Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Shannon Watkins is an accomplished finance executive with extensive experience in the credit union industry. As the Chief Lending Officer at ASE Credit Union, she is responsible for overseeing the organization's lending operations, driving strategic growth initiatives, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. With a strong background in underwriting, client relations, and market development, Shannon has a proven track record of enhancing profitability, improving operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional customer service.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Lending Officer at ASE Credit Union, Shannon is responsible for managing the credit union's lending portfolio, which includes consumer, commercial, and mortgage lending. She oversees a team of underwriters, loan officers, and support staff, ensuring that all lending activities adhere to the credit union's risk management policies and regulatory requirements. Under Shannon's leadership, ASE Credit Union has experienced a significant increase in its lending volume, while maintaining a low delinquency rate and strong asset quality.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Shannon served as the VP of Lending at Summit Credit Union, where she spearheaded the implementation of a new loan origination system and streamlined the underwriting process, resulting in faster turnaround times and improved customer satisfaction. Before that, she held various leadership positions at Aventa Credit Union, including AVP of Lending and Underwriting Manager, where she played a crucial role in developing and executing the credit union's lending strategy.
Earlier in her career, Shannon held roles at UMB Bank and Meritrust Credit Union, where she gained experience in client relationship management, market development, and branch operations. Her diverse background in the financial services industry has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing credit unions, as well as the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.
Academic Background
Shannon holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Alabama, with a concentration in Finance. She is also a Certified Lending Compliance Professional (CLCP), demonstrating her commitment to staying up-to-date with industry regulations and best practices.
Areas of Expertise
- Lending operations and portfolio management
- Credit risk analysis and underwriting
- Customer relationship management and service excellence
- Financial analysis and strategic planning
- Regulatory compliance and risk management
- Team leadership and organizational development
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Shannon has been recognized for her contributions to the credit union industry. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Credit Union League and has been a frequent speaker at industry conferences, sharing her insights on lending strategies, customer engagement, and compliance. Under her leadership, the lending teams she has managed have consistently exceeded their annual growth and profitability targets, solidifying her reputation as a highly effective and innovative leader.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strong technical expertise, and proven leadership abilities, Shannon Watkins is well-positioned to continue driving the success of ASE Credit Union and making a meaningful impact within the credit union industry. Her dedication to providing exceptional customer service, fostering a collaborative work environment, and delivering sustainable growth make her a valuable asset to any organization.
