Hi, I’m
Wendy Anderson
Glendale,AZ
Summary
With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit financial education industry and 10 years in the legal profession, this executive leader has proven expertise in analyzing and interpreting complex data and documents. Able to effectively communicate actionable steps for achieving desired results, this professional consistently demonstrates critical thinking and sound judgment when addressing crucial issues and developing viable solutions. A pragmatic and experienced leader, skilled in implementing strategic business plans, driving growth, and improving operations. Instrumental in success through financial management and stakeholder relations. Collaborative and dedicated to building and leading talented and motivated individuals.
Overview
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Take Charge America, Inc.
Chief Compliance Officer
01.2005 - Current
Job overview
- Chief Compliance Officer (2022- present)
- Director, Compliance and Quality (2020 – 2022)
- Manager, Legal Compliance (2015 – 2020)
- Directs Compliance and Education departments for a non-profit financial education, credit, housing, bankruptcy, and student loan counseling organization
- Exhibits positive leadership through planning, vision, and strategy
- Promotes solid belief in workforce empowerment with guiding principles to accomplish company’s strategic goals
- Facilitator of Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meetings, discussions, and decisions
- Implemented credit counseling program restructuring resulting in 20% increase in DMP account activations with decreased staffing
- Supplemented resources for housing counseling program leading to 100% increase in year-over-year billings from FY ’22 to FY ’23
- Successful oversight and completion of four-year Council on Accreditation (COA) re-accreditation
- Direct oversight of staff responsible for regulatory compliance, licensing, and annual reporting to state and regulatory agencies resulting in minimal findings year-over-year
- Contributes to the FCAA (industry association) Compliance Committee with other agency leaders, building relationships and collaborating on solutions to industry compliance issues and challenges.
- Represents organization at industry conferences and events, actively participating for better understanding of trends affecting peers in similar roles.
- Elected member of NFCC's Council on Member Affairs, collaborating with industry leaders to promote industry nationwide.
- Management and oversight of external regulatory examinations to confirm compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Established corporate liaison with all state and regulatory agency representatives
- Conducts research of state laws and leading to savings in excess of $100K in potential client refunds
- Constructs formal written responses to Reports of Examinations
- Regularly reports to the Board of Directors all changes in state/regulatory requirements and state examination results
- Researches and analyzes pending and passed state and federal statutes and regulations pertaining to financial education, debt management plans, and all counseling services to communicate changes and ensure compliance.
- Enhanced regulatory compliance by developing and implementing comprehensive policies and procedures.
- Evaluated emerging risks in the industry to proactively address potential challenges and maintain business continuity.
- Leveraged data analytics tools for improved trend identification and risk assessment capabilities within the compliance program.
- Developed customized training programs to educate employees on essential compliance topics, promoting ethical behavior across the organization.
- Ensured timely completion of all regulatory filings, maintaining a strong reputation with governing bodies.
- Mentored junior staff members by offering insights into complex compliance-related problems while promoting professional development opportunities.
- Established effective communication channels between functional departments to facilitate information sharing related to regulatory requirements and best practices.
- Led successful audits and examinations, demonstrating the company's commitment to transparency and accountability.
- Provided expert guidance on complex compliance issues, enabling informed decision-making at the executive level.
- Advised senior leadership and Board of Directors on strategic initiatives from a compliance perspective, ensuring alignment with organizational values and objectives.
- Implemented a culture of continuous improvement within the Compliance Department by regularly reviewing processes, policies, and systems for potential enhancements.
- Improved cross-functional collaboration with key stakeholders, fostering a culture of compliance throughout the organization.
- Managed a high-performing team of compliance professionals, setting clear expectations and providing ongoing support for career growth.
- Streamlined internal processes for increased efficiency in risk management and regulatory reporting.
- Re-wrote and implemented updated consumer debt management agreement contributing to an increase in DMP activations
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
Take Charge America, Inc.
Manager, Support Services
01.2012 - 01.2015
Job overview
- Restructured Support Services streamlining responsibilities, reduction in supervisory staffing, and improved processes resulting in increased morale and 25% reduction of call time.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Tracked and analyzed disbursement function to ensure credit policies and state/regulatory requirement compliance.
- Collaborated with executive leadership on short- and long-term strategies to optimize efficiencies and results, and policy/process improvements in response to examination findings.
- Liaised between Support Services and other departments collaborating across organizational boundaries to accomplish established goals.
- Improved client retention rates by 12% by defining program to minimize monthly closures and improve customer service.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade technology infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and data security.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Recognized and encouraged customer service excellence by introducing employee recognition program with quarterly Shining Star Award and annual Super Star Awards.
Take Charge America, Inc.
Paralegal/Compliance Specialist II
01.2005 - 01.2012
Job overview
- Performed regulatory and compliance duties, while collaborating with legal staff to maintain and ensure continued regulatory compliance, licensing, and annual reporting to state and regulatory agencies
- Monitored and analyzed legislation related to financial education, credit counseling, debt management, and housing counseling
- Performed internal audits relative to compliance issues, and advised Compliance Manager on legislative impacts
- Compiled documentation and prepared responses to external regulatory examinations
- Researched and prepared written responses to consumer complaints received through third party agencies
- Processed state licensing/registration forms to obtain and maintain state licenses
- Improved organizational processes to ensure regulatory compliance
- Collaborated with legal and executives on licensing applications, filings and legal reporting
- Conceptualized, designed and initiated build of database management system to track regulatory deadlines
Education
University of PhoenixPhoenix, AZ
MBA
01.2010
University of PhoenixPhoenix, AZ
Bachelor of Science from Business Administration
01.2006
Phoenix CollegePhoenix, AZ
Associates of Applied Science from Legal Justice Studies
01.2001
Skills
- Ethical leadership
- Regulatory expertise
- Compliance monitoring
- Executive leadership
- Corporate governance
- Risk management
- Federal and state regulations
- Strategic business planning
- Compliance reviews
- Policy analysis
- Regulations enforcement
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
Affiliations
- National Foundation of Credit Counseling – Council on Member Affairs 2023-Present
- Financial Counseling Association of America – Compliance Committee Member
- HOA President – Stetson Court Homeowners Association, Glandale, AZ, 2022 - Present
Timeline
Manager, Support Services
Take Charge America, Inc.
01.2012 - 01.2015
Chief Compliance Officer
Take Charge America, Inc.
01.2005 - Current
Paralegal/Compliance Specialist II
Take Charge America, Inc.
01.2005 - 01.2012
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science from Business Administration
Phoenix College
Associates of Applied Science from Legal Justice Studies
University of Phoenix
MBA
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteHybridAvailability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Similar Profiles
Joseph MartinJoseph Martin
New Accounts Counselor, Student Loan Counselor, Housing Dual Counselor at Take Charge AmericaNew Accounts Counselor, Student Loan Counselor, Housing Dual Counselor at Take Charge America
Madeline HowellMadeline Howell
Support Specialist at Take Charge America, IncSupport Specialist at Take Charge America, Inc
Melanie CummingsMelanie Cummings
Customer Service Representative at Take Charge AmericaCustomer Service Representative at Take Charge America