TIA SABAWI
Buckeye
Summary
I bring my enthusiasm and expertise of over 18 years in customer service, sales, and lending to an organization whose mission is to provide exceptional services and financial security for their community while embracing a can-do spirit, empathy towards others, respect, honesty, and integrity. Seasoned Vice President with a proven track record in strategic planning, financial management and team leadership. Skilled at implementing operational improvements to drive productivity and profit growth. Demonstrated abilities in fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, partners, and clients while delivering high-impact business results. Known for problem-solving acumen, innovative thinking, and strong communication skills.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSUMER LENDING
RIO GRANDE CU
Albuquerque
02.2020 - 03.2025
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance member service quality and satisfaction.
- Monitored key performance indicators to assess and improve operational efficiency.
- Spearheaded initiatives to diversify product offerings and expand market reach.
- Developed comprehensive training programs to enhance employee skills and performance.
- Negotiated partnerships with local businesses to increase community engagement.
- Managed financial forecasting and budgeting processes to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Established risk management frameworks to identify and mitigate potential threats.
- Conducted market research to inform strategic decision-making and competitive positioning.
- Fostered a culture of collaboration and accountability among team members.
- Streamlined loan processing procedures to improve turnaround times and member experience.
- Implemented technology solutions to enhance operational workflows and reporting accuracy.
- Facilitated regular performance evaluations to align team goals with organizational objectives.
- Promoted financial literacy programs to empower members and strengthen community ties.
- Collaborated with executive team members on major decisions regarding company-wide initiatives.
- Created effective communication strategies between management team members and employees at all levels of the organization.
- Developed and executed strategic plans to support the vision of the organization.
- Implemented process improvement procedures that resulted in cost savings across the board.
- Engaged with stakeholders to gather feedback and enhance service delivery.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for services, products and supplies.
- Oversaw human resources functions such as recruitment, employee relations, training and benefits administration.
- Established performance standards for staff members in order to drive productivity levels up.
- Designed incentive programs that motivated staff members while ensuring profitability targets were met.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to operations activities.
- Coordinated with IT department to implement new technologies and systems enhancements.
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities to expand market presence and revenue streams.
- Oversaw quality assurance efforts to maintain high standards of product and service delivery.
- Oversaw talent acquisition, training, and development programs to build high-performing teams.
- Guided change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new business practices.
- Oversaw corrective action plans to remedy structural, organizational and departmental issues.
- Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.
DIRECTOR OF INDIRECT LENDING
FIRST ENTERTAINMENT CU
HOLLYWOOD
07.2019 - 01.2020
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to drive growth and enhance operational efficiency.
- Monitored regulatory changes to ensure adherence to compliance standards across the organization.
- Fostered relationships with key stakeholders to align organizational goals with member needs.
- Executed performance evaluations to assess team contributions and identify areas for improvement.
- Led process improvement projects that streamlined operations and reduced costs.
- Coordinated training programs to elevate team competencies and improve service delivery.
- Engaged in market analysis to identify trends and inform product development strategies.
- Implemented risk management protocols to safeguard the organization against potential threats.
- Utilized data analytics to track key performance indicators and drive decision-making processes.
- Promoted a culture of transparency and accountability to enhance team collaboration and morale.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Established performance metrics to drive employee engagement and productivity.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
- Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
- Coordinated activities with other departments to expedite work and improve collaboration.
- Reviewed internal reports and identified areas of risk or potential cost savings.
- Monitored market conditions and competitor activities to inform business decisions.
- Represented the organization at industry events, conferences, and public meetings.
- Spearheaded the development and launch of new products or services.
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSUMER LENDING
XCEED FINANCIAL FCU
EL SEGUNDO
04.2014 - 12.2018
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance member service quality and satisfaction.
- Monitored key performance indicators to assess and improve operational efficiency.
- Spearheaded initiatives to diversify product offerings and expand market reach.
- Developed comprehensive training programs to enhance employee skills and performance.
- Established risk management frameworks to identify and mitigate potential threats.
- Conducted market research to inform strategic decision-making and competitive positioning.
- Fostered a culture of collaboration and accountability among team members.
- Streamlined loan processing procedures to improve turnaround times and member experience.
- Implemented technology solutions to enhance operational workflows and reporting accuracy.
- Promoted financial literacy programs to empower members and strengthen community ties.
- Collaborated with executive team members on major decisions regarding company-wide initiatives.
- Created effective communication strategies between management team members and employees at all levels of the organization.
- Developed and executed strategic plans to support the vision of the organization.
- Engaged with stakeholders to gather feedback and enhance service delivery.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for services, products and supplies.
- Oversaw human resources functions such as recruitment, employee relations, training and benefits administration.
- Advised senior executives on approaches for resolving complex issues impacting operations.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for growth within existing markets or new ones.
- Designed incentive programs that motivated staff members while ensuring profitability targets were met.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to operations activities.
- Analyzed competitive landscape to adjust strategies and maintain competitive advantage.
- Reported to executive leadership on performance metrics, challenges, and strategic opportunities.
- Coordinated with IT department to implement new technologies and systems enhancements.
- Managed crisis situations, implementing contingency plans to minimize impact on operations.
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities to expand market presence and revenue streams.
- Oversaw quality assurance efforts to maintain high standards of product and service delivery.
- Coordinated with marketing to develop branding and promotional strategies.
- Facilitated team meetings and workshops to align on goals and strategies.
- Implemented customer service excellence standards to enhance client satisfaction and loyalty.
- Guided change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new business practices.
- Hired, trained, and mentored staff members to maximize productivity.
- Oversaw corrective action plans to remedy structural, organizational and departmental issues.
- Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.
- Created program to promote new managers from within, leading to cohesive leadership structure.
- Executed on-time, under-budget project management to adhere to project road map.
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF INDIRECT LENDING
USC CU
LOS ANGELES
08.2013 - 04.2014
- Developed strategic initiatives to enhance operational performance and drive organizational growth.
- Analyzed market trends to inform product development and service offerings, ensuring alignment with member needs.
- Led cross-departmental teams to implement process improvements that streamlined operations and reduced costs.
- Engaged with stakeholders to facilitate feedback loops and improve service delivery across the organization.
- Coordinated training sessions to elevate team competencies and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality services.
- Monitored compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.
- Fostered a culture of accountability and transparency, enhancing team collaboration and morale.
- Conducted performance evaluations to assess team contributions and identify areas for professional development.
- Facilitated communication between management and staff to align on goals and operational strategies.
- Identified new business opportunities and developed strategies to expand market presence and revenue streams.
- Created and maintained a positive working environment through effective leadership practices.
- Evaluated existing processes for effectiveness and recommended improvements when necessary.
- Ensured compliance with established policies, procedures and regulations.
- Collaborated with upper management to create long-term business plans.
- Provided guidance, support and direction to subordinates in order to achieve organizational goals.
- Supported senior leadership by reviewing and prioritizing strategic initiatives.
- Executed swift and timely resolution and follow-up.
- Identified areas for improvement within the organization and developed strategies for addressing them.
- Monitored departmental performance metrics to ensure objectives were met or exceeded.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss progress on projects and initiatives.
- Networked within communities to identify and capitalize on business opportunities.
- Reviewed applications against established parameters to determine approval, rejection, or modification requirements.
- Analyzed competitive landscape to adjust strategies and maintain competitive advantage.
- Reported to executive leadership on performance metrics, challenges, and strategic opportunities.
SUPERVISOR OF INDIRECT LENDING
L.A. FINANCIAL FCU
PASADENA
04.2012 - 08.2013
- Managed daily operations to ensure seamless workflow and efficiency.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance team skills and performance.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to assess employee contributions and identify development needs.
- Monitored compliance with industry regulations to mitigate risks and ensure operational integrity.
- Collaborated with management to establish strategic objectives and align team goals.
- Utilized data analytics to track key performance metrics and drive decision-making processes.
