Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Paula Swanton

Crisfield,ME

Summary

Accomplished professional with significant expertise in team leadership and operational management. Detail-oriented with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives. Known as a results-driven compliance professional with proven ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and ensure organizational adherence to legal standards. Strong focus on team collaboration, delivering reliable compliance solutions, and adapting to dynamic environments. Expertise in risk assessment, policy development, and regulatory reporting, combined with proactive and analytical approach to problem-solving.


Overview

46
46
years of professional experience

Work History

Regulatory Compliance Consultant/Manager/Contracts Manager

Optum, UnitedHealth Group
08.2000 - 09.2023
  • Provided comprehensive support to clients during regulatory examinations, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
  • Conducted regular reviews of existing compliance policies and procedures, ensuring continued alignment with evolving industry standards and best practices.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration to address complex compliance issues, fostering open communication and efficient problem solving.
  • Reduced the potential for fines and penalties by proactively monitoring changes in regulatory requirements and updating policies accordingly.
  • Supported the implementation of an enterprise-wide risk management program, identifying key risk areas and developing mitigation strategies.
  • Played a key role in the successful resolution of complex compliance issues, demonstrating strong problem-solving abilities and adaptability under pressure.
  • Collaborated with management to develop effective strategies for addressing identified compliance risks and gaps.
  • Advised senior leadership on emerging trends in regulatory enforcement, enabling proactive planning and strategic decision making.
  • Stayed current with latest changes to applicable regulatory standards and company procedures.
  • Conducted thorough audits of internal operations, identifying areas for improvement and recommending corrective actions.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
  • Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies, leading to more efficient project completion.
  • Conducted market research to identify customer needs and adjusted product offerings accordingly, increasing customer satisfaction.
  • Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
  • Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
  • Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
  • Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
  • Established strong relationships with external partners, fostering trust and collaboration on future contractual engagements.
  • Resolved contractual disputes through effective negotiation strategies, minimizing impacts on the organization's reputation and bottom line.
  • Provided expert guidance to colleagues on contract interpretation and application, fostering a culture of compliance within the organization.
  • Managed a portfolio of complex contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices, ensuring compliant and competitive contracting approaches.
  • Collaborated with legal counsel to develop comprehensive risk assessments for high-value contracts, safeguarding company interests.
  • Analyzed new laws and regulations to identify required changes and proactively adjust systems.
  • Mitigated business risks by analyzing contracts' potential impacts and avoiding unfavorable terms.

Licensing and Compliance Specialist

PayPower Benefits
12.1993 - 07.2000
  • Implemented robust record-keeping systems that ensured accurate documentation was maintained according to regulatory requirements at all times.
  • Served as a point of contact for employees seeking guidance on compliance matters, instilling confidence in the organization''s commitment to regulatory adherence.
  • Assisted in the preparation of regular reports for senior management, detailing compliance activities and progress towards established goals.
  • Reduced instances of non-compliance through meticulous monitoring of internal controls and periodic audits.
  • Served as subject matter expert by advising staff and customers and working directly with external agencies throughout audits or to remedy compliance issues.
  • Developed strategies for addressing identified gaps in regulatory knowledge within the organization, enhancing overall compliance awareness.
  • Worked closely with legal counsel to address any instances of non-compliance or potential violations promptly.
  • Identified gaps in existing compliance processes and recommended updates.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.
  • Confirmed license data, conducted background checks and assessed premises for compliance with licensing requirements.

Assistant Vice President

International Accident Facilities, Inc.
10.1987 - 11.1993
  • Established a high-performance culture within the team by setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback on individual performance contributions.
  • Collaborated closely with executive leadership to align department goals with overall company objectives, resulting in stronger organizational cohesion.
  • Managed a diverse portfolio of projects, ensuring that each project met established quality standards and delivered expected results on time and within budget.
  • Enhanced collaboration between team members by implementing innovative communication tools and fostering an open dialogue culture.
  • Attended weekly meetings and special sessions of Leadership and Executive Leadership Teams and contributed to major administrative initiatives, policies and decisions.
  • Drove innovation by encouraging creative problem-solving among team members and staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
  • Conducted treaty, facultative placement with reinsurance firms including Lloyd's of London.

Special Risks Underwriter

CNA Insurance Company
09.1982 - 10.1987
  • Analyzed credit, income, and compliance, during underwriting process.
  • Documented underwriting decisions and provided evidence of compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Provided excellent customer service by addressing inquiries promptly and offering comprehensive explanations of underwriting decisions.
  • Made approval and denial recommendations by determining accurate risk levels.
  • Developed strong relationships with brokers, leading to a higher volume of quality submissions and successful underwriting.
  • Mentored junior underwriters, providing guidance on best practices and improving overall team performance.
  • Collaborated with sales teams to develop competitive pricing strategies for new products, increasing market share.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction, providing detailed explanations on underwriting decisions and policy benefits.
  • Fostered strong relationships with brokers and agents to facilitate smoother application processes.
  • Collaborated with other professionals to develop innovative underwriting solutions.
  • Met with customers, agents and brokers to negotiate coverage, price, and service delivery.

Financial Analyst and Sales Representative

Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, CIGNA
04.1981 - 08.1982
  • Marketed a compendium of insurance, financial planning, tax shelter and associated services, and provided direct client guidance in matters of estate planning.
  • Supported successful negotiations, preparing detailed financial models and scenarios.

Underwriter and Marketing Representative

Hartford Insurance
02.1978 - 03.1981
  • Conducted regular audits of underwriting files to ensure accuracy, compliance, and consistency in decision-making processes.
  • Built strong relationships with brokers and clients for constructive communications.
  • Performed underwriting, rating, selecting and servicing functions for group travel accidental death and dismemberment and group voluntary accidental death and dismemberment.
  • Evaluated insurance applications for affordability and conformance with underwriting guidelines.
  • Implemented marketing and promotional programs for agent-broker network and built market share.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

University of Tampa
Tampa, FL

Course Study in Chartered Life Underwriting.

Northeastern University
Boston, MA

Skills

  • Regulatory expertise
  • Legal research
  • Documentation review
  • Compliance reporting
  • Facultative placement with reinsurance firms
  • Exceptionally organized
  • Exceptional Microsoft Word and Excel Skills
  • Project management
  • Excellent analytical and communication skills
  • Collaboration

Timeline

Regulatory Compliance Consultant/Manager/Contracts Manager

Optum, UnitedHealth Group
08.2000 - 09.2023

Licensing and Compliance Specialist

PayPower Benefits
12.1993 - 07.2000

Assistant Vice President

International Accident Facilities, Inc.
10.1987 - 11.1993

Special Risks Underwriter

CNA Insurance Company
09.1982 - 10.1987

Financial Analyst and Sales Representative

Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, CIGNA
04.1981 - 08.1982

Underwriter and Marketing Representative

Hartford Insurance
02.1978 - 03.1981

Bachelor of Science - Business Management

University of Tampa

Course Study in Chartered Life Underwriting.

Northeastern University

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Paula Swanton