Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Brenda Risa

Clarkfield,MN

Summary

Performance-driven Vice President with 22 years of contract surety experience. Skilled in aligning customers with over two dozen surety companies to meet their needs. Committed to educating customers for improved business outcomes. Proficient in implementing systems that adhere to business requirements, policies, and regulatory standards. Passionate about utilizing excellent organization and communication skills to effectively manage and lead teams. Results-oriented individual experienced in interfacing and consulting on business processes to drive impactful results based on sound overall business judgment.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Vice President/Secretary

GOLDLEAF FINANCIAL, LTD.
04.2002 - Current
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, agents, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success
  • Assist in identifying and implementing mechanisms to secure risks undertaken by Goldleaf Financial and its surety companies
  • Develop professional underwriting presentations to negotiate with surety companies to achieve the most favorable rates and programs for Goldleaf Financial and its customers
  • Delivered superior customer service and maintained clear communication with all Goldleaf customers, referral sources, and agents
  • Managed high-value contracts to optimize customer bonding programs while mitigating surety risks
  • Completed bid and final bonds through thorough analysis and development, guaranteeing accuracy and compliance
  • Led cross-functional meetings for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction
  • Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth across the organization
  • Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity
  • Collaborated with legal, accounting, and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations
  • Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization
  • Represented the organization at industry conferences and events

Account Executive

US BANCORP MANIFEST FUNDING SERVICE
11.1998 - 03.2002
  • Evaluated lease applications to assess creditworthiness through analysis of financial statements, credit bureau reports, and Dun and Bradstreet reports.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing client lease rates and special arrangements with brokers promptly and effectively to ensure long-term loyalty.

Advertising/Promotions Coordinator

SCHWAN’S FOOD SERVICE LITTLE CHARLIES CONVENIENCE FOODS
02.1997 - 11.1998
  • Managed regional brokers' funds and food show funds, ensuring accurate financial tracking.
  • Managed and analyzed national program payments, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
  • Developed contests and sweepstakes rules, contracts and revenue-generating strategies.
  • Prepared and administered contracts, responsible for broker termination processes.
  • Collaborated with sales staff to plan campaigns.
  • Developed advertising tactics and implemented new solutions for increased brand awareness.
  • Monitored product market and adjusted marketing plans.
  • Collected performance data on each promotion to better plan future events.


Accounting Technician

LINCOLN, LYON, MURRAY, and PIPESTONE COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES
09.1996 - 02.1997
  • Enhanced financial accuracy by diligently reconciling accounts, identifying discrepancies, and resolving issues promptly.
  • Reduced errors in financial reporting through meticulous attention to detail and thorough review of financial statements.
  • Handled the general ledger for employees and prepared worksheets for PERA.
  • Recorded and filed W-4 forms with the state to ensure compliance with tax regulations.
  • Renewed CD investments by researching and securing the best rates, optimizing financial returns.
  • Performed monthly bank reconciliations ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Office Manager/Bookkeeper

TRI LINE-HARVEST STATES (FEED MILL)
07.1994 - 09.1996
  • Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets for the Montevideo Office
  • Oversaw inventory management and prepared shipping orders to ensure timely delivery to customers.
  • Supervised the upkeep of employee time cards, guaranteeing precise recording of overtime and vacation time.
  • Handled monthly billing processes, including the collection of overdue accounts.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.


Education

A.A.S. Degree - Accounting

SOUTHWESTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Granite Falls, Minnesota
06-1994

General Credits -

WILLMAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Willmar, Minnesota
06.1994

Skills

  • Relationship building
  • Decision-making
  • Critical thinking
  • Complex Problem-solving
  • Client relationship building
  • Contract negotiation

Certification

Minnesota Property & Casualty Insurance License and

Minnesota Real Estate License

Interests

  • I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community Worked several years on creating and managing the local Charter School
  • Vice President of the Norwegian Mutual Insurance Company
  • Vice President of Clarkfield Economic Development Administration
  • Participating in fundraising events to support local charities, schools, or community projects

Timeline

Vice President/Secretary

GOLDLEAF FINANCIAL, LTD.
04.2002 - Current

Account Executive

US BANCORP MANIFEST FUNDING SERVICE
11.1998 - 03.2002

Advertising/Promotions Coordinator

SCHWAN’S FOOD SERVICE LITTLE CHARLIES CONVENIENCE FOODS
02.1997 - 11.1998

Accounting Technician

LINCOLN, LYON, MURRAY, and PIPESTONE COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES
09.1996 - 02.1997

Office Manager/Bookkeeper

TRI LINE-HARVEST STATES (FEED MILL)
07.1994 - 09.1996

A.A.S. Degree - Accounting

SOUTHWESTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE

General Credits -

WILLMAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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