a financial executive offering 26 years of financial management, administrative and controllership experience within diverse manufacturing industries. He utilizes keen analysis, insights and a team approach to drive organizational improvements and in the implementation of best practices. James Plasse also possesses superior interpersonal skills, capable of resolving multiple and complex (sales, human resources, legal, financial, operational) issues and motivating other team members to peak performance. He is a results-oriented and effective leader with proven ability to improve operations, impact business growth and maximize profits through achievements in finance management, cost reductions, internal controls, and productivity/efficiency improvements. Plasse has the ability to proactively identify and resolve problems – turn around unprofitable functions, control costs, automate accounting systems, maximize productivity, and deliver substantial dollar profit increases. He is an optimistic leader with an entrepreneurial can-do attitude, but with firmly planted pragmatism with a well-rounded management style that creates a common vision and forges positive relationships. James Plasse has the proven ability to recruit, motivate and develop a superior staff and demonstrates the highest level of integrity. With comprehensive expertise in: •	Strategic Planning & Organizational Leadership •	Contract Negotiations & Strategic Alliances •	Budgeting & Cost Management •	Profitability & Cost Analysis •	Acquisition Analysis & Due Diligence •	Team Building & Performance Improvement •	Sales, Marketing & New Business Development •	Team Leadership & Collaboration •	Process Design & Productivity Improvement •	Systems & Technology Utilization •	Cost Control Programs •	Public Speaking Plasse attended Westfield State University graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in accounting and finance. While at Westfield State, he worked part time to support his educational expenses and secure some solid business relationships with key business owners and executives while employed with Itala Printing. He received his MBA at Western New England University in 2009. While at WNU, Plasse was recognized for his high scholastic achievement and inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society for collegiate schools of business. Upon graduation from Westfield State, Plasse entered the financial management profession working for large public companies in the manufacturing industry, and in 1986 secured a position at Sealed Air Corporation serving as its Plant Controller. In 1988, he joined Ampad Corporation, (a division of Mead School and Office Supplies) located in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Plasse managed the financial activities of eight manufacturing facilities prior to the sale of Ampad to Mitt Romney’s Bain Capital, a private equity investment firm that became highly profitable and one of the largest such firms in the nation. In 1992, he left Ampad and joined Spalding Sports World Wide in Chicopee, Massachusetts as Senior Financial Analyst where he was responsible for the financial analysis and month-end closing process of a $300 million global sporting goods manufacturer. In this role, he provided financial information for various sales and marketing managers, and vice presidents on key business trends, ratios, forecasting, and financial statement analysis. In 1996, Plasse was offered the newly created position, Financial Analysis Manager at Tubed Products, Inc. (packaging division of McCormick & Company Spices) and located in Easthampton, Massachusetts. While at Tubed Products, Responsible for guiding and supporting senior management in their understanding of the financial related activities in a manner designed to meet the planned profitability of a $100 million plastic tube and injection molding cap manufacturer. Plasse also contributed to company strategy and initiatives as a key member of the finance team achieving an $11 million turnaround in operating profits and a $5 million reduction in excess and obsolete inventories. He was also instrumental as a member of the pricing committee providing the necessary standard and actual costs and financial analysis needed to make sound pricing decisions enabling the company to exceed planned gross margins by 20 percent. Plasse was also chairperson and committee member of the McCormick & Company Multiple Management Board. In 2000 Plasse joined Tyco Electronics as Controller. In this capacity he was responsible for the management and direction of all financial and accounting functions, comprising General Accounting, Cost Accounting, A/P, A/R, Payroll, Credit and Collections, and Purchasing for three divisions with revenue of $110 million. He was also responsible for the month-end closing process, preparation of monthly financial statements, costing and profitability studies, financial and operating variance analysis. While at Tyco, Plasse was instrumental in driving initiatives that helped the organization exceeded planned gross margins, coordinated the financial and accounting due diligence activities for acquisitions of complementary businesses and product lines, provided counsel and guidance to leadership on profitability improvement, operating efficiencies, and cost/spending reduction opportunities. In 2003, Plasse joined Carando, a division of Smithfield Foods, Inc. located in Springfield, Massachusetts as controller. He is currently responsible for the management and direction of all the facilities financial and accounting functions, comprising General Accounting, Cost Accounting, A/P, and Payroll. Coordinates and facilitate all aspects of financial reporting including annual business plans, strategic planning process, budgets, forecasts, capital asset acquisition, taxes, contract negotiations, cost accounting activities, and inventory management in a manner designed to meet planned EBIT, DSO, and DII targets. Ensures that systems and procedures required to continually monitor and report on financial performance are in compliance with GAAP, internal controls, corporate policies and procedures, Sarbanes-Oxley initiatives and other government regulations. Provide counsel and guidance on profitability improvements, operating efficiencies, and cost reduction opportunities by driving process and productivity enhancement initiatives to increase profitability. Proven management and ethical leadership skills with the ability to provide clear direction within the department and provide direct reports with challenging and rewarding work assignments by effectively coach/mentor direct reports in the area of skill development and career growth. Plasse possesses excellent communication skills and strong planning and organization abilities. He is a hands-on management style with an ability to engage decisions ethically with a strategic, business centered orientation and the ability to deliver on key initiatives. He is an annual presenter at Smithfield Foods Brown Belt Program at Iowa State University, member of Smithfield Foods Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability Team, team leader of Smithfield Foods Environmental and Safety Programs, and helps coordinate company initiatives involving the Local Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club and a member of Kiwanis International.

James M Plasse