Tamera Ray
Calhoun
Summary
Proven leader in strategic planning and organizational development, adept at driving business growth and operational efficiency at Century Bank of Georgia. Leveraged financial management and effective leadership skills to enhance team performance and achieve significant cost savings. Excelled in fostering stakeholder relationships, ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability. Senior operations executive boosts operational efficiency and service levels to drive sustainable growth across sectors. Cross-functional collaborator and proactive executive leader with skills in policy development, tactical planning and operational problem-solving. Knowledgeable about promoting stakeholder engagement and building consensus to drive change.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President Consumer Loan Operations
Southern States Bank (Century Bank Merge)
08.2024 - Current
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Developed new revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the organization.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Leveraged technology to automate workflows and streamline processes, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings across the organization.
- Enhanced company profitability by implementing strategic business plans and optimizing operational processes.
- Built high-performance teams through effective recruitment practices focused on competency alignment coupled with ongoing performance management processes.
- Championed talent development programs, promoting employee engagement and retention while enhancing overall workforce capabilities.
- Transformed customer experience by designing and executing comprehensive service improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing satisfaction levels.
- Spearheaded organizational restructuring initiatives, streamlining operations and reducing overhead costs.
- Ensured regulatory compliance at all times by implementing robust internal controls systems coupled with proactive monitoring mechanisms.
- Launched new products or services in various markets by conducting comprehensive market research studies and tailoring offerings based on customer needs analysis.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
Vice President of Operations and Compliance
Century Bank of Georgia
02.2013 - 08.2024
- Applied excellent problem-solving, process development, and strategic implementation skills to lead and support all areas of operations.
- Streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements.
- Supported project management team for optimal performance.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless collaboration for optimal business outcomes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by developing and implementing strategies to improve service quality.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners for mutually beneficial collaborations.
- Increased company profits through performance optimization strategies and efficiency improvements.
- Implemented new technologies to automate processes, resulting in reduced labor costs and increased efficiency.
- Established performance goals for department and outlined processes for achievement.
- Enhanced team cohesion by organizing regular training sessions focused on communication skills and conflict resolution techniques.
- Championed employee development programs to enhance skills, increase retention rates, and build a high-performance workforce.
- Developed strategic plans that aligned with organizational goals, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.
- Supported Executive Team in reviewing, identifying, and prioritizing strategic initiatives.
- Set clear goals to monitor targets and offered real-time input on performance and motivation.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Facilitated timely decision-making through accurate data analysis and insightful reporting on key operational metrics.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Identified issues with production, workforce, and material sourcing and implemented successful solutions.
- Optimized facility layout for improved workflow efficiency and safety compliance standards adherence.
- Increased profitability with cost control measures and revenue generation initiatives.
- Spearheaded change management initiatives, fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation within the organization.
- Streamlined operations and reduced overhead costs by implementing innovative inventory management system.
- Achieved operational excellence, setting new benchmarks for quality and efficiency in industry.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Century Bank of Georgia
02.2005 - 02.2013
- Coordinated travel arrangements by booking airfare, hotel, and ground transportation.
- Anticipated potential challenges in daily operations and devised appropriate solutions to maintain uninterrupted workflow in the executive office.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Created expense reports, budgets, and filing systems for management team.
- Contributed to smooth business operations by planning and organizing meetings and conferences.
- Optimized scheduling efficiency by coordinating meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for the CEO.
- Prepared meeting agendas and briefing papers for members of board of directors and executive team.
- Managed complex projects to successful completion, ensuring timely delivery of results to the CEO.
- Improved team collaboration by acting as a liaison between the CEO, executive team, and staff members.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Boosted morale with event planning and coordination of company-wide functions, celebrations, or gatherings.
- Screened calls and emails and initiated actions to respond or direct messages for managers.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Ensured timely completion of action items by tracking progress and following up on delegated tasks from the CEO.
- Contributed to strategic planning by providing administrative support during Board of Directors'' meetings.
- Increased meeting effectiveness with detailed preparation of agendas, materials, and minutes.
- Strengthened relationships with key partners through professional representation at industry events or conferences when necessary on behalf of the CEO.
- Updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on performance and sales data.
- Promoted organizational culture by implementing new initiatives as directed by the Chief Executive Officer.
- Enhanced productivity with meticulous organization of documents and files for easy access and retrieval.
- Facilitated smooth operations within the executive office by overseeing daily tasks and assignments.
- Reduced expenses through effective negotiation of vendor contracts for office supplies and services.
- Assisted in budget management by monitoring expenditures, processing expense reports, and reconciling accounts for the executive office.
- Safeguarded high standards in all documentation produced under my purview for accuracy.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Answered high volume of phone calls and email inquiries.
- Screened calls and emails and responded accordingly to support executive correspondence.
- Facilitated training and onboarding for incoming office staff.
- Used advanced software to prepare documents, reports, and presentations.
- Worked with senior management to initiate new projects and assist in various processes.
- Handled logistics, catering, agendas and travel arrangements for meeting and event planning for board of directors, president and executive vice president.
- Coordinated events and worked on ad hoc projects.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Coordinated with loan officers to optimize the pre-approval process, resulting in a smoother overall experience for clients.
- Supported loan processing by compiling applicant documentation such as credit reports, employment verifications, and financial history paperwork.
- Managed customer relations, ensuring timely communication of loan status updates for increased client retention.
- Cultivated productive relationships with clients, realtors, and title/escrow officers to increase profits and expand customer base.
- Developed strong rapport with real estate agents, cultivating valuable referral networks that led to increased business growth opportunities.
- Streamlined communication channels between clients, Loan Officers, and underwriters to ensure timely updates and efficient information sharing.
- Proactively addressed potential roadblocks in the loan process, resulting in faster resolution of issues and higher client satisfaction rates.
- Monitored key dates to obtain information by deadlines.
- Facilitated prompt closing of loans by organizing necessary paperwork and collaborating effectively with title companies.
- Enhanced loan application turnaround by meticulously reviewing and submitting documents in timely manner.
- Coordinated with underwriters to expedite loan processing, facilitating quicker decision-making.
- Assisted in reducing application errors, carefully verifying applicant information against required documentation.
- Assisted in development of loan packages tailored to clients' financial situations, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Loan Operations Administrator
Century Bank of Georgia
01.2002 - 02.2005
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
- Maintained personnel records and updated internal databases to support document management.
- Organized workflow and delegated tasks effectively to ensure timely project completion without compromising quality.
- Managed office inventory levels, ensuring adequate supplies were available while minimizing waste and unnecessary spending.
- Provided exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders through prompt response times and thorough issue resolution efforts.
- Supervised administrative support staff members, offering guidance, feedback, and mentorship that contributed to their professional growth and development.
- Maintained accurate documentation of company policies and procedures for easy reference by all employees.
- Established an organized filing system that streamlined document retrieval and reduced misplaced files.
- Improved employee productivity with effective time management strategies for daily tasks.
- Served as a liaison between departments, fostering open communication channels that improved overall organizational function.
- Managed human resources functions, including hiring, onboarding, and employee evaluations for optimal team performance.
- Enhanced internal communication by creating a centralized information hub accessible to all staff members.
- Led transition to paperless office, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade software, ensuring all systems were up-to-date and running efficiently.
- Facilitated communication between departments, ensuring smooth operation and timely completion of projects.
- Maintained strict adherence to regulatory guidelines, minimizing compliance risks for the bank.
- Played a critical role in driving successful audit results through diligent record-keeping practices.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decision-making related to product offerings and pricing strategies.
- Examined ledger tickets for expenses and fees with accuracy and efficiency.
- Streamlined loan processing for improved efficiency and faster approvals.
- Collaborated with compliance department to eliminate procedural errors and margin breaks.
- Adhered to established security procedures and reported potential fraud or safety violations to management for immediate recourse.
- Provided direction and leadership to all employees to maximize productivity and bottom-line profitability.
- Utilized up-to-date information to make effective decisions governing bank operations.
- Prepared employee documentation, routine evaluation measures and recommendations.
- Utilized financial software to prepare consolidated financial statements.
- Designed and maintained financial models to identify and measure risks.
- Reviewed historical records, current operational data and forecasting information to identify and capitalize on system enhancement opportunities.
Retail Service Officer
Branch Banking and Trust Company
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Maintained strict adherence to industry regulations, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of various loan products, allowing for accurate recommendations to customers.
- Streamlined the loan application process for improved efficiency and faster approvals.
- Managed a pipeline of loans, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines consistently.
- Analyzed applicants'' financial profiles to identify suitable loan programs based on their needs and qualifications.
- Reduced processing errors significantly by implementing more stringent quality control measures during document review.
- Kept up-to-date on regulatory changes to ensure full compliance with all federal and state lending guidelines.
- Conducted thorough market research to stay informed about trends impacting retail lending strategies and product offerings.
- Negotiated favorable terms on behalf of borrowers while maintaining adherence to lender guidelines and requirements.
- Exceeded monthly performance goals by diligently following up on leads and maintaining a proactive approach to client outreach.
- Contributed to sales growth by successfully cross-selling banking products and services during customer interactions.
- Assisted in training new loan officers, sharing industry expertise and best practices for success in the role.
- Worked closely with clients throughout the entire loan process, addressing any questions or concerns promptly.
- Participated in community events as a representative of the company, fostering goodwill and promoting brand awareness.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized loan solutions tailored to individual needs.
- Maintained strong relationships with real estate agents, increasing referral business opportunities.
- Mitigated potential risks through diligent assessment of applicant creditworthiness before approving loans.
- Collaborated with underwriters and processors for timely loan closings, ensuring a positive borrower experience.
- Improved internal communication between departments by implementing more efficient workflows within the loan process.
- Maintained detailed records of all borrower interactions, ensuring seamless handover between team members when necessary.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of bank records and client information.
- Leveraged knowledge of industry trends and competitor offers to successfully negotiate better rates for clients, resulting in increased loan volume.
- Submitted loan applications to underwriter for verification and recommendations.
- Originated, reviewed, processed, closed, and administered customer loan proposals.
- Developed strong relationships with customers through high levels of customer service.
- Assisted customers in understanding loan terms and conditions to make informed decisions.
- Examined customer loan applications for loan approvals and denials.
- Advised clients on mortgage, education and personal loans.
- Collaborated with other departments to promptly process loan applications.
- Negotiated loan terms to provide favorable outcomes for both customers and lenders.
- Processed loan applications and monitored progress from start to finish.
Education
Graduate Degree - Banking
Louisiana State University And A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA06.2024
Georgia Banking School - Banking
University of Georgia
Athens, GA05.2017
Business Administration -
Dalton State College
Dalton, GA12.1995
Skills
- Strategic planning and execution
- Organizational Development
- Cost analysis and savings
- Business Development
- Business Administration
- Management Team Building
- Financial Management
- Effective leader
- Regulatory knowledge
Timeline
Vice President Consumer Loan Operations
Southern States Bank (Century Bank Merge)
08.2024 - Current
Vice President of Operations and Compliance
Century Bank of Georgia
02.2013 - 08.2024
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Century Bank of Georgia
02.2005 - 02.2013
Loan Operations Administrator
Century Bank of Georgia
01.2002 - 02.2005
Retail Service Officer
Branch Banking and Trust Company
01.2000 - 01.2002
Graduate Degree - Banking
Louisiana State University And A&M College
Georgia Banking School - Banking
University of Georgia
Business Administration -
Dalton State College
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