AARIKA PLUNKETT
Houston,TX
Summary
An accomplished forward-thinking VP, Community Development professional with years of experience and a strong track record of community relations and business development that results in developing and deploying community engagement strategies offering advanced experience in overseeing operations, driving business strategy and overhauling best business practices. As a Highly-skilled professional with repeated success in driving community development strategic programs I stay engaged and present in the community while creating a portfolio of local relationships including non-profits, schools, city officials, and community organizations that position myself to become an experienced innovator in inclusion, social impact and community investments and partnerships.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
VP, Sr. Manager of Community Development
Independent Financial
Houston, Austin, & San Antonio, TX
02.2020 - Current
- Market Manager responsible for 19 Independent Financial (Financial Centers) locations in the Central Texas and Houston area; accountable for administering community investments portfolio and partnerships, spearheading community campaigns, and corporate engagement opportunities that align with market strategy and community investment goals.
- Direct and administer end-to-end projects such as grant investments, budget reporting, project planning, issue/risk identification and tracking while managing community partners and clients.
- Accountable for creating comprehensive regional plans that includes creating cross-business resources and expertise to promote community-centered solutions that address persistent drivers of social and economic inequality in low to moderate income areas.
- Oversee brand engagement initiatives from plan to realization based on corporate agenda (education and training); administer risk management initiatives, reporting formats and cadence.
- Provide market intelligence and subject matter insight from diverse community engagement approaches to advance community investment priorities through business products, services, and programs.
- Designed incentive programs that motivated staff members while ensuring profitability targets were met.
VP, Community Relations Officer
BancorpSouth
Houston, TX
08.2015 - 01.2020
- Community Relations Officer that built and sustained deep, substantive relationships with key community influencers, including civil advocates, and policy organizations
- Chief decision maker for BXS community grant program for the Houston market with over $1 million dollars in funding to local nonprofits, CDC’s and schools
- Provided responsive and innovative programs and services in furtherance of community relations goals and market strategy; coordinated deployment of executives and employees in volunteer and engagement service opportunities
- Collaborated with both marketing and communications staff to develop an authentic voice and key messaging to promote social impact initiatives to stakeholders.
Senior Compliance and Risk Management Officer
One United Bank
Los Angeles, CA
01.2002 - 12.2013
- Managed OUB Compliance Team in CA market and advised the bank on social investment strategies (exit, grow, develop, improve) to achieve the bank objectives while maximizing community benefits
- Completed internal investigations of compliance issues and developed action plans in partnership with working groups to remediate the issue
- Served as a point of contact for employees seeking clarification on compliance and privacy risk issues and provided employee training on acquiescence and privacy related topics, policies, or procedures.
Education
M.A. in Non-Profit Leadership and Management -
University of Houston-Downtown
05.2019
B.A. in Public Communication -
University of Houston-Downtown
05.2016
Leading Self, Teams, and Systems -
Rice University Glasscock School
Skills
- Strategic Thinking
- Data Analytics
- Financial Acumen
- Program Manager
- Influencing and Negotiating
- Performance Evaluations
- Grant Administrator
- Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
- Relationship Management
- Corporate Communications
Board Services
- GOODWILL INDUSTRIES HOUSTON – Business Advisory Council Member
- CREDIT COALITON - Board of Directors
- OUR LADY OF THE LAKES - Advisory Council Member
- HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Business Advisory Council Member
- HOUSTON HEALTH FOUNDATION- Business Advisory Council Member
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
VP, Sr. Manager of Community Development
Independent Financial
02.2020 - Current
VP, Community Relations Officer
BancorpSouth
08.2015 - 01.2020
Senior Compliance and Risk Management Officer
One United Bank
01.2002 - 12.2013
M.A. in Non-Profit Leadership and Management -
University of Houston-Downtown
B.A. in Public Communication -
University of Houston-Downtown
Leading Self, Teams, and Systems -
Rice University Glasscock School