Tara Keppler
Epworth
Summary
Compliance and risk professional with 7+ years of experience in BSA/AML, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance, complemented by an MBA and strong skills in communication, implementation, and leadership. Proven ability to analyze risk, lead projects, and build trusted relationships. Open to roles in compliance, project management, training, or new industries where strategic thinking and people skills drive success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Bank Secrecy Act Specialist
GreenState Credit Union
North Liberty
04.2022 - 10.2024
- Conducted detailed investigations into suspicious activity using Verafin; prepared and filed SARs in compliance with regulatory timelines
- Managed subpoenas and collaborated with law enforcement, ensuring accurate fulfillment of documentation and video requests
- Partnered with financial institutions through FinCEN 314(b) info sharing to support complex investigations
- Contributed to policy development and compliance updates to align with evolving BSA/AML regulations
- Provided strategic support to the BSA Compliance Officer on special projects and internal audits
Bank Secrecy Act/ Fraud Specialist II
GreenState Credit Union
North Liberty
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Reviewed transaction alerts for suspicious and fraudulent activity, escalating risk issues as needed
- Provided guidance and support to frontline staff on fraud prevention, AML procedures, and escalated alerts
- Identified fraud patterns and contributed to process improvement initiatives that reduced risk exposure
- Monitored enhanced due diligence processes for high-risk customer accounts
Fraud Services Analyst
Dupaco Credit Union
Dubuque
06.2019 - 07.2021
- Prevented over $4.5M in potential fraud losses in 2020 through proactive account monitoring and rapid response
- Investigated fraud alerts and managed Verafin cases, increasing annual case resolution rate by 18%
- Delivered onboarding support and mentorship to new team members, contributing to faster ramp-up times
- Acted as liaison for law enforcement requests and coordinated subpoena documentation
Member Service Representative
Dupaco Credit Union
Dubuque
07.2018 - 06.2019
- Built trusted relationships with members by delivering personalized service for loan and deposit products
- Proactively identified member needs and offered education on relevant banking solutions
- Floated between branches and collaborated across departments to ensure seamless customer support
Business Development Representative
Mcgraw-Hill Education
Dubuque
05.2016 - 11.2017
- Built strong relationships with faculty and administrators to identify and meet digital learning needs
- Successfully demonstrated and sold digital education solutions, contributing to revenue growth and adoption
- Collaborated with bookstore teams to drive product sell-through and streamline sales operations
Implementation Consultant
Mcgraw-Hill Education
Dubuque
12.2014 - 05.2016
- Trained college instructors on course design using digital platforms, increasing product engagement and success
- Managed implementation timelines and support for large-scale digital course rollouts
- Partnered with faculty to integrate content into LMS platforms and improve instructional outcomes
Senior Sales Consultant
Pinnacle Cellular & Satellite (US Cellular)
Dubuque
12.2012 - 01.2014
- Delivered exceptional customer service while managing business accounts and resolving complex technical issues
- Met and exceeded sales goals by tailoring product recommendations to client needs
- Promoted new services and upsold products during contract renewals and store campaigns
Project Management Part-time Student
John Deere
Waterloo
06.2011 - 12.2012
- Supported manufacturing project teams with task tracking, deadline coordination, and inventory review
- Maintained and updated Access databases to manage part changes and bill-of-materials records
- Aided engineers in creating detailed work instructions for builds and process documentation
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, IABachelor of Arts - Business Administration
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, IASkills
Compliance & Risk: BSA/AML, Fraud Detection, Risk Assessment, Regulatory Compliance, SAR Filing, Due Diligence
Project & Implementation: Project Coordination, Process Improvement, Policy Development, Implementation, Change Management
Communication & Leadership: Training & Coaching, Public Speaking, Relationship Building, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Team Leadership
Tools & Technology: Verafin, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Microsoft Office, Data Analysis, Reporting
Websites
Certifications & Professional Development
• CUNA Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Specialist, 2022
• Dale Carnegie: Effective Communication & Human Relations, 2019
• John Maxwell Mastermind Group: Everyone Communicates, Few Connect
• Toastmasters: VP of Public Relations, McGraw-Hill Pillar Talk, 2016
• Volunteer Teacher, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, 2016–Present
Timeline
Senior Bank Secrecy Act Specialist
GreenState Credit Union
04.2022 - 10.2024
Bank Secrecy Act/ Fraud Specialist II
GreenState Credit Union
07.2021 - 04.2022
Fraud Services Analyst
Dupaco Credit Union
06.2019 - 07.2021
Member Service Representative
Dupaco Credit Union
07.2018 - 06.2019
Business Development Representative
Mcgraw-Hill Education
05.2016 - 11.2017
Implementation Consultant
Mcgraw-Hill Education
12.2014 - 05.2016
Senior Sales Consultant
Pinnacle Cellular & Satellite (US Cellular)
12.2012 - 01.2014
Project Management Part-time Student
John Deere
06.2011 - 12.2012
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
University of Dubuque
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
University of Dubuque