Kathleen M. Wallace
Johnstown,PA
Summary
Dynamic executive with a proven track record at AmeriServ Trust and Capital Management, driving operational efficiency and strategic planning. Expert in stakeholder management and change management, I have successfully enhanced organizational performance and mentored future leaders, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SVP, Chief Operating Officer
AmeriServ Trust and Capital Management
01.2024 - 10.2025
- Directed cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and achieve strategic goals.
- Developed and implemented policies that improved organizational performance across departments.
- Fostered relationships with key stakeholders to align project goals with company objectives.
- Spearheaded strategic planning sessions to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
- Mentored junior executives, promoting leadership development and enhancing team capabilities.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Collaborated with executive leadership team members on long-term strategic planning that ensured sustainable success for the company.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, leading by example to drive operational excellence across the organization.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing new strategies and streamlining operations.
SVP, Chief Administrative Officer
AmeriServ Trust and Capital Management
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives aligning with organizational goals.
- Drove operational efficiency by optimizing processes and enhancing resource allocation across departments.
- Mentored junior leaders, fostering professional growth and succession planning within the organization.
- Analyzed market trends and competitive landscape to inform strategic decision-making and positioning strategies.
- Established performance metrics, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement across business units.
- Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration across the organization.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Presented and discussed strategy and initiative progress with senior business leaders.
- Developed, coached and provided feedback to top-performing teams using strong leadership and analytical thinking skills.
- Influenced organizational change initiatives that resulted in significant improvements in workplace efficiency and employee satisfaction.
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
- Reviewed and analyzed reports, records and directives to obtain data required for planning department activities.
- Conducted performance evaluations, compensations and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by implementing rigorous controls over accounting processes that facilitated more informed decision-making at all levels of the organization.
SVP, Retirement Services Division Director
AmeriServ Trust and Capital Management
04.2017 - 12.2022
- Streamlined operational processes, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced costs across departments.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to define company vision and align resources for optimal results.
- Mentored junior executives, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities within the organization.
- Spearheaded change management efforts, successfully guiding teams through transitions while maintaining morale and productivity.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by implementing best practices and fostering a culture of accountability within the organization.
- Restructured departments for increased efficiency, optimizing resource allocation and improving communication between teams.
- Networked with customers, prospects and partners at conferences and trade shows.
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
- Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial targets.
- Facilitated training programs to enhance team capabilities and foster professional development.
- Improved division productivity by streamlining processes and implementing new project management tools.
- Drove innovation within the division by fostering a culture of open feedback, creative thinking, and calculated risk-taking among team members.
Audit Partner
Catanese Group
09.1998 - 04.2017
- Led audit teams in assessing financial statements for compliance with regulatory standards.
- Developed and implemented strategic audit plans to enhance operational efficiency.
- Mentored junior auditors, providing guidance on best practices and professional development.
- Analyzed complex financial data to identify potential risks and recommend corrective actions.
- Facilitated client meetings to discuss audit findings and provide actionable insights.
- Advised clients on the development and implementation of robust internal control systems, enhancing their ability to detect and prevent fraud effectively.
- Conducted financial, operational and compliance audits.
- Managed high-profile client engagements, ensuring timely completion and delivery of comprehensive audit reports.
- Kept up-to-date with tax changes and industry trends by participating in professional organizations, opportunities, and networks.
- Assisted clients in navigating challenging financial situations by providing expert advice on risk mitigation strategies and best practices.
Senior Accountant
Wessel & Company, CPA's
03.1991 - 08.1998
- Led financial audits ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing reporting accuracy.
- Streamlined month-end closing processes, reducing turnaround time and improving operational efficiency.
- Mentored junior accountants, fostering professional development and strengthening team performance.
- Developed comprehensive financial reports for management, supporting strategic decision-making initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Pittsburgh At Johnstown
Johnstown, PA05-1987
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder management
- Leadership development
- Change management
- Audit compliance
- Strategic leadership
- Risk management
Certification
Licensed Pennsylvania Certified Public Accountant
CRPP - Certified Retirement Plan Professional
In process of obtaining CFIRS - Certified Fiduciary & Investment Fiduciary Risk Specialist.
Timeline
SVP, Chief Operating Officer
AmeriServ Trust and Capital Management
01.2024 - 10.2025
SVP, Chief Administrative Officer
AmeriServ Trust and Capital Management
01.2023 - 12.2023
SVP, Retirement Services Division Director
AmeriServ Trust and Capital Management
04.2017 - 12.2022
Audit Partner
Catanese Group
09.1998 - 04.2017
Senior Accountant
Wessel & Company, CPA's
03.1991 - 08.1998
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Pittsburgh At Johnstown