As a forward-thinking leader with expertise in sales, marketing, planning, management, and coaching, I have a proven track record of leveraging data-driven insights to drive success. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated my effectiveness in building strong relationships with corporate partners, colleagues, and stakeholders. My leadership approach is marked by a solid capacity to steer operations toward higher productivity, sustained growth, and achieving objectives. I use my analytical skills to develop and execute strategic plans and initiatives aligning team performance with the organization's mission. With over 17 years of experience in sales and sales management, I have worked in various settings, gaining valuable insights and expertise that transcend industry boundaries.
Strategic Planning & Execution
Training & Onboarding Program Development
Sales Operations & Performance Improvement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Leadership in Change Management
Relationship Building & Stakeholder Engagement
First Citizens Bank
Assistant Vice President/Financial Sales Manager II | August 2024-Present
Lead and develop financial sales teams to achieve new business growth, including life and financial solutions cross-selling.
Collaborate with internal teams to deliver resources, tools, and training for success in sales and client retention.
Coach and mentor team members on financial services products, focusing on deepening client relationships and achieving sales targets.
Drive onboarding and recruitment of Financial Sales Associates (FSAs) to build a high-performing, client-focused team.
Partner with compliance and training departments to ensure adherence to financial regulations and enhance sales practices.
Currently pursuing the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) certification to deepen expertise in financial solutions and advisory.
HLS Professional Services
Owner/CEO | December 2023- Present
Lead comprehensive business consulting services, developing and implementing strategic plans, operational improvements, and financial management solutions for diverse clients.
Provide career coaching, including resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies, resulting in successful career advancements for clients.
Consult for insurance agency owners, delivering tailored strategies to enhance business growth, risk management, and operational efficiency.
Manage all aspects of business operations, including finance, marketing, and client relations, while leading a team of consultants and support staff.
State Farm Insurance
Vice President of Agency February 2024- August 2024
Led comprehensive HR responsibilities, from interviewing and onboarding to payroll and policy development.
Established accurate job descriptions, identified gaps, and implemented a Merit Review process.
Collaborated with teams to set and track clear monthly, quarterly, and yearly business goals.
Conducted effective monthly team meetings and managed agendas in the absence of the agent.
Provided coaching, focusing on time management, problem-solving, and goal progress.
Oversaw expenses and accounting, contributing to P&L statements and collaborating with the CFO.
Spearheaded process improvements, from handbook enhancements to vendor relationship management.
Managed various technology challenges, ensuring smooth operations and addressing the agent's accountability.
MAI Risk Advisors
Executive Vice President July 2022- December 2023
Assume responsibility for executing the insurance agency's business plans, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
Be accountable for achieving P&L results by managing revenue, expenses, and profitability within the agency.
Oversee and manage all functional areas within the insurance agency, including Marketing, Finance, Distribution, Technology, and Customer Service.
Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within the agency.
Stay updated on industry trends, competitive dynamics, and best practices to identify growth opportunities.
Cultivate strong relationships with clients, partners, and regulatory authorities to enhance the agency's reputation and success.
Ensure compliance with relevant insurance regulations and proactively address any compliance risks.
Champion customer satisfaction and retention through effective client service strategies and initiatives.
Manage budgets, resources, and expenditures efficiently to optimize agency operations.
Lead, mentor, and develop the agency team, setting performance goals and expectations.
Evaluate and optimize operational processes to improve efficiency and service quality.
Stay informed about emerging insurance industry trends and innovations to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE
Sales Planning Manager October 2021- June 2022
Provided sales operations support for ten branch locations across the country.
Oversaw the measurement, monitoring, and reporting of divisional projects, including progress and resource utilization.
Established, communicated, and implemented departmental plans, objectives, and strategies.
Created an effective work environment by developing a shared vision, setting clear objectives, expecting teamwork, recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance, and maintaining open communications.
Sales (R&D) Research and Development Program Manager. October 2021- June 2022
Promoted and oversaw strategic relationships between internal and external resources.
Aligned research requests with divisional and organizational strategies.
Led, mentored, and developed the cross-divisional team to achieve goals and objectives.
Prioritized and controlled projects about their impact on agency owner transformation.
Managed multiple project requests from intake to scale.
Was charged with resource allocation and strategic alignment of programs.
Sales Manager November 2016- October 2021
Achieved a 40% increase in branch profitability.
Established processes and procedures to generate scalable and repeatable outcomes for new distribution channels, opening nine additional locations.
Vigilantly monitored and analyzed business performance.
Introduced initiatives that contributed to a remarkable 120-point enhancement in the combined ratio.
Successfully spearheaded a corporate restructuring effort, resulting in a 66% reduction in staff.
Designed and implemented a Peer Partner Program focused on reducing onboarding costs.
Provided consultancy services to agents, aiding in improving key performance indicators and enhancing agency revenue and cost efficiency; managed sales agents through performance plans.
Maintained active involvement with the team, which included conducting performance reviews and tracking progress against targets.
CAPTIVE AND INDEPENDENT INSURANCE SALES EXPERIENCE DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & ACCOLADES
Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch, 2023
Safe Homes 2023 Fake it to Make it Contestant. Raised $242,000 for domestic violence from the event.
Ronald McDonald House Charity Wine Women and Shoes Marketplace Chair
AFLIC for Life Insurance Sales, Qualifier, 2018, 2019; All American Qualifier, 2019, 2020, 2021
Young Professionals of Augusta, Board of Directors, 2015-2017; “Ed Presnell” Award Recipient, 2016
Cyber City’s “Best Insurance Agent in Augusta, Finalist, 2018, 2019
Columbia County Chamber, “Woman on the Way” Designee, 2017; Leadership Columbia County
Participant, 2018, Youth Leadership Columbia County Steering Committee Member, 2020-22
CPCU Designation
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Accredited Small Business Consultant (ASBC ®)
EOS Integrator Masterclass Graduate
Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent; Licensed Life and Health Agent
Augusta University, Augusta, GA, Bachelor of Business Administration (In-Progress)
Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) – In Progress