Rebecca Couture
Summary
Results-focused executive manager with a sustained track record of delivering leadership in program / operations management, information technology, and digital services. Responsible for ensuring the successful end-to-end delivery, implementation and oversight of strategic programs, projects, portfolios, and IT/Digital engagement to include large scale, complex M&A, and core/online banking conversions. Highly competent at recognizing the long-term implications of different strategic approaches and understanding their continuing financial and operational requirements. Responsible for aligning people, processes, measurements, standards, and efforts across the organization.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
FVP PMO & IT – PMP / DASM
First Financial Northwest Bank
Remote
09.2014 - Current
- Provide leadership, vision, strategic planning, prioritization and management of program, projects, and operations to accomplish enterprise objectives in alignment with strategic plan
- Manage $4 million annual operating expense budget for IT and operations and $5 million annual capital project and technology budgets
- Evaluate strategic technology options that maximize business effectiveness and efficiency including development of Digital and Technology roadmaps, RFPs and business cases, risk evaluation, vendor due diligence, contract negotiations and onboarding
- Developed, implemented and chair full Change Control Board, Release Management, and IT Steering Committees
- Cost effective assessments to eliminate redundant vendor charges, establish preferred vendor listings, discontinue outdated products/services/leases
- Led BPO and process automation initiatives
- Direct management of Digital Services, Reporting, Business Analysis, and Project Managers
- Executive oversight of Information Technology teams
- Developed and implemented Enterprise Project Management Office and formalized methodology, processes, templates, portfolio reporting and prioritization process
- Schedule, manage and direct activities of high performing, cross-functional team members for enterprise-level projects for a single business unit or across multiple business units
- Central point of communication and escalation to and from project team members, vendors, executive management, and key stakeholders
- Successfully led M&A conversion, core banking system conversion, enterprise image archival system and multiple online banking / mobile banking conversions all coming in on time and under budget
- Ensured project implementation success by facilitating requirements gathering, change requests, and financial management
- Managed timelines and escalations while securing stakeholder alignment
- Provide portfolio assurance through effective management and communication of key project milestones and risks
- Managed key projects including infrastructure implementations, system upgrades, enterprise branding, new branch openings, ATM/Debit/EMV card conversion and accounting software conversion
- Spearheaded team to develop an online only digital bank including concept, brand, products, services, and website.
Program Manager / Manager Business Analysis, PMP
Umpqua Bank
WA
02.2010 - 09.2014
- Successfully managed multiple new branch openings, ATM upgrades, PCI compliance, Online Banking UI/UX Redesign and business product projects
- Schedule, manage and direct activities of high performing, cross-function project team members for business and enterprise-level projects
- Managed Business Analyst team
- Document business and technical requirements
- Developed project plans and timelines
- Central point of communication and escalation to and from project team members, vendors, executive management, and key stakeholders
- Portfolio reporting and PPM system administration
- Created and implemented a PMO Mentorship Program
- Benefits realization analysis to measure outcome of projects to ensure the deliverable was in accordance with scope, cost, and customer requirements.
Operations / Project Manager
Rainier Pacific Bank (Acquired by Umpqua Bank 2010)
WA
01.2007 - 02.2010
- Ensure delivery of high quality, efficient operations, and services to Bank customers through effective support services and delivery channels (ATM, Internet Banking) and programs (VISA Credit and Debit, Merchant Services, In-clearings, ACH, Remote Capture, IRS Reporting and Fraud.) Re-engineered business process and practices to increase effectiveness.
Branch Manager
US Bank
WA
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Led branch team to successfully assist customers with financial transactions, new accounts, products, and services meeting all sales goals.
Remittance Processing Operations Manager
Unisys
WA
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Led team of 20 remittance processing associates to open, process, and post cable utility payments.
Remittance Processing Operations Manager
Capital One
WA
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Led cross-functional team of 30+ remittance processing associates to open, process, post, reconcile, and image customer payments and correspondence of up to 1 million transactions daily
- Management of operations producing $100 million in daily deposits.
Education
DASM Certification -
PMI
05.2022
PMP Certification -
PMI
11.2012
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Almeda University
06.2005
Six Sigma Green Belt Certification -
Juran Institute
06.2004
Skills
- Program & Project Management
- Operations & Process Management
- Business Systems Management
- Business Analysis & Acumen
- Strategic Thinking
- Leadership
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Digital Services Management
- Contract Negotiation and Vendor Management
- Budget Management
Timeline
FVP PMO & IT – PMP / DASM
First Financial Northwest Bank
09.2014 - Current
Program Manager / Manager Business Analysis, PMP
Umpqua Bank
02.2010 - 09.2014
Operations / Project Manager
Rainier Pacific Bank (Acquired by Umpqua Bank 2010)
01.2007 - 02.2010
Branch Manager
US Bank
01.2006 - 01.2007
Remittance Processing Operations Manager
Unisys
01.2004 - 01.2006
Remittance Processing Operations Manager
Capital One
01.1999 - 01.2004
DASM Certification -
PMI
PMP Certification -
PMI
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Almeda University
Six Sigma Green Belt Certification -
Juran Institute
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