- Identified process inefficiencies and led initiatives to improve operational workflows.
- Trained new hires on company policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate workflow processes between teams.
- Conducted weekly meetings with team members to discuss upcoming tasks and project deadlines.
- Implemented new operational procedures, increasing efficiency.
- Streamlined workflow processes, reducing project completion times.
- Prepared and presented reports on team performance, challenges, and achievements to senior management.
- Implemented quality control measures, significantly reducing error rates.
- Managed scheduling for staff, ensuring adequate coverage during peak times and projects.
SENIOR UNDERWRITER
UNIFY FINANCIAL FCU
HAWTHORNE
08.2006 - 04.2012
- Evaluated loan applications to assess risk and determine approval eligibility based on established guidelines.
- Collaborated with loan officers to provide insights on underwriting policies and improve loan quality.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential issues and recommend solutions to mitigate financial exposure.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations and compliance requirements impacting underwriting processes.
- Trained junior underwriters on best practices and company policies to enhance team performance and efficiency.
- Developed and refined underwriting criteria to improve risk assessment accuracy and streamline approval processes.
- Facilitated communication between departments to resolve underwriting issues and enhance overall workflow.
- Reviewed and monitored loan documentation for completeness and accuracy prior to final approval.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and concerns from borrowers throughout the underwriting process.
- Documented all decisions made during the underwriting process in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Conducted detailed analysis of borrower creditworthiness by evaluating financial statements, tax returns and other related documents.
- Monitored underwriters' workflows to boost accuracy, align procedures and improve efficiencies.
- Engaged in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance underwriting practices and reduce operational risks.
- Established strong relationships with external partners to facilitate efficient communication and expedite approval processes.
- Performed quality control reviews on all approved and declined loans prior to closing.
- Maintained profitable book of business with careful attention to standards.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, best practices, government regulations, market conditions.
- Executed sound risk and pricing decisions to achieve profitable loss ratios.
- Monitored pipeline activity to ensure timely processing of all loans within established service level agreements.
- Appraised value of collateral properties to determine their acceptability as security for loans.
- Provided recommendations for risk management and insurance coverage.
- Monitored loan portfolio performance to identify and mitigate potential risks.
- Collaborated with loan originators and processors to gather necessary documentation.
Education
M.A. - HUMANITIES
CSU DOMINGUEZ HILLS
Carson, CA01.2011
B.A. - ART HISTORY
CSU DOMINGUEZ HILLS
Carson, CA01.2004
Skills
- Collections and Credit Relations
- Customer Service and Sales
- Clerical and Recordkeeping
- Cash Handling
- Payment Processing
- Consumer and Indirect Lending
- Product Innovation
- Consumer Engagement
- Retail Sales
- Loan Origination and Servicing
- Credit and Risk Analysis
- Risk Management and Compliance
- Vendor Management and Policy Review
- Project and Portfolio Management
- Process Automation
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Data Analysis
- Product Profitability
Accomplishments
- Guide to Credit Card Balances – U.S. News and World Report
- Paying Off Credit Cards: Top Reason to Get a Personal Loan – CreditKarma.com
- Understanding Your Credit Card’s Extended Warranty Benefit – U.S. News.com
- Credit Union Development Educator Designation
- Consumer Solar Lending Professional Training Certification
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSUMER LENDING
RIO GRANDE CU
02.2020 - 03.2025
DIRECTOR OF INDIRECT LENDING
FIRST ENTERTAINMENT CU
07.2019 - 01.2020
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSUMER LENDING
XCEED FINANCIAL FCU
04.2014 - 12.2018
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF INDIRECT LENDING
USC CU
08.2013 - 04.2014
SUPERVISOR OF INDIRECT LENDING
L.A. FINANCIAL FCU
04.2012 - 08.2013
SENIOR UNDERWRITER
UNIFY FINANCIAL FCU
08.2006 - 04.2012
M.A. - HUMANITIES
CSU DOMINGUEZ HILLS
B.A. - ART HISTORY
CSU DOMINGUEZ HILLS