GRETCHEN WASHALSKI

Demonstrated understanding of the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values; leveraged these in guiding branch operations.

Developed sales leads and new business opportunities to grow branch revenue.

Provided leadership, enthusiasm, and support to staff, fostering a high-performance environment.

Supported employee development through collaboration with training programs and coaching.

Managed employee relation issues professionally and promptly.

Facilitated communication within the team and with department leaders to ensure alignment and effective collaboration.

Implemented and monitored service standards through coaching and escalated issues as needed.

Analyzed branch trends and market data to recommend strategic solutions and growth opportunities.

Developed and maintained community relationships to enhance branch visibility and outreach.

Supported the creation of succession plans and team development initiatives.

Ensured compliance with all operational policies, procedures, and industry standards.

Assumed responsibility for all branch management functions, including day-to-day operations and strategic planning.

As branch manager, responsible for overall branch performance including; attainment of sales goals, customer service and operational soundness. Responsible for servicing depository needs of all business customers and commercial loan requests up to $250,000. Recommended loan approvals and denials based on customer loan application reviews. Maintained close relationships with branch's most profitable customers as well as bringing in new relationships by prospecting in the local community. Fully knowledgeable of all bank products and services. Able to make sound recommendations to customers and referrals to other bank channels. Met deadlines for all reports directed to the Area Retail Leader. Enhanced branch production rates by handling staff conflicts, evaluations, and on the spot coaching of the universal bankers. Maintained scheduling for branch to keep shifts appropriately staffed. As part of community outreach, appointed as one of the Ambassadors for the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Responsible for attending all local networking and community events on behalf of the bank.

Responsible for leading the day to day sales and client service aspects of the branch. Supervised and evaluated staff, enabling them to improve skills, achieve daily objectives and attain advancement. Trained and developed new universal bankers in alignment with branch service standards and objectives. Worked daily with consumer and business clients to build and obtain long term relationships.

Provided full- service banking to high-net -worth individuals and business owners. Maintains frequent contact with clients, returning all incoming calls and addressing problems/questions. Serves as a relationship manager to provide consumer banking services and facilitates delivery of mortgage loans, commercial loans and investment advisory services, trust and estates. Calls on potential or existing customers to developed new business by promoting services and products. Maintains integrity of program by targeting only qualified prospects and referring unqualified client to the appropriate branch. Monitors entire credit approval process and deposit account on-boarding. Assist Private Bankers in cross selling of retail and trust services as well as the introduction of investment, financial, and estate planning. Participate in selected community activities and organizations to enhance the company's prestige with customers and generate new business.

Provide high level of customer service for current clients, new clients and non clients through strong professionalism and timely assistance with customer transactions. Complete special procedures for clients such as setting up or closing accounts, wire transactions, account transfers, applying for credit cards, and ordering debit cards and checks. Make outbound calls to clients regarding special needs on their accounts. Assist management with operational duties for the branch. Promote products or services to each customer to consistently achieve sales targets. Execute teller transactions for customers including deposits, withdrawals, money orders and official checks.

Held experienced supervisor position responsible for managing the financial center as second in charge. Consistently exceeds sales goals focusing on consumer and commercial deposit growth, lending and digital migration. Contributes to the success of the Financial Center as a top performing team in the Albany Hudson Valley Market. Achieved over 100% to goal in Quarter 1 of 2018. Exceeded client acquisition goal in addition to having 6 home loans. Responsible for maintaining operation excellence in the Financial Center including audit preparation, file retention and cash procedures.