PEDRO D. LACEN
Orlando,FL
Summary
Accomplished in strategic growth management and team leadership, I significantly contributed to Esperanza International's success, achieving a 7.27-fold increase in the microcredit portfolio. My expertise in project management and cultural awareness has been pivotal in driving operational goals and fostering strong client relationships, ensuring over 90% success in initiatives at SAFE/PROGANA Project.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Microfinance Consultant and Financial Trainer
FUNDACION RESERVAS DEL PAIS (BANCO DE RESERVAS RD)
Santo Domingo , Distrito Nacional, DR
09.2015 - 09.2024
- Trained hundreds of micro-businesses in personal and business financial literacy, equipping them with essential skills for success.
- Helped the TA unit in the analysis and crafting of the basic financial literature, and with the microfinance training materials.
- Successfully trained over 500 staff members and board members in credit evaluation techniques, enhancing risk management, negotiations, and decision-making.
- Created the credit policy and procedures for a micro-lending NGO.
Director of Administration and Finance
SAFE/PROGANA Project (NCBA CLUSA, Funded by the US
Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
11.2021 - 09.2023
- Successfully led the project in hiring key staff, including accountants, field staff, consultants, and truck drivers, ensuring the project was well-equipped to meet its goals.
- Helped in building a cohesive and skilled team that was essential for the successful execution of project initiatives.
- Spearheaded the strategic allocation of funding to key beneficiaries, ensuring resources were utilized efficiently and effectively.
- Under my leadership, the project was able to meet its goals in more than 90% of the initiatives, demonstrating the impact of well-targeted funding.
- Worked closely with the project's Chief of Party (COP) to achieve operational goals, significantly contributing to the overall success of the project.
Financial and Lending Specialist
National Cooperative Business Association
Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, DR
02.2019 - 01.2021
- Collaborated with farmers, MCC (Microcredit Coordinators), and operations teams to develop robust business plans and effective budgeting strategies. Analyzing important criteria, like ROI, ROE, etc.
- Provided expert guidance to independent consultants, resulting in the successful development of 20 MCC business plans.
- Facilitated connections between banks, credit unions, and microfinance institutions, fostering financial inclusion and growth.
Chief Program Officer
Esperanza International (DR Partner of Hoper Intl)
Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional, DR
06.2005 - 09.2015
- Successfully extended the Esperanza program to Haiti, including the formation of the first Esperanza branch office in the country.
- Achieved an impressive 7.27-fold increase in the microcredit portfolio.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with local and international partners, agencies, and vendors to support the program initiatives.
- Led a field team of over 90 staff in the DR, and 11 more in Haiti, gaining experience in team leadership, program growth, and operational and financial management.
- During his leadership, several projects intended to immerse international volunteer teams from institutions like the Peace Corps and well-known colleges in the USA. The projects aimed to address critical problems for the organization, such as identifying a client persona, the development of the credit manual policy and procedures, and how to improve Esperanzas' retention rate, etc.
Education
MBA - Business Management
University of Quebec At Montreal (UQAM)
Montreal, Quebec10-2016
Master of Science - Finance
Universidad Autonoma De Santo Domingo (UASD)
Santo Domingo, DR09-2006
BBA - Business Administration
Universidad Autonoma De Santo Domingo (UASD)
Santo Domingo, DR10-2001
Skills
- Technical review
- Business presentation
- Reporting writing
- Assessments
- Forecasting and reporting
- Analytical thinking
- Sales strategy
- Employee management
- Strategic planning
- Client relationships
- Decision-making
- Training and development
- Business analysis
- Project implementation
- Continuous improvement
- MS office
- Project leadership
- Budget management
- Time management
- Sell services
- Problem-solving
- Staff management
- Project analysis
- Project management
- Integrity and honesty
- Team leadership & development
- Cultural awareness
- Strategic growth management
- Attention to detail
- User support
- Research and development
- Goal setting
- Analysis & evaluation
- Management coaching
- Issue resolution
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Affiliations
- Running an walking
- Readings, especially these related to business, personal growth
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Administration and Finance
SAFE/PROGANA Project (NCBA CLUSA, Funded by the US
11.2021 - 09.2023
Financial and Lending Specialist
National Cooperative Business Association
02.2019 - 01.2021
Microfinance Consultant and Financial Trainer
FUNDACION RESERVAS DEL PAIS (BANCO DE RESERVAS RD)
09.2015 - 09.2024
Chief Program Officer
Esperanza International (DR Partner of Hoper Intl)
06.2005 - 09.2015
MBA - Business Management
University of Quebec At Montreal (UQAM)
Master of Science - Finance
Universidad Autonoma De Santo Domingo (UASD)
BBA - Business Administration
Universidad Autonoma De Santo Domingo (UASD)
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