Gwendolyn Washington
Kansas City,MO
Summary
Experienced and visionary CEO with 20+ years of proven leadership and management expertise in the financial industry, specializing in credit unions. Skilled collaborator and network builder, adept at forging strong alliances and fostering teamwork. Possesses exceptional emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills that drive successful political advocacy and policy development. Credit union start-up expert with a track record of optimizing operations, financial well-being, and risk assessment. Excel in strategic planning and financial oversight, coupled with a talent for cash management and budgeting. Known for driving economic development through innovative product development and financial strategies. Strong proficiency in team building and training, project management, and fundraising. Financial education and coaching expert with expertise in sales and consumer finance. Recognized for expertise in board leadership and grant writing.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
WeDevelopment Federal Credit Union
Kansas City, MO
06.2016 - Current
- Establish and maintain partnerships and strategic relationships with industry partners to support business objectives
- Review and analyze performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of operational processes and make adjustments as needed
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing strategies to attract new members and achieve membership goals, resulting in a 219% increase in membership within ten months
- Negotiated contract terms with financial institution vendors, ensuring accurate operational processes and establishing productive relationships to support business objectives
- Demonstrated extensive analytical and evaluative methods and understanding administration of programs participating in assessing program development, determine appropriate evaluation and measurement techniques, identify significant program or resource issues, and improve management processes with the running of a successful financial institution
- Increase loans 550% within the first year of operations
- Managed and coordinated written policies to align with regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks
- Coordinated and represented the organization at industry conferences and events, enhancing brand visibility and establishing professional networks
- Provided insightful analysis of the competitive landscape and developed strategic plans to improve product offerings, contributing to business growth and success
- Successfully contributed to the establishment and start-up of the credit union, performing multiple roles such as Operations HR, Training, Lending Underwriting, Compliance, and Budgeting
- Assisted in the preparation of financial projections, lending designs, and product development plans for the purpose of obtaining NCUA charter approval.
NACA Neighborhood Assistance Corporation
12.2017 - 06.2018
- HUD Housing Counseling, Mortgage Loan Officer
Branch Sales Manager
Mariner Finance
Kansas City, MO
02.2016 - 11.2017
- Established relationships with key clients, while maintaining existing customer base.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff members to review goals and objectives for the quarter and year.
- Conducted credit analysis of consumer loan applications to determine eligibility and risk level.
- Reviewed customer financial information, such as income, assets, and liabilities, to assess creditworthiness.
- Monitored consumer loan accounts for early signs of delinquency or default.
- Evaluated customer account histories to identify areas of improvement in underwriting standards.
- Researched potential customers' credit references and background information prior to approving loans.
Assistant Vice President/Branch Sales Manager
Community America Credit Union, Midwest United Credit Union
03.2003 - 11.2015
- Spearheaded development and implementation of innovative lending strategies
- Steered operations, ensuring impeccable credit quality and underwriting services
- Facilitated entrepreneur classes to endorse lending products and enhance community relationships
- Created a performance-focused company environment, revolutionizing industry standards
- Implemented cutting-edge business development strategies, leading a successful operations team
- Provided forward-thinking solutions for regulatory compliance and risk management issues
- Collaborated with diverse clientele and lending partners, building strong, profitable relationships
- Exceeded sales goals by 35% within the first year, driving profitability
- Boosted sales by 20% over the preceding month by managing over thirty daily customer calls
- Achieved the lowest team member turnover of any branch for an impressive eleven years duration.
Operations Supervisor
UMB Bank
01.1998 - 03.2003
- Enhanced efficiency through development of strategic workflow patterns
- Mentored teams for professional advancement and superior efficiency
- Supervised departmental functions, advocating adherence to organization, legal guidelines, and government regulations
- Evaluated staffing needs, strategized for optimal workflow during peak and off-peak periods
- Demonstrated proficiency in various banking operations including late returns, ACH, Regulation E, Wire Transfers, Deposit Accounts, Debit Card processing, dispute handling, check processing, Business Online Banking, and Cash Management
- Ensured compliance with financial institution regulations, facilitating effective bank operations.
Education
Master of Arts in Management Leadership -
Webster University
01.2010
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts -
University of Missouri - Kansas City
01.2002
Strategic Leadership Program
University of Kansas City Missouri
Kansas City, MO 2024.Feb - Current
Skills
- Leadership and Management
- Financial Well-being & Analysis
- Credit Unions
- Networking & Collaboration
- Mentoring & Team Building
- Emotional Intelligence
- Stakeholder Relationships
- Regulations & Compliance
- Financial Analysis
- NMLS Mortgage Loan Experience
- Contract Management
- Staff Management
- Organizational Management
- Policy Updates
- Executive Leadership
Websites
Accomplishments
- Implemented efficient operational processes and procedures to enhance business performance, resulting in exceeding deposit goals and growing loans by over $600,000 within eight months.
- Obtained NCUA charter approval in August 2022 by effectively communicating with the NCUA. Drafted the business plan, developed comprehensive bylaws, and implemented necessary policies.
- Steered project team in the creation of successful financial products, including the Turning Point Account, Goal Setter CD, and Two Grand Savings Plan.
Personal Information
Title: President/Director
Awards
- 2012 Ace Award Honoree, Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
- Jackson County Ethics Commission, Committee Appointee, Jan 2009 - Jan 2012
Timeline
Strategic Leadership Program
University of Kansas City Missouri
2024.Feb - Current
NACA Neighborhood Assistance Corporation
12.2017 - 06.2018
Chief Executive Officer
WeDevelopment Federal Credit Union
06.2016 - Current
Branch Sales Manager
Mariner Finance
02.2016 - 11.2017
Assistant Vice President/Branch Sales Manager
Community America Credit Union, Midwest United Credit Union
03.2003 - 11.2015
Operations Supervisor
UMB Bank
01.1998 - 03.2003
Master of Arts in Management Leadership -
Webster University
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts -
University of Missouri - Kansas City
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