Kathryn Gonzales
Corona,CA
Summary
EVP and Chief Banking Officer with broad experience in sales management, operations, compliance and customer experience. Proven history of managing sales, operations, projects, teams, resources and organizational change in the banking and financial services industry. Consistently recognized by executive leadership for ability to provide strategic direction, as well as for creativity, perseverance, adaptability and results. Tenacity, resilience and organized leader to experience both selling a commercial bank (October 2017) and building a new commercial bank (June 2022),
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
EVP and Chief Banking Officer
Legacy Bank
04.2019 - Current
- Covid shut down the new de novo bank project from April 2021 to April 2022 (I worked at Bank of the West during this time)
- Successfully developed and built a de novo commercial bank despite the events of Covid and opened the bank June 10, 2022
- Obtained Department of Business Oversight (DBO) approval May 13, 2020 and FDIC approval December 14, 2020 along with the Bank Transit & Routing number being received December 2020
- Actively worked to raise $25MM Capital raised from a private investor/owner of the bank
- Actively identified the Executive-C Suite team along with 20 additional bank staff members hired
- Management of commercial relationship managers (both loans/deposits) consisting of SBA, C&I, State Guarantee, HUD184, & CRE.
- Built out an SBA Division Sales Team (commercial RM's and back office support)
- Responsible for recruiting, HRIS selection, cash management/treasury products, marketing, 3rd party vendor identification and management, forecasting/budgeting, branch identification/design, identification of core operating system, development of policy & procedures, job descriptions, and incentive plans
- Consistently exceeded sales targets by identifying potential sales opportunities and cultivating strong client relationships.
- Improved branch performance through effective staff training and development initiatives.
- Actively contributed to the implementation of new technology platforms aimed at enhancing the overall client experience.
- Actively worked to build branch credibility and develop relationships to increase community and industry visibility and overall profitability.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decision-making related to product offerings and pricing strategies.
- Developed strategies to grow client base and implemented appropriate sales plans to target prospective customers.
- Streamlined loan processing for improved efficiency and faster approvals.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new banking products and services.
- Implemented innovative marketing strategies that increased brand awareness and attracted new customers to the bank''s products and services.
- Supervised branch operations and made continuous improvements in each area.
- Provided direction and leadership to all employees to maximize productivity and bottom-line profitability.
- Represented bank at community events to establish strong ties and promote business.
- Met with clients to generate new business and negotiate contracts.
- Prepared employee documentation, routine evaluation measures and recommendations.
- Built and maintained productive relationships with internal and external C-level executives to facilitate business success.
- Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
- Collaborated with C-level executives and stakeholders to develop long-term financial plans.
- Evaluated and negotiated contracts to procure favorable financial terms.
Division Administrative Sales Manager
Bank Of The West
04.2021 - 04.2022
- Acted as the Chief of Staff for the EVP of 4 states (California, Arizona, Nevada, & New Mexico totaling 122 small business and consumer banking offices).
- Actively managed all sales processes, customer experience initiatives, reporting & operations for the Division
- Concurrently, held a senior Region Manager role for a Region Manager on LOA (15 branches in LA County)
- Actively implemented coaching, customer needs assessments, CRM utilization/management, marketing initiatives, specific sales training, recruiting, and performance management
- Manage division reporting on overall division performance, strategy development, and executive presentations on a variety of initiatives as needed each quarter
- Actively manage four (4) Division support staff
- Consistently demonstrate strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale
- Led cross-functional teams to collaborate and achieve project milestones to deliver high-quality results
- Improved team performance by providing comprehensive training to enhance skills of team members
- Collaborated closely with peers from other departments to drive organizational success
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability in navigating complex situations or rapidly changing environments with ease
- Balanced competing priorities efficiently while maintaining focus on critical tasks requiring immediate attention
- Conducted performance evaluations, compensations and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements
- Utilized data-driven insights to make informed decisions that resulted in higher returns on investments
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning through regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions for staff
- Implemented innovative solutions to overcome challenges, leading to enhanced productivity levels
- Reviewed and analyzed reports, records and directives to obtain data required for planning department activities
- Championed process improvement initiatives that led to significant cost savings without compromising on quality standards
- Consistently met or exceeded annual performance targets set by senior leadership
- Boosted team member productivity by enhancing performance monitoring and instituting motivational approaches
- Held monthly meetings to create business plans and workshops to drive successful business
- Recommended and implemented successful strategies to maximize revenue
- Spearheaded change management efforts for seamless adoption of new systems or processes among employees
- Implemented productivity benchmarks across all departments to maximize company revenue
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation
- Increased division sales by implementing strategic sales plans and collaborating with team members
EVP & Chief Banking Officer (Consultant)
Legacy Bank (in Organization)
04.2019 - 04.2021
- Bank Opening paused by investor….COVID related
- Bank restarted April 2022
Executive Vice President
Lendistry (CDFI)
06.2018 - 05.2019
- Management of Commercial Relationship Managers & Business Development Officers for commercial loans between $50K to $5MM (including government guaranteed lending)
- Call Center Development and management (United States & Philippines)
- Fintech/AI department for lead generation through various software and automated lead generation initiatives
- Operations/Credit (pre-flight underwriting)
- Capital Raises/Grants
- Recruiting
- Achieved company growth by implementing strategic initiatives and fostering collaboration across departments
- Spearheaded organizational change management efforts, leading to enhanced employee engagement and productivity
- Assembled team of vice president-level leaders to grow business and develop group
- Promoted a culture of accountability through regular performance evaluations, constructive feedback, and rewards for exceptional contributions towards company goals
- Established a clear vision for organizational growth while developing actionable plans to achieve both short-term and long-term objectives
- Provided direction and leadership for 13 Commercial Relationship Managers and Business Development Officers
- Surpassed expectations by achieving unprecedented growth in first year of operation by effectively building high performing teams and using analytics to measure achievable results
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency by identifying areas for improvement and implementing process changes
- Served as a key spokesperson for the organization at industry events and conferences, showcasing thought leadership while fostering strategic connections with potential partners
- Developed comprehensive sales training programs that improved team performance and contributed to revenue growth over time
- Expanded market share through targeted customer acquisition campaigns (utilizing Fintech/AI strategies) and strategic partnerships with key industry influencers
- Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, resulting in mutually beneficial business opportunities
- Drove talent acquisition strategies to attract top-tier candidates, building a high-performing team capable of achieving company objectives
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion
SVP Director of Branch Banking
Bank of Southern California
01.2018 - 05.2018
- Directly responsible for the sales, service & operations of 11 commercial banking branch locations
- Actively responsible for the recruitment, training, incentive plan development and job descriptions
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by implementing best practices and fostering a culture of accountability within the organization.
- 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 sales, service and operational excellence across the organization.
- Hired and trained commercial relationship management team to drive new business for company, recruiting, training and implementing internal sales team to identify and close opportunities.
- Attracted top industry talent by developing competitive compensation packages and promoting an inclusive corporate culture.
- Revamped sales strategies to increase customer acquisition rates while maintaining strong profit margins.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Managed daily operations while overseeing multiple locations to foster increased productivity.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Drove business expansion by identifying new markets, conducting research, and developing targeted marketing campaigns.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Executive Vice President
Plaza Bank (acquired by Pacific Premier Bank)
04.2015 - 11.2017
- Actively participated in growing the bank (with 1 acquisition and organic growth) from $450MM to $1.3B successfully selling the bank to Pacific Premier Bank
- Responsible for all Sales, Service & Operations of 8 (eight) commercial banking offices throughout Southern California (1 office in Las Vegas, Nevada) - $1.3B
- Responsible for the Treasury (cash) Management Division
- Responsible for the Marketing Division
- Actively responsible for my Divisions HR, recruitment, training, incentive compensation plans and job description development
- Provided executive leadership during mergers and acquisitions, ensuring seamless integration while maintaining operational excellence.
- Spearheaded organizational change management efforts, leading to enhanced employee engagement and productivity.
- Assembled team of vice president-level leaders to grow business and develop group.
- Promoted a culture of accountability through regular performance evaluations, constructive feedback, and rewards for exceptional contributions towards company goals.
- Established a clear vision for organizational growth while developing actionable plans to achieve both short-term and long-term objectives.
- Guided the development of innovative product offerings, driving market expansion and revenue growth.
- Served as a key spokesperson for the organization at industry events and conferences, showcasing thought leadership while fostering strategic connections with potential partners.
- Developed comprehensive sales training programs that improved team performance and contributed to revenue growth over time.
- Drove talent acquisition strategies to attract top-tier candidates, building a high-performing team capable of achieving company objectives.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
- Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
- Founded performance- and merit-based evaluation system to assess staff performance.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Formed senior leadership team through rigorous interviews and extensive candidate research.
- Achieved company growth by implementing strategic initiatives and fostering collaboration across departments.
Chief Banking Officer
Farmers & Merchants Bank
12.2013 - 03.2015
- Actively manage 23 commercial banking offices through 3 direct report Region Managers (SVP, 1st VP & VP)
- Developed a new Call Center & Operations (hired Manager & team)
- Developed a Business Development Officer program - hiring and training of 5 BDO's
- Responsible for new product/services development
- Started the Product and Fee Committee as Chairperson – along with Pricing Committee recommendations
- Responsible for De Novo Branch Identification & Expansion
- Actively manage Recruitment/Training/Performance Management processes/systems
- Actively develop and manage all Incentive Plans for all 23 Commercial Banking offices
Senior VP - Director of Branch Banking
Provident Bank
08.2006 - 12.2013
- Actively manage 15 commercial and retail bank branches through 2 direct report Region Managers (VP's)
- Identified 3 new de novo bank locations that were opened (hired all staff and launched grand openings)
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Spearheaded successful product launches that resulted in increased brand visibility and customer acquisition.
- Drafted and distributed reports to assist board members with critical business decisions.
- Selected favorable filming locations and attained required permits to support shoot schedule.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Actively participate on ALCO/Pricing Committee
- Actively manage Business Development Officers
- Actively manage the Investment Services Division
- Actively manage the Marketing Department
- Actively manage the Premier Banking Program
- Actively manage the banks Call Center
- Develop an implement all Sales Training
- Responsible for the divisions HR, recruitment, job descriptions, performance management, incentive plans
- Developed a local television commercial for the bank
- Cultivated a high-performance culture within the organization by setting clear expectations for employees at all levels, providing regular feedback, and recognizing achievement.
- Championed change management initiatives within the organization to ensure smooth transitions during periods of growth or restructuring.
- Collaborated closely with various department heads on strategic planning initiatives to ensure alignment between corporate goals.
- Developed and executed targeted business development initiatives, leading to an expansion of the company''s client base.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, securing advantageous terms for the company while maintaining strong professional relationships.
- Introduced process improvements that reduced operational costs while maintaining high-quality standards across all departments.
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout the organization, fostering greater collaboration among teams and departments.
- Increased company revenue by implementing innovative marketing strategies and streamlining sales processes.
- Launched successful recruitment campaigns targeting top-tier talent, resulting in improved workforce quality.
- Directed market expansions to propel business forward, meet changing customer needs.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Founded performance- and merit-based evaluation system to assess staff performance.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Education
Graduate - Banking And Financial Support Services
Pacific Coast Banking School (PCBS)
Seattle, WA08.2005
Graduate - Business
Mt. Saint Mary’s College
Los Angeles, CA04.1988
Skills
- Business Development
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Community Relations
- Customer Service-Oriented
- Problem-solving skills
- Branch operations
- Creative Thinking
- Self-motivated nature
- Employee Motivation
- Staff Training
- Sales proficiency
- Persuasive negotiator
- Revenue Generation
- Persuasive communication style
- Staff Recruitment and Hiring
- Employee Training Oversight
- Decision-Making
- Critical Thinking
- Team Building Leadership
- Prioritizing and Planning
- Customer relationship development
- Proactive and Focused
- Recruitment and hiring
- Client Relationship Management
- Goal Setting
- Staff Management
- Business Relationship Management
- Sales professional
- Community Networking
- Proficient in SalesForce, Excel, Word, PowerPoint
- Human resources knowledge
- Business development expertise
- Strategy Development
- Credit Approval and Denial
Timeline
Division Administrative Sales Manager
Bank Of The West
04.2021 - 04.2022
EVP & Chief Banking Officer (Consultant)
Legacy Bank (in Organization)
04.2019 - 04.2021
EVP and Chief Banking Officer
Legacy Bank
04.2019 - Current
Executive Vice President
Lendistry (CDFI)
06.2018 - 05.2019
SVP Director of Branch Banking
Bank of Southern California
01.2018 - 05.2018
Executive Vice President
Plaza Bank (acquired by Pacific Premier Bank)
04.2015 - 11.2017
Chief Banking Officer
Farmers & Merchants Bank
12.2013 - 03.2015
Senior VP - Director of Branch Banking
Provident Bank
08.2006 - 12.2013
Graduate - Banking And Financial Support Services
Pacific Coast Banking School (PCBS)
Graduate - Business
Mt. Saint Mary’s College
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