Justin Kellam
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Strategic Senior Vice President with over 20 years of expertise in consumer finance, specializing in credit operations, lending strategies, and process optimization. Proven leader in orchestrating high-impact initiatives and building scalable underwriting frameworks. Adept at navigating complex regulatory landscapes, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to drive measurable outcomes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Vice President - Head of Operations Strategy and Transformation
Mariner Finance
06.2023 - Current
- Leading company-wide transformation initiatives to streamline credit and lending operations, enhance risk governance, and drive portfolio growth
- Spearheaded the design and implementation of a robust first-line control environment, aligning risk and compliance standards with regulatory requirements
- Developed high-impact digital solutions to improve underwriting, servicing, and collections efficiency, increasing cross-departmental collaboration and transparency
- Guided C-suite executives on key industry trends, positioning Mariner Finance as a forward-thinking leader in consumer lending.
Vice President of Central Operations
Mariner Finance
11.2015 - 06.2023
- Created and oversaw the national centralized credit division, managing non-prime and sub-prime loans for over 500 branches with a focus on portfolio health and compliance
- Directed the development of a high-efficiency underwriting platform, balancing automation with manual oversight to minimize defects and optimize decisioning accuracy
- Achieved a 22% reduction in direct loan defaults and a 35% increase in average loan size, demonstrating a strong impact on the company’s bottom line
- Pioneered a virtual branch model to expand service reach, driving significant gains in customer acquisition and retention.
Assistant VP/ Regional Manager
Mariner Finance
07.2010 - 11.2015
- Managed six branches with over $30 million in receivables, optimizing loan portfolio health through process enhancements and targeted performance management
- Recognized for excellence in leadership with the AVP of the Year (2013) and Mentor of the Year (2014) awards
- Led multiple projects to completion, enhancing process efficiencies and staff development.
Branch Manager
Mariner Finance
01.2005 - 07.2010
- Oversaw all HR functions, including recruiting, interviews, counseling and corrective action, benefits administration, payroll, and terminations
- Directed marketing strategies to expand business and increase operational success
- Ensured daily branch operations followed regulatory guidelines, successfully passing annual internal audits.
Branch Manager Trainee
Mariner Finance
06.2003 - 12.2004
- Completed comprehensive training in consumer finance, gaining expertise in loan origination, underwriting, and compliance
- Developed a strong foundation in branch operations and customer service.
Founder/ CEO
Hifi Superstore
01.2000 - 05.2003
- Founded an internet-based electronics business during college, overseeing operations for a $500,000+ revenue organization
- Managed marketing, sales, budgeting, trend analysis, vendor management, and employee oversight.
Education
MBA, Leadership and Organizational Learning -
University of Baltimore
Bachelor's in Finance & Pre-Law - undefined
University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business
Skills
- Consumer Finance
- Credit Operations
- Underwriting
- Portfolio Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Digital Innovation
- Risk Management
- Cross-Functional Leadership
Websites
Certification
- The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (via Coursera), Accounting Analytics, Operations Analytics, Customer Analytics, People Analytics
- Six Sigma Greenbelt (ASQ, 2024)
Accomplishments
- Underwriting and Credit Risk: Designed and scaled underwriting processes for enhanced accuracy, supporting Mariner Finance’s highest customer acquisition channel.
- Digital Transformation: Led the transition to digital servicing and collections, resulting in increased operational efficiency and improved portfolio risk profiles.
- Operational Excellence: Implemented capacity planning and QA programs, ensuring consistent performance across loan origination and servicing functions.
Timeline
Senior Vice President - Head of Operations Strategy and Transformation
Mariner Finance
06.2023 - Current
Vice President of Central Operations
Mariner Finance
11.2015 - 06.2023
Assistant VP/ Regional Manager
Mariner Finance
07.2010 - 11.2015
Branch Manager
Mariner Finance
01.2005 - 07.2010
Branch Manager Trainee
Mariner Finance
06.2003 - 12.2004
Founder/ CEO
Hifi Superstore
01.2000 - 05.2003
Bachelor's in Finance & Pre-Law - undefined
University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business
MBA, Leadership and Organizational Learning -
University of Baltimore
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