Cari M. Hollabaugh
Spokane
Summary
Dynamic leader in wealth management operations, recognized for implementing strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency and compliance. Successfully managed cross-functional teams and vendor relationships, delivering scalable solutions that elevate client service and operational effectiveness.
Overview
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, Wealth Management & Advisory Services (WMAS) Operations
Washington Trust Bank
Spokane
04.2025 - Current
- Partner with executive and departmental leadership to support operational strategy, business planning, and organizational objectives within Wealth Management & Advisory Services.
- Lead trust operations functions including account administration support, asset movement, cash operations, account opening and closing, reporting, audit support, and operational controls.
- Collaborate with front office, portfolio management, compliance, finance, and technology teams to enhance client service and operational effectiveness.
- Develop and oversee policies, procedures, service standards, and operational workflows to improve efficiency and strengthen controls.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline workflows and reduce redundancies.
- Managed vendor relationships and technology initiatives, overseeing software upgrades and operational system enhancements.
- Direct operational compliance efforts in partnership with compliance, risk management, and BSA teams.
- Oversaw compliance with banking regulations and internal policies.
- Provided leadership and mentoring for operations personnel, fostering a culture of continuous improvement through performance management.
- Coordinated with internal departments to ensure successful project execution within timeline and budget constraints.
Strategic Operations & Reporting Manager, WMAS
Washington Trust Bank
Spokane
03.2023 - Current
- Contributed to WMAS leadership team in strategic planning, operational execution, and business transformation initiatives.
- Led operational improvement projects designed to increase productivity, strengthen controls, and improve user experience.
- Oversaw departmental budgeting, financial reporting, management reporting, and operational analytics to ensure financial integrity.
- Developed reporting and analysis that informed strategic decision-making and operational planning.
- Partnered with finance, audit, operational risk management, IT, business analytics, and vendor partners on cross-functional initiatives.
- Coordinated contract negotiations, vendor reviews, supplier performance management, and risk assessments to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Led and developed reporting and operations personnel while implementing best practices and workflow improvements.
Business Support Manager, WMAS
Washington Trust Bank
Spokane
09.2015 - 10.2023
- Led business support and documentation teams to enhance Wealth Management & Advisory Services operations.
- Acted as a legal and technical research resource supporting fiduciary services, court filings, probate matters, and departmental operations.
- Developed division policies, procedures, forms, correspondence, and risk-management documentation.
- Coordinated governance activities for key committees, ensuring effective agendas, meeting materials, minutes, executive summaries, and reporting.
- Managed special projects focused on operational effectiveness and process improvement.
- Produced comprehensive department reports and analyses, delivering actionable recommendations for leadership decision-making.
Paralegal
K&L Gates LLP
Spokane
01.2007 - 08.2015
- Conducted legal research on federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and agency procedures to support case strategies.
- Managed case files, ensuring organization and compliance with legal standards.
- Reviewed contracts and agreements for accuracy and compliance, ensuring alignment with legal standards.
- Reviewed and organized legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
- Filed pleadings and paperwork with court clerk to meet strict deadlines.
- Prepared and finalized corporate formation and governance documents, including incorporation documents, bylaws, minutes, resolutions, stock certificates, contracts, and transactional agreements.
- Managed estate administration matters, including preparation and filing of federal gift tax and estate tax returns.
- Drafted estate planning documents including trusts, wills, and powers of attorney.
- Managed international trademark portfolio, overseeing registration, maintenance, compliance, and prosecution across multiple jurisdictions.
Paralegal / Legal Assistant
Paine Hamblen Coffin Brooke & Miller LLP
Spokane
05.2003 - 01.2007
- Led document digitization and knowledge-management initiatives that improved accessibility, efficiency, and research capabilities.
- Assisted attorneys with mergers, acquisitions, and financing transactions, ensuring accurate loan documentation.
- Developed forms and templates for corporate and transactional documents, streamlining legal processes.
- Supported trademark registration, maintenance, and renewal, enhancing client understanding of trademark processes.
Education
BBA - Finance, MIS
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA05-1999
Master of Accountancy - Taxation Concentration
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WashingtonSkills
- Wealth Management Operations
- Trust & Fiduciary Administration
- Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Management
- Operational Leadership
- Operational Risk Management
- Process Improvement
- Financial Reporting
- Financial analytics
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Project Management
- Business Process Design
- Vendor Management
- Policy development
- Committee Management
- Contract management
- Strategic execution
- Strategic Planning
- Change Management
- Client Service Excellence
- Microsoft Excel
- Team coaching
- Internal Controls
- Strategic Planning
Professional Value
A strategic operations executive with a rare combination of fiduciary expertise, legal experience, tax knowledge, and operational leadership. Experienced in building scalable processes, strengthening compliance frameworks, driving organizational change, and leading teams that support exceptional client service and business growth.
Technical And Professional Strengths
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Trust Accounting Systems
- Financial Reporting
- Operational Risk Management
- Internal Controls
- Audit Support
- Business Process Design
- Workflow Optimization
- Committee Management
- Regulatory Documentation
- Vendor & Contract Management
- Strategic Planning
Certification
- CTOP, I and II
Timeline
Senior Manager, Wealth Management & Advisory Services (WMAS) Operations
Washington Trust Bank
04.2025 - Current
Strategic Operations & Reporting Manager, WMAS
Washington Trust Bank
03.2023 - Current
Business Support Manager, WMAS
Washington Trust Bank
09.2015 - 10.2023
Paralegal
K&L Gates LLP
01.2007 - 08.2015
Paralegal / Legal Assistant
Paine Hamblen Coffin Brooke & Miller LLP
05.2003 - 01.2007
BBA - Finance, MIS
Gonzaga University
Master of Accountancy - Taxation Concentration
Gonzaga University