Laura Cantu
San Antonio
Summary
Dynamic executive with a proven track record in driving operational efficiency and strategic alignment. Expertise in program management and change strategies, resulting in significant cost savings through transformed risk operations. Strong ability to foster collaboration and effective communication across teams. Skilled in executive support, execution, and budget/workforce management to enhance overall organizational performance.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director, COO Strategic Programs & Change Delivery
Wells Fargo Corporate
San Antonio
01.2023 - Current
- Transformed operational efficiency by developing executive routines, content planning, and logistical support frameworks.
- Orchestrated executive communications and budget management to maintain strategic alignment.
- Served as chief advisor and program leader for COO portfolio, enhancing governance across cross-functional initiatives.
- Led workforce strategy efforts focused on cost optimization and business goal alignment to ensure financial sustainability and resource allocation.
- Spearheaded departmental communications, crafting content for executives to ensure operational consistency.
- Cultivated partnerships and championed team culture by promoting a collaborative and engaged environment.
Director, Business Strategy & Planning, Chief Risk Office
USAA
01.2022 - Current
- Spearheaded transformation of USAA’s risk department, achieving 60% downsizing and significant cost savings through enhanced regulatory compliance.
- Established operational planning to govern USAA Risk Management Policy, Standards, and Procedures.
- Oversaw the execution of requirements, developed and implemented policies, and governed Enterprise Risk Management goals and workflows.
- Led operational reporting to track progress against strategic goals, KPIs, and milestones.
- Developed sustainable improvements to enhance overall efficiency across risk management processes.
Lead – Program / Project Management, CEO Special Purpose PMO Office (FIAP)
USAA
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Spearheaded regulatory transformation initiative for CEO PMO Office, establishing governance for quarterly reporting and remediation plans.
- Defined and directed end-to-end PMO efforts for multimillion dollar, highly regulated project.
- Fostered relationships with executive stakeholders and collaborated with senior leadership to establish PMO mission, goals, and governance model aligned with corporate objectives.
- Ensured compliance with PMO processes, overseeing executive reviews, stakeholder reporting, and risk management.
Executive Operational Planning Manager, Enterprise Strategy
USAA
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Served as Planning and Project Manager for Enterprise Strategy.
- Led cross-functional initiatives including Strategic and Operational Plan Document and Regulatory Risk projects.
- Coordinated Board meetings and C-Suite strategy conferences, enhancing executive alignment.
Senior Segment Business Manager, Office of the Chief Operating Officer
WHATABURGER CORPORATE, LLC
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Served as the Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), managing all facets of operational planning and ensuring seamless execution of initiatives.
- Managed operational planning for Whatabrands Segment, overseeing strategy, business operations, human resources, IT, communications, and marketing.
- Oversaw the coordination and implementation of key strategic projects, reporting, communications, and operational planning, providing comprehensive support to the COO and other senior leaders.
Special Projects Manager/Senior Management Analyst, Offices of the Mayor & City Council
THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
01.2008 - 01.2016
- Supported over 40 elected officials, including 2 Mayors and City Manager, to enhance governance.
- Managed development and administration of 11 operating budgets totaling $6.85M annually.
- Oversaw City Council Project Fund budgets, process, and governance to ensure compliance.
- Coordinated special projects within council districts, providing strategic communication and financial analysis.
- Led cross-functional team in fiscal operations for Animal Care Services, managing $9M budget.
Assistant Director of Administration & Education, Franchise
HUNTINGTON LEARNING
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Directed a 12-person team to define and execute curriculum objectives aligned with business goals.
- Coordinated tracking and documentation of progress toward strategic objectives.
- Facilitated communication of achievements to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Organizational Development
University of the Incarnate Word
TXBachelor of Business Administration - Merchandising
University of the Incarnate Word
TXSkills
- Operational & strategic planning and execution
- Change management strategies
- People management
- Effective communication
- Program and project management
- Portfolio oversight
- Risk assessment and management
- Procurement processes
- Regulatory compliance
- Storytelling
- Executive support services
- Budget and workforce management
Affiliations
- Professional Risk Managers International Association (PRMIA), Member, 2021
- Texas City Management Association (TCMA), Board Member, 2014-2015
- Urban Management Association of South Texas (UMAST), President, 2011-2015
Professional Development And Certifications
- Prosci Change Management Certification, 2023
- Certificate in Product Management, Six Sigma Global Institute, 2023
- Certificate in Sustainable Management, University of Texas RGV, 2022
- Agile Leader Certification, Six Sigma Global Institute, 2022
- Certificate in Leadership, University of Texas RGV, 2021
- Strategic Organizational Leadership, Management & Strategy Institute, 2021
- Black Belt – Six Sigma, Management & Strategy Institute, 2021
- Project Management – Lean Process, Management & Strategy Institute, 2021
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Executive Director, COO Strategic Programs & Change Delivery
Wells Fargo Corporate
01.2023 - Current
Director, Business Strategy & Planning, Chief Risk Office
USAA
01.2022 - Current
Lead – Program / Project Management, CEO Special Purpose PMO Office (FIAP)
USAA
01.2020 - 01.2022
Executive Operational Planning Manager, Enterprise Strategy
USAA
01.2018 - 01.2020
Senior Segment Business Manager, Office of the Chief Operating Officer
WHATABURGER CORPORATE, LLC
01.2016 - 01.2018
Special Projects Manager/Senior Management Analyst, Offices of the Mayor & City Council
THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
01.2008 - 01.2016
Assistant Director of Administration & Education, Franchise
HUNTINGTON LEARNING
01.2006 - 01.2008
Master of Business Administration - Organizational Development
University of the Incarnate Word
Bachelor of Business Administration - Merchandising
University of the Incarnate Word
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