HELEN WARD STEVENS
Senior Special Assets Officer
Wilmington,NC
Summary
Senior Special Assets and Credit Administration leader with deep expertise in SBA-guaranteed workouts, distressed asset resolution, and complex commercial restructures. Known for strong credit judgment, decisive action planning, and the ability to stabilize challenging borrower situations. Proven success preserving SBA guaranties, improving portfolio performance, and mentoring high-performing teams.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Special Assets Officer
LIVE OAK BANK
10.2022 - Current
- Lead SBA-guaranteed workouts and distressed asset resolution for a national portfolio.
- Directed SBA workout strategies to preserve guaranties and maximize recoveries.
- Executed restructures, liquidations, and collateral-based resolutions.
- Prepared and presented quarterly Criticized Assets Reports to Senior Credit and Executive Management.
- Negotiated repayment terms in bankruptcy cases, achieving maximum recovery under confirmed plans.
- Identified and escalated fraud indicators to mitigate loss exposure.
- Mentored junior Special Assets staff and ensured SOP-compliant documentation.
VP, Asset Resolution Officer
FIRST BANK
01.2009 - 01.2022
- Led Special Assets and credit administration across 42 branches.
- Managed criticized and distressed commercial loans; strengthened portfolio performance.
- Conducted financial, collateral, and cash-flow analysis to guide action plans.
- Negotiated restructures, forbearance, discounted payoffs, and collateral-based resolutions.
- Improved monitoring, reporting, and early-warning identification.
- Recognized for calm, strategic leadership in complex borrower situations.
VP, Business Banker / Credit Administration Officer
COOPERATIVE BANK
05.2007 - 06.2009
- Reviewed all loans during FDIC oversight; supported underwriting and negotiation.
- Managed compliance projects including concentrations, TDRs, and A&D monitoring.
- Conducted NPV analysis and prepared asset valuation reports for capital-raising efforts.
Commercial Lending, Business Development & Credit Administration
EARLIER CAREER
- Built foundational expertise in underwriting, relationship management, and portfolio oversight across multiple NC regional banks.
- Managed multi-million-dollar portfolios, mentored junior lenders, and earned recurring performance recognition.
Education
MBA - Finance
UNC Wilmington
BS - Business Management
UNC Wilmington
Graduate School of Banking - undefined
LSU
Skills
- SBA 7(a)/504 Workouts
- Guaranty Preservation
- Commercial Loan Restructuring
- Bankruptcy Strategy
- Fraud Detection
- NPV Analysis
- Regulatory-Ready Documentation
- Construction & CRE Workouts
- Negotiation & Settlement Structuring
- Portfolio Remediation
- Credit Administration
- Executive Reporting
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, JDRF, Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, American Heart Association, Coastal Entrepreneurial Council
Timeline
Senior Special Assets Officer
LIVE OAK BANK
10.2022 - Current
VP, Asset Resolution Officer
FIRST BANK
01.2009 - 01.2022
VP, Business Banker / Credit Administration Officer
COOPERATIVE BANK
05.2007 - 06.2009
Commercial Lending, Business Development & Credit Administration
EARLIER CAREER
BS - Business Management
UNC Wilmington
Graduate School of Banking - undefined
LSU
MBA - Finance
UNC Wilmington