Adrienne Robinson-Russ
Corporate Communications & Financial Services
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Strategic Communications and Retirement Services Leader with 20+ years in financial services, specializing in product strategy, client-centered storytelling, and executive-ready communications. Proven ability to translate complex regulatory and financial data into engaging, actionable narratives that drive alignment, product adoption, and measurable success. Adept at integrating market trends, customer insights, and business objectives to shape product vision, performance frameworks, and cross-functional initiatives. Experienced in Agile environments, strategic planning cycles, KPI tracking, and executive influence. Award-winning communicator with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and continuous process improvement.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Financial Wellness & Education
Compass Financial Partners
10.2022 - 10.2023
- Recruited to create strategic financial well-being vision for retirement advisory counsel.
- Served as a strategic product communications lead, aligning internal and external messaging with product vision, business goals, and regulatory frameworks.
- Evaluated market analysis and trends ensuring plans remain competitive and aligned with HR strategy and business requirements.
- Managed vendor relationships and developed retirement program solutions to ensure understanding and optimization of benefits.
- Created award-winning financial wellness content for 150 investment consulting clients. Consulted with Retirement Committees to develop communication strategies utilizing plan metrics and company goals reflecting agreed-upon ROI.
- Managed Executive relationships through the bundled recordkeeping platform and trust system.
- Designed and executed bi-annual and annual communication strategies for C-suite leaders and fiduciary stakeholders.
- Instituted a multi-channel delivery system focused on financial wellness fundamentals.
- Created visually compelling executive presentations to communicate product performance, competitive positioning, and campaign results.
- Partnered cross-functionally with Compliance, Sales, Operations, and Technology to ensure seamless delivery of education and product engagement initiatives.
- Conducted client-specific gap analyses and implemented digital resources that increased client connectivity and resource adoption.
- Managed a credentialed team of financial professionals delivering personalized and scalable solutions across diverse platforms.
- Partnered with industry leaders and lobbyists to bring thought leadership regarding Secure Act student loan solutions and Employee Savings Initiatives (ESI) to clients.
- Joined Investment Consultants and ERISA Counsel to manage quarterly committee meetings and investment reviews ensuring the appropriate governance structure for investment decisions.
Senior Education Strategist
Principal Financial Group
05.2021 - 10.2022
- Led communication strategy and storytelling during post-M&A client transition from Wells Fargo to Principal.
- Created targeted, behavior-driven communication programs for retirement plan sponsors that improved financial literacy and product interaction.
- Defined strategic plan for introduction of new products and tools to employees and participants.
- Produced and distributed high-impact marketing campaigns using plan data, engagement metrics, and strategic frameworks.
- Extensive experience in leading the design, strategy, and financial risk management of employee retirement programs worldwide.
- Guided team in developing a personal brand initiative to enhance client relationships and improve internal collaboration.
- Recognized with multiple national communication awards (PSCA, Eddy Awards) for innovation and measurable outcomes.
Participant Education Experience Consultant
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
11.2014 - 05.2021
- Oversaw marketing strategy and content creation for national retirement clients in core and institutional markets.
- Delivered scalable, compliant, and inclusive communication campaigns with measurable impact on plan participation.
- Collaborated with creative teams, compliance, and production to craft materials aligned with brand and business strategy.
- Led diversity and inclusion programming with a focus on tailored communications for diverse workforces.
- Helped secure 'Plan Sponsor of the Year' honors through communication innovation.
Senior Client Account Manager
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
03.2003 - 11.2014
- Generated insightful reports to inform senior leadership of critical trends impacting key accounts'' profitability and growth potential.
- Served as a trusted advisor to clients, offering valuable insights and recommendations based on in-depth industry knowledge and experience.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve complex client issues, fostering long-term relationships built on trust.
- Streamlined communication processes with clients, resulting in improved customer satisfaction ratings.
- Promoted a collaborative work environment that encouraged creative problem-solving and open communication among team members.
- Conducted regular account reviews to identify areas for growth and improvement, driving continuous performance enhancements.
- Managed a portfolio of high-value accounts, ensuring optimal service delivery and maximized client retention rates.
- Delivered comprehensive account management services for top-tier clients while nurturing new business opportunities.
- Optimized resource allocation across multiple projects, ensuring timely completion without compromising quality standards.
- Expanded client base by consistently building and maintaining strong relationships with key decisionmakers.
- Mentored junior staff members on best practices in account management, fostering professional development within the team.
- Built client relationships by responding to inquiries, identifying and assessing clients' needs, resolving problems, and following up with potential and existing clients.
- Handled complaints, provided appropriate solutions, and alternatives within appropriate timeframes and followed up to achieve resolution.
- Maintained client files with sales contracts, records of client interactions, client notes, and other information.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education
Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SCSkills
- Product Strategy
- Executive Storytelling
- Strategic Planning
- Campaign Development
- KPI & Metrics Tracking
- Financial Wellness
- Behavioral Insights
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- CRM & SaaS
- Salesforce
- Brainshark
- Presentation Development
- Compliance Alignment
- Agile Methodology
- Canva
- Miros
- Relationship Management
- Digital Marketing
- Corporate Communications
- Retirement Plans
- Presentations
Technology And Tools
- Salesforce CRM
- Brainshark
- Canva
- MS PowerPoint
- Excel
- PowerBI
- Constant Contact
- Qualtrics + Survey Monkey
- Survey Tools
- Virtual Platforms (Zoom, Teams)
- Adobe Suite (basic)
Awards
- Multiple Eddy Awards and PSCA Honors for Campaign Strategy & Execution
- Key contributor to 'Plan Sponsor of the Year' win through strategic communications
Accomplishments
Awards & Recognition
- Multiple Eddy Awards and PSCA Honors for Campaign Strategy & Execution
- Key contributor to "Plan Sponsor of the Year" win through strategic communications
Certification
Certified Scrum Master
Issued October 2024
Timeline
Director, Financial Wellness & Education
Compass Financial Partners
10.2022 - 10.2023
Senior Education Strategist
Principal Financial Group
05.2021 - 10.2022
Participant Education Experience Consultant
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
11.2014 - 05.2021
Senior Client Account Manager
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
03.2003 - 11.2014
Bachelor of Science - Education
Coastal Carolina University
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