Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
Education
Publications
Community Service
Publications
GINA K. STRATOS

GINA K. STRATOS

Sparks,NV

Summary

Accomplished bank executive, decision-maker, and published writer with a demonstrated history of revitalizing underperforming departments in the retail and deposit operations sectors. Broad experience encompasses both for-profit and non-profit markets, including high-volume and high-risk institutions. Acknowledged for designing and executing streamlined policies and procedures that maximize operational efficiency. Renowned as a grassroots banker whose management style is marked by a firm yet equitable approach

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

SVP, Bank Operations Manager

Mission National Bank
05.2023 - 05.2024
  • Charged with breaking a cycle of repetitive high-risk audit findings and failures for a troubled bank under a Consent Order; this was a massive undertaking for two departments, and was accomplished within one year. The broad blueprint designed to achieve the expected outcome is summarized below:
  • · Source all policies and procedures (P&P) and analyze the written text for consistency, observe the P&P in action, develop changes that strengthen controls, minimize risk, and improve the customer experience. The execution of such required inter-departmental discussions, research, and the creation of a think tank who met regularly
  • · Develop a three-tiered callback system to ensure accuracy, identify patterns of errors, and provide remedial or one-on-one training; this method of “self-auditing” is reinforced through gap analysis, coaching, cross-training, and functions as a safety net to prevent any employee from both creating and verifying/approving their own work
  • · Develop and exercise strategic or forward-thinking concepts to keep the bank healthy, minimize turnover, identify talent, and reduce risk on all multiple levels
  • · Listen closely to those who want to learn and grow professionally. All perspectives are valued, noting the importance of being a lifelong student and to practice the transfer of knowledge
  • Other duties include approving all incoming invoices, facilities management, present to various committees, and execute routine tasks such as teller overrides, overdraft management, wire approvals, certifications, and the documented review of daily reports and financial conditions
  • Create departmental analysis and other reportable items to the Board of Directors, contribute to the bank’s overall strategic plan in a conjoined effort to satisfy the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Organize, design, and often deliver in-house training to newly hired employees. Meet with all reporting staff (including officers) no less than quarterly to review established individual performance plans. Create the agenda for monthly meetings, always keeping in mind regulatory requirements such as documented evidence of evacuation drills
  • Championed creativity to encourage teamwork such as the annual pumpkin decorating contest, which included participation from the bank’s` customer pool, a night at the SF Giants' Oracle Park, and quarterly in-house lunches
  • Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service by implementing best practices and fostering a culture of accountability within the organization.

Consultant

G. K. Stratos Consulting
03.2020 - 05.2024
  • Independent consultant for retail bank operations as well as the execution of marketing and branding opportunities across multiple industries
  • Provide copywriting and editing for websites and print material to ensure business objectives and communication needs are met
  • Clients include Community Action of Napa Valley, Risk Management Association, Mission National Bank, Sterling Bank & Trust, Elevate Group, Incubox, and the startup company, valubl
  • Evaluate client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement
  • Liaised with customers, management, and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
  • Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress
  • Assisted clients in navigating complex industry challenges with strategic recommendations

Consultant, Grant Writer & Content Creator

Alta Vista Mental Health
03.2020 - 12.2020
  • Source non-profit funding opportunities from local, state, and federal channels through effective and purposeful grant writing
  • Charged with auditing and revamping the non-profit and for-profit website to drive traffic and highlight services, care providers, and community engagement
  • Identify marketing gaps and develop a marketing plan for both arms of the company, including a new logo, social media engagement, email campaigns, and communications to stakeholders
  • Maintained detailed records of all grant applications, including submission dates, funder feedback, and award status, for effective project tracking and reporting
  • Reviewed previously submitted grants to identify areas for improvement, leading to refined strategies and higher success rates in securing funding.
  • Streamlined proposal development processes, improving efficiency and increasing the number of submitted applications
  • Developed impactful grant applications to enhance organization's potential for funding awards

Vice President, Education & Marketing

Western Bankers Association (WBA)
01.2017 - 03.2020
  • Directly responsible for the design, development, and execution of all education programs and related budgets for commercial bankers, executive officers, and directors; this includes the development of lasting relationships with regulators and bankers across a13-state footprint
  • Charged with developing and managing marketing and communication efforts such as digital and web content strategies to reach the breadth of the association
  • Edit and approve all marketing collateral communications, including weekly newsletters, speaker spotlights, event descriptions, webinar marketing, and conference communications
  • Maintain a deep knowledge of banking hot topics and areas of regulatory concern to manage and direct all advisory committees related to conferences and education, up to and including bank directors and legal counsel
  • Editor-in-Chief of an award-winning trade publication requiring the development of editorial themes, vendor management, content creation, editing, and strategies to increase readership
  • Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success
  • Negotiated high-value contracts that maximized profitability while mitigating risks for the organization

Editor & Content Developer

Western Independent Bankers (WIB)
09.2015 - 01.2017
  • Develop original and educational material for publication, including articles, brochure content, and executive communications
  • Create press releases; create and/or edit all external communications
  • Ghostwriter for the president and CEO
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work
  • Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing articles for grammar, spelling, and consistency
  • Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact

Academic Support

Nevada System of Higher Education
10.2015 - 06.2016
  • Assist in the development of course curriculum and syllabi in the areas of composition, world literature, literary analysis, and creative writing
  • Support the academic success of students through one-on-one engagement and supplementary education
  • Increased awareness of available resources among students by regularly communicating updates about academic support services
  • Enhanced student performance by providing personalized academic support and mentoring

Vice President, Operations Administrator

First National Bank Of Northern California
01.1992 - 01.2002
  • Oversight of the day-to-day activities of a12-branch system, facilitate positive interaction between departments to enhance growth, and collaborate with executive management on the overall administration of the branches
  • Responsible for leading the branches to meet and/or surpass bank goals and work closely with executive management to ensure compliance with bank policies and procedures, including participation on the audit committee
  • Directly responsible for the operations side of a core system conversion, including IT-level tasks, test runs, and developing the branch-level training program
  • Create, publish, and maintain the retail banking operations manual, facilitate management meetings and retreats, and support the professional development of all branch employees
  • Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams

Skills

  • Leadership and vision for companies in the for-profit and non-profit marketplace
  • Increase efficiencies in challenging environments, including high-risk clients, cash management, and regulatory findings
  • Drive sponsorship strategies and activities that lead to organizational stability and growth
  • Create curriculums to support the transfer of knowledge and minimize employee turnover on the frontline
  • Exceptional writing and communication skills; comfortable presenting to the Board of Directors and all relative committees
  • Partner with designers, producers, and strategists to ensure creative support
  • Proficient in strategic planning and budget management
  • Gap analysis and staff assessments by department

Timeline

SVP, Bank Operations Manager - Mission National Bank
05.2023 - 05.2024
Consultant - G. K. Stratos Consulting
03.2020 - 05.2024
Consultant, Grant Writer & Content Creator - Alta Vista Mental Health
03.2020 - 12.2020
Vice President, Education & Marketing - Western Bankers Association (WBA)
01.2017 - 03.2020
Academic Support - Nevada System of Higher Education
10.2015 - 06.2016
Editor & Content Developer - Western Independent Bankers (WIB)
09.2015 - 01.2017
Vice President, Operations Administrator - First National Bank Of Northern California
01.1992 - 01.2002
Banking Focused Programs And Conferences - No Degree, Banking, Operations, Security, Time Management
Truckee Meadows Community College - Associate of Arts, English

Education

No Degree - Banking, Operations, Security, Time Management

Banking Focused Programs And Conferences, Bay Area, CA
05.2024

Associate of Arts - English

Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, NV
06-2021

Publications

  • Awarded the Editorial Excellence distinction for the trade publication, WesternBanker
  • Non-fiction and poetry published in The Meadow, Door Is A Jar, Rabid Oak, Dark River Review, and other literary magazines

Community Service

Director/Editor, Working Parent’s Connection (2021 – Current), Director, Alta Vista Community Resource Center (2017 – Current), Ronald McDonald House Charities, Chef Program (2016 – Current)

Publications

  • Awarded the Editorial Excellence distinction for the trade publication, WesternBanker
  • Non-fiction and poetry published in The Meadow, Door Is A Jar, Rabid Oak, Dark River Review, and other literary magazines

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GINA K. STRATOS