Tia L. Sams
Wilmington,DE
Summary
Professional in compliance, well-versed in anti-money laundering protocols and risk assessment. Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and attention to detail ensure thorough investigation and monitoring of financial activities. Known for strong team collaboration, adaptability, and consistent focus on achieving compliance goals. Proven ability to navigate regulatory environments and implement effective strategies for fraud prevention and regulatory adherence.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
AML Compliance Analyst
Robert Half
Wilmington, DE
05.2025 - 02.2026
- Conducted thorough analysis of transactions to identify potential money laundering activities.
- Implemented data-driven solutions to improve detection of suspicious activities.
- Reviewed customer due diligence reports for accuracy and completeness, ensuring compliance standards met.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance compliance processes and policies.
- Monitored regulatory changes to ensure adherence to AML laws and best practices.
- Achieved accurate transaction monitoring by diligently reviewing financial records for suspicious activities.
- Reduced false positives in transaction monitoring alerts through continuous refinement of system parameters based on historical patterns and trends.
- Enhanced AML compliance by conducting thorough investigations and risk assessments on potential clients.
- Provided strategic guidance on high-risk accounts, facilitating informed decision-making within the organization.
- Supported the integration of new technology platforms i.e. LLM Suite for more efficient transaction monitoring and data analysis, enhancing overall compliance capabilities.
- Provided guidance and support to team members, enabling them to effectively address complex AML-related issues.
- Identified threats, vulnerabilities and suspicious behavior patterns to recommend mitigation measures.
- Documented research findings to support risk-based decision-making and resolution to escalated fraud incidents.
- Authored thorough reports detailing results of investigations and recommendations to improve compliance and maintain solvency.
Portfolio Manager
CHATHAM FINANCIAL
Kennett Square, PA
06.2018 - 03.2024
- Performed operational duties that assist with the construction and maintenance of Special Purpose Entities (SPE’s) within the Global Real Estate division of Chatham.
- Composed and distributed signatory pages to external counsel to ensure the smooth process of forming SPE’s.
- Processed custodial/intermediary bank forms i.e. KYC/AML to ensure timely processing of new accounts and verification of existing accounts.
- Processed monthly payments to maintain compliant active registered agency status for all SPE’s with Corporate Service Company(CSC).
- Managed the tracking and internal reporting of transaction operations including outstanding documentation, updates, and reminders to colleagues and clients.
- Processed yearly LLC corporate fee payments to maintain adherence to State of Delaware Division of Corporations policies.
- Distributed monthly reports consisting of interest payments accrued from portfolio to Internal Finance Services department.
- Processed yearly cancellation/dissolution of entities to ensure compliance with State of Delaware business practices.
- Compiled and distributed loan marketing analytics reports to Moody’s CRE to be included in marketing materials that are provided to companies within the Commercial Real Estate industry.
- Review and accurately extract information from various types of real estate legal source documents such as loan agreements, promissory notes, mortgages.
- Reviewed and processed entity information i.e. Bloomberg, TREPP, Account Agreements, loan documents in company specific database (COMPASS) to ensure accurate document reporting internally and externally.
Administrative Assistant
CHATHAM FINANCIAL
Kennett Square, PA
03.2017 - 06.2018
- Contracted position through Robert Half Agency to assist in doing various administrative duties i.e. reviewing servicer statements for accuracy, printing/circulating various documents for signatories.
- Department of Defeasance
Assistant to Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations (AVP)
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
Dover, DE
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Perform and assist in performing duties using QuickBooks and Financial Edge software for accounts payable and receivable, bank deposits and electronic bank transfers, journal entries, purchase orders, and check or bank draft requisition payments.
- Assist with formulation, justification, and execution of operational and foundation budgets of up to $2 million for diverse departments, programs, and projects.
- Assist with tracking expenditure rates, verified funding controls, and transferred funds between budgets to ensure proper funding allocation for various projects and programs.
- Interface with senior management to quickly resolve any compliance issues as well as budget discrepancies.
- Assist with distributing marketing materials to our grant funding agencies as well as our private donors.
- Responsible for invoicing student/staff payroll and preparing payment via check or bank draft.
- Assisted the AVP within the Alumni Relations Department that boasts over 19,000 alumni. Managed office as well as assisted with marketing the Alumni Association’s initiatives to the DSU community.
- Responsible to collect, manage, analyze and convey information to AVP and Delaware State University Alumni Association officials regarding alumni and constituents using Raiser’s Edge Fundraising database software.
- Assisted department with realizing an unprecedented 8% alumni participation rate using strategic fundraising/marketing tactics.
- Appointed to committees or sub-committees that are tasked with managing and planning event projects for the University and Alumni Association i.e. DSU Homecoming, Alumni Weekend, Fan Tents, Pride Tours, Welcome Days, Battle of the Colleges fundraiser, MEAC and Commencement.
- Appointed as Content manager for DSU Alumni Relations Department’s webpage.
- Assisted with budget planning and resource allocation for various events i.e. homecoming, alumni day and alumni weekend.
- Appointed to first ever DSU Social Media Committee to assist with building DSU’s brand as a premier university via social networking sites/Assist with composition of the University’s Alumni publication.
- Composed/distributed visual communiqués to Alum/Staff/Faculty/Administrators regarding various Alumni Relations initiatives.
- Assisted with proofreading and distributing marketing materials to entice alum/constituents to donate to University.
- Procured vendor services/products for various events and prepare travel/supplies requisitions using University BANNER system.
- Prepared monthly statistical reports to Director which conveys Alumni Department initiatives as well as tracking alumni participation in the DSUAA and analyzing ways to increase volume.
- Recruited/managed staff to ensure smooth transition of administrative duties for the Alumni Relations Department.
Licensed Insurance Marketing/Sales Associate
AFLAC
Newark, DE
07.2010 - 12.2011
- Attended weekly teleconference Strategic Sales Planning meetings to target small and mid-level business sales leads and create company-specific tactical sales approach to generate appointments.
- Executed impressive presentation skills to educate business owners/employees on company-specific products using high quality marketing materials for presentations leading to high closing ratios of accounts and sales.
- Exhibited Market research/analytical skills to determine systematic effect of escalating health care costs on U.S. economy and competition amongst insurance companies offering similar products to overcome objections.
- Independent Insurance Agent and Health Benefits Associate for Fortune 500 Company that specializes in B2B and B2C sales of supplemental insurance that pays cash benefits to claimants. Company is recognized as insurance industry leader in marketing/advertising initiatives and providing a favorable rate of return on customers’ investment.
Community Outreach/Marketing Manager
ELITE MARKETING GROUP
New York, NY
02.2011 - 09.2011
- Contracted to promote/market/establish customer awareness of government funded Safe Link Wireless program that provides complimentary mobile phone service to low income families. Promoted to Community Marketing Manager for the State of Delaware to establish and manage program to increase client base ultimately assisting territory to exceed performance sales goals of delivering 10,000 phones a month.
- Educated clientele about the features and benefits of the program as well as promote program by creating/distributing brochures, leaflets, and other informative print ads.
- Developed marketing strategies that engaged the consumers which created increase in the demand for service in Delaware.
- Developed market demographic/client base by establishing community relationships with managers/directors of Health/Social Services offices, Schools/ Child Care Facilities, Apartment Complexes, Counseling Facilities, and Senior Centers.
Licensed Insurance Benefits Agent
AMERICAN INCOME LIFE
Dover, DE
02.2009 - 08.2009
- Educated new and existing customers about negotiated union and credit union insurance benefits and recommended suitable products to enhance insurance company profits.
- Promoted community-based outreach programs and acted in a public relations role to further market National Child Safe and Food Bank Programs.
- Attended Sales Strategies Seminars and Workshops to maintain continuing education credits and recognized as weekly top performer and as a result compensation increased for exceeding sales goals.
- Appointed as life/health/disability insurance contractor for life insurance company that specializes in offering negotiated insurance products to union and credit union members as well as organizations within the community.
Legal Administrative/Marketing Assistant
YOUNG CONAWAY STARGATT & TAYLOR, LLP
Wilmington, DE
10.2007 - 11.2008
- Provided legal administrative and marketing support to Marketing Partner of the firm within the Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring practice area of the 2nd largest law firm in the State of Delaware. Developed/Implemented monthly financial billing system that recovered over $3 million dollars in outstanding unpaid client debts.
- Database/website administrator responsible for updating department web page and updating firm cases as well as researched economic trends to find companies in jeopardy of bankruptcy to target potential clientele.
- Designed/Maintained Marketing Budget Excel spreadsheet to determine profit/loss statistics; procurement of vendors for advertising and media relations; and inventory of marketing materials for the firm.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
Delaware State University
Dover, DE01-2014
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Wilmington University
Dover, DE01-2007
Skills
- Data Management
- Financial Administration
- Debt Management
- Global Real Estate Portfolio Management
- Conflict Resolution/Risk Mitigation
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Know your customer
- Customer due diligence
Timeline
AML Compliance Analyst
Robert Half
05.2025 - 02.2026
Portfolio Manager
CHATHAM FINANCIAL
06.2018 - 03.2024
Administrative Assistant
CHATHAM FINANCIAL
03.2017 - 06.2018
Assistant to Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations (AVP)
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
01.2012 - 01.2016
Community Outreach/Marketing Manager
ELITE MARKETING GROUP
02.2011 - 09.2011
Licensed Insurance Marketing/Sales Associate
AFLAC
07.2010 - 12.2011
Licensed Insurance Benefits Agent
AMERICAN INCOME LIFE
02.2009 - 08.2009
Legal Administrative/Marketing Assistant
YOUNG CONAWAY STARGATT & TAYLOR, LLP
10.2007 - 11.2008
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Wilmington University
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
Delaware State University