Yvette Christion
Sioux Falls,USA
Summary
Banking operations professional with progressive leadership experience driving loan operations, operational risk management, regulatory compliance, and enterprise banking transformation initiatives within community banking. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, modernize operational processes, oversee core banking and Loan Origination System (LOS) conversions, and partner with executive leadership to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and support organizational growth. Recognized for strategic problem-solving, cross-functional leadership, and successfully leading teams through complex operational change.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Loan Operations Manager
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
01.2014 - Current
- Lead loan operations strategy and daily operational execution supporting commercial and consumer lending functions with 100% increase in asset size during my tenure.
- Manage operational controls, workflow efficiency, regulatory compliance, and audit readiness across loan operations.
- Partner with executive leadership on enterprise initiatives involving operational improvement, technology modernization, and operational risk mitigation.
- Directed loan core banking system conversion and vendor transition initiatives involving Fiserv and ancillary banking platforms.
- Partner in implementation of Loan Origination System (LOS), improving workflow consistency, operational efficiency, and user adoption.
- Oversee operational reporting and collaborate with executive leadership, auditors, examiners, and regulators on compliance and risk matters.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on service quality, operational scalability, and process efficiency.
- Develop and mentor 13 team members through coaching, cross-training, succession planning, and collaborative leadership.
Assistant Vice President, Loan Operations Manager
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Designed cross-functional task rotation initiatives that improved workforce flexibility and reduced key-person operational dependencies.
- Successfully led departmental integration initiatives while maintaining operational continuity and employee engagement during organizational change.
Commercial Credit Analyst
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
2009 - 2012
- Ensured regulatory compliance in all credit-related activities by staying updated on industry best practices and adhering to internal policies.
- Streamlined credit approval process for faster decision-making through meticulous documentation and collaboration with senior management.
- Enhanced customer relationships through effective communication, timely responses, and providing tailored financial solutions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative credit products that met the unique needs of clients.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of commercial loans, consistently meeting or exceeding performance targets.
Education
Executive Leadership Certificate - Banking
Graduate School of Banking At Colorado
Boulder, Colorado07-2021
Graduate Certificate - Banking
Graduate School of Banking At Colorado
Boulder, Colorado07-2021
Bachelor - Accounting & Business Administration
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, South Dakota05-2002
Skills
- Loan Operations Leadership
- Operational Risk & Controls
- Audit & Examination Readiness
- Core Banking Systems & Technology Conversions
- Loan Origination Systems (LOS)
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Process improvement &workflow optimization
- Business Continuity & Operational Scalability
- Banking Operations Management
- Vendor Management
- Team Development & Coaching
- Strategic Planning & Operations alignment
Websites
Timeline
Vice President, Loan Operations Manager
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
01.2014 - Current
Assistant Vice President, Loan Operations Manager
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
01.2012 - 01.2013
Commercial Credit Analyst
The First National Bank in Sioux Falls
2009 - 2012
Executive Leadership Certificate - Banking
Graduate School of Banking At Colorado
Graduate Certificate - Banking
Graduate School of Banking At Colorado
Bachelor - Accounting & Business Administration
Augustana University
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Spearheaded project to implement shadow accounting in core system - Remove 100% negative book balances
- Led strategic loan core banking conversion from in-house processing to outsourced data center environment, including Fiserv integration and ancillary banking systems
- Improved operational performance through process optimization, workflow redesign, and enhanced system usability
- Developed cross-training and task rotation programs that strengthened workforce flexibility, business continuity, and operational risk mitigation
- Successfully led operational integration and merger of two departments while maintaining service continuity and team engagement