LAKECIA H.

STEWART
emorygwu@yahoo.com | M: 865-207-3317 | Alexandria, VA 22312

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
Strategic and growth-oriented International Business and Banking Expert, combining relationship building skills and proactive leadership philosophy to achieve consistent, sterling revenue generation. Visionary strategist and change agent who excels at driving superior growth in difficult markets; chief architect and manager of multicultural product and service strategies, uncovering millions in potential revenue. Decisive, engaging leader excellent at fostering collaboration across business lines during periods of significant change, setting strategic direction in periods of crisis and executing crossfunctional marketing strategies, resulting in superior employee & client retention and growth & maximum accretion to bottom line through minimal disruption. Proven talent as coach, mentor and sales manager in demonstrating and managing corporate sales strategies for existing & newly merged partners, ensuring diverse & top tier revenue performance. Impeccable track record of 15+ years of professional experience, supplemented by extensive educational background and some proficiency in Mandarin Chinese, ensuring continual learning and ability to navigate complex business environments.

P ROFESSIONAL E XPERIENCE

Study of Mandarin Chinese Language BB&T Corporation Multiple Locations

Among the largest financial services holding companies in the US with $174.6MM in assets .

June 2012-Present 1994 to 1999 & 2001-May 2012

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, BRAND & COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY (2007 to 2012) Falls Church, VA
Provide impactful leadership to strategic marketing and advertising programs for multiple regions and business units within community banking network for 13 regions in 7 states. Assist with creating culturally sensitive Mandarin Chinese translations and utilize advertising and marketing resources for various cultural messaging opportunities in 13 regions. Steer targeted communications and brand strategies to penetrate assigned communities while maintaining brand consistency and legal compliance. Set direction for regional marketing budget. Clarify internal rate of return model to elevate tracking of advertising dollars. Selected by senior management as key participant in initial set-up of bank-wide Womens Business Resource Group, in an effort to diversify revenue streams and hiring initiatives. Architected robust and forward-thinking study for Emerging Markets Group, playing integral part in banks multi -cultural strategy; targeted and analyzed Asian market with millions in potential revenue. Masterminded Refer-A-Friend promotion that delivered 32% year-over-year growth in new account openings and 63.4% internal rate of return. Generated $100K+ in annual savings by developing analytical tools to evaluate sponsorships and marketing initiatives, as well as re-negotiating contracts to lower costs; initiative expanded across Corporate Marketing Group. Realized $150K in annual savings by proposing to bring advertising function in house.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, REGIONAL RETAIL BANKING MANAGER (2005 to 2007) Baltimore, MD
Entrusted with merging major regions to lead retail banking across Baltimore Metro region, one of largest regions within banking network, while simulataneusly being chosen to execute regional manager pilot. Carried chief oversight for managing and growing retail loan portfolio of $400MM+; co-managed deposit portfolio of $2BB+ across 60 financial centers. Spearheaded regional multi-cultural strategy, defining sensitive approach to targeting diverse cultural segments. Developed robust marketing and sales strategies to maximize profitability and financial performance across all business lines. Coached and directed team of district managers to instill revenue growth, cost containment and client-oriented culture. Propelled net income 26.5% year-over-year and loans outstanding by nearly 100%. Established coaching matrix and developed report to represent earnings per employee, generating 150% increase per year in net new accounts and 91% increase in deposit accounts per employee. Advanced employee retention by proactively managing relationships and internal issues and doubling frequency of formal evaluations. Outperformed net new retail and commercial deposit account growth and cross-sell objectives consistently. Recognized as most improved of 30+ regions in sales campaign bank wide, as newly merged region.

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VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS SERVICES OFFICER (2004 to 2005) Washington, DC

Appointed by bank President and local Regional President to drive loan, deposit, and fee-based revenue growth for commercial client portfolio, leveraging consultative sales approach. Demonstrated expertise at driving team to top-tier level of client service and portfolio profitability. Liaised closely with C-level executives for corporate clientele. Drove turnaround of beleaguered portfolios valued at ~$20MM. Acquired new business relationships through successful business development strategies and crafted highly individualized loan, deposit, capital market, treasury, risk management, and associated non-credit services for large corporate clientele with loans between $500K and $8MM. Participated in general loan review and problem loan review committees. Garnered Presidents Award (top regional sales and revenue award) out of 30+ regions. Outsold all other account officers in sales campaigns during first six months of inheriting commercial loan portfolio. Multi-million dollar loan growth in first year by obtaining new clients, retaining and cross-selling existing accounts. Recognized by superiors as among the top Business Services Officers in revenue generation.

VICE PRESIDENT, REGIONAL SALES MANAGER (2001 to 2004) Knoxville, TN

Recruited back to BB&T to spearhead sales and facilitate integration of merger of multi-million dollar loan and deposit operations following purchase of financial institution. Provided superior sales and leadership training as Regional Sales Manager, to smooth merger transition and create immediate sales boost. Crucial to setting corporate culture and building sales process across new region of 36 newly acquired financial centers. Analyzed sales results and built new goals and performance strategies. Lauded for setting the stage for region winning Presidents Award in 2006 (top regional revenue and sales award). Led rapid return to profitability following merger and lost fewer accounts than any other region following merger. Simultaneously balanced two regional roles as Regional Retail Banking Manager and Regional Sales Coordinator for three months during period of crisis, which had never been done in the region. Developed EVA (economic value added) proposal for incentive changes utilized by corporate financial management. Developed earnings per employee report utilized as benchmark by corporate. Developed motivational sales tool focused on life, family and work; shared by bank President for contributing to revenue and sales growth.

P REVIOUS E XPERIENCE
Previously excelled as Assistant Vice President, Financial Center Manager at BB&T. Consistently received Sterling Performer Award, the company's top recognition for revenue and sales production.

E DUCATION & A DDITIONAL I NFORMATION

Language Certificate, Mandarin Chinese Beijing Normal University and East China Normal University Beijing and Shanghai, China (2012) Masters Degree in International Policy & Practice , Concentration in Asian Economies George Washington University, Elliot School of International Affairs Washington, DC (2011) Selected as International Economic Policy Research Fellow Selected as International Economic Policy Research Fellow Masters Degree in Business Administration , Concentration in Corporate Finance Emory University Atlanta, GA (2001) Robert A. Toigo Investment Banking Fellowship, Accepted into 18-month accelerated program for early graduation Bachelors Degree in Finance University of North Carolina, Wilmington Wilmington, NC Functional expertise in Mandarin Chinese

P ERSONAL INTERESTS
Asian AffairsMotivational StrategiesResearchRunningReadingMentoringTravelingInternational CuisineCritical Thinking