Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Michele Lawrence

Smyrna

Summary

Dynamic leader with expertise in strategic thinking and growth strategies. Proven ability to enhance operational efficiency and drive organizational change, resulting in measurable business outcomes.

Results-driven professional with a strong background in operational efficiency and cross-functional collaboration. Skilled in analyzing market trends and implementing strategic initiatives to achieve business objectives and foster innovation.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Head of Strategy, Growth and Operations

Chase Bank
Wilmington, DE
05.2024 - Current
  • Developed strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across departments.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align business objectives and streamline processes.
  • Analyzed market trends to inform strategy development and risk management decisions.
  • Facilitated workshops to drive innovation and gather insights for strategic planning.
  • Managed stakeholder relationships to ensure alignment on strategic goals and initiatives.
  • Conducted regular reviews of strategy execution, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.
  • Evaluated emerging trends within the industry landscape to ensure continued competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.
  • Established, initiated and optimized business development strategies based on company targets, product specifications, market data, and budget factors.

Divisional Director

Chase Bank
Philadelphia, PA
01.2022 - 05.2024
  • Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Streamlined reporting processes, resulting in improved accuracy and timely decision-making across divisions.
  • Collaborated with senior leadership to drive business growth through market analysis and competitive positioning.
  • Managed project timelines and deliverables, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and stakeholder expectations.
  • Analyzed financial data to identify trends, supporting informed strategic planning and resource allocation decisions.
  • Facilitated communication between departments, promoting collaboration and information sharing across organizational levels.
  • Led a team of managers to achieve higher performance levels through strategic planning and effective communication.
  • Coached and mentored employees at all levels, fostering a culture of professional development and career advancement within the division.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, resulting in successful partnerships and collaboration opportunities.

Business and Community Executive

Chase Bank
Philadelphia, PA
12.2019 - 01.2022
  • Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and engagement.
  • Conducted comprehensive market research to guide development of highly successful new service offering.
  • Spearheaded project management efforts, delivering results within timelines and budget constraints.Directed large-scale community and business development strategy
  • Built partnerships with community, nonprofit, and government stakeholders
  • Led initiatives expanding access to financial services and economic opportunity
  • Delivered measurable growth through strategic outreach and investment initiatives

President

MICHELESPEAKS Ministries
Philadelphia, PA
01.2017 - 09.2021
  • Founded and lead an organization focused on empowerment, mentorship, and personal development
  • Deliver keynote speaking, coaching, and leadership development programs
  • Build partnerships with nonprofits, community leaders, and faith-based organizations
  • Oversee strategy, operations, and program development

Media & Thought Leadership:

  • Host, Weekly Radio Show – WDDB RadioFocused on the “Four W’s