William F. ZARU
Executive
Frederick,MD
Summary
Strategic and results-driven executive with over 25 years of experience leading complex, multimillion-dollar global programs and portfolios. Demonstrated expertise in driving program excellence, financial management, compliance, and organizational growth across diverse, multicultural teams. Proven track record in effectively managing risk, optimizing operations, and aligning strategy with organizational goals to achieve sustainable impact. Skilled at fostering cross-functional collaboration and leading high-performing teams to success in dynamic, high-risk environments.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director – Regulatory Operations
DAI
08.2024 - 02.2025
- Directed global regulatory operations for 70 legal entities, ensuring compliance, continuity, and risk mitigation across 55 countries
- Managed a global banking network of 280 accounts, overseeing regulatory compliance and formulating strategic banking solutions in high-risk markets
- Led litigation strategy and claims management, collaborating with external counsel and internal stakeholders to mitigate millions of dollars in financial risk
- Oversaw over 1200 business proposals, leading financial risk analysis, ROI evaluations, stakeholder negotiations, and ensuring alignment with company objectives
- Cultivated a culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
- Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
Senior Director – Operations and Systems
DAI
08.2014 - 07.2024
- Developed and executed long-term strategies aligning operations with corporate goals, driving agility in operational models and data-driven decision-making
- Directed cross-functional teams across Procurement, Business Process Transformation, Compliance, Quality Management, and Field Operations
- Spearheaded the creation and automation of two global Operating Manuals, standardizing policies and procedures to ensure consistent global operations
- Designed and implemented talent development strategies, enhancing global mobility and establishing a robust Quality Assurance & Control framework across 90+ projects
Senior Director Project Finance
DAI
09.2012 - 07.2014
- Led a global team of 25 professionals, transforming the Project Finance Unit into a global support hub for a $500M portfolio
- Directed financial operations across multiple regions, ensuring seamless communication and coordination between teams in Afghanistan, Armenia, Indonesia, Jordan, North Africa, and the US
- Dual Role overlapping with the position of Senior Country Director
- Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
Senior Country Director
DAI
09.2011 - 07.2014
- Managed regional operations, overseeing diverse teams focused on facilitating growth and expansion across multiple countries
- Formulated and executed market expansion strategies, significantly enhancing client acquisition across new geographies
- Developed comprehensive annual budgets, outlining financial requirements for programs and activities.
- Evaluated program success using data-driven approaches leading to informed decision making around resource allocation.
Director Financial Analysis & Interim Director Contracts & Procurement
DAI
01.2009 - 08.2012
- Directed financial operations for large-scale projects with budgets ranging from $1M to $300M
- Streamlined proposal processes and contract negotiations, ensuring regulatory compliance and optimizing successful proposal submissions
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
Senior Pricing Specialist & Pricing Manager
DAI
07.2005 - 12.2008
- Led the development and execution of pricing strategies for proposals across various contract vehicles, overseeing financial analyses and negotiating subcontractor rates to maintain company margins
- Improved proposal review processes, enhancing approval rates and providing strategic insights to senior leadership
- Reviewed historical sales data to identify trends and inform future pricing decisions, ensuring alignment with overall business strategy.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to establish competitive pricing strategies, resulting in increased market share.
Project Manager
DAI
11.2002 - 11.2004
- Managed a $2.8M project to restore production infrastructure in the West Bank, creating over 700 new employment opportunities and supporting the revival of 100+ local businesses
- Led project teams through equipment & facilities replacements and ensured full compliance with client requirements
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
Executive Director
Tamer Institute for Community Education
09.2000 - 08.2002
- Managed a multimillion-dollar portfolio, enhancing operational systems, financial procedures, and organizational sustainability for a nonprofit focused on community education
- Directed grant programs, fundraising initiatives, and strategic partnerships, expanding the institute's domestic and international stakeholder network
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
Operations Manager
Shahrazad Homes
08.1994 - 07.2000
- Managed financial and project operations for a leading home development company, executing long-term strategies and capital budgeting for low-income housing projects
- Negotiated financing packages and managed vendor relationships to ensure project compliance and timely delivery
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
Education
M.B.A. -
Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University
Bethesda, Maryland01.2007
B.A. - Management, Minor in Economics
Earlham College
Richmond, Indiana01.1992
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Leadership & Team Development
- Business Development & Market Expansion
- Analytical Decision-Making & Problem Solving
- Cultural Competence & Multicultural Team Leadership
- Scenario & Contingency Planning
- Global Compliance & Regulatory Strategy
- Effective Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Financial Management & Budgeting
- Operational Efficiency & Process Optimization
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
LANGUAGES
English | Fluent (speaking and writing)
Arabic | Fluent (speaking and writing)
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteHybridImportant To Me
Company CulturePersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsTeam Building / Company Retreats401k matchPaid sick leaveStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingTimeline
Senior Director – Regulatory Operations
DAI
08.2024 - 02.2025
Senior Director – Operations and Systems
DAI
08.2014 - 07.2024
Senior Director Project Finance
DAI
09.2012 - 07.2014
Senior Country Director
DAI
09.2011 - 07.2014
Director Financial Analysis & Interim Director Contracts & Procurement
DAI
01.2009 - 08.2012
Senior Pricing Specialist & Pricing Manager
DAI
07.2005 - 12.2008
Project Manager
DAI
11.2002 - 11.2004
Executive Director
Tamer Institute for Community Education
09.2000 - 08.2002
Operations Manager
Shahrazad Homes
08.1994 - 07.2000
B.A. - Management, Minor in Economics
Earlham College
M.B.A. -
Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University
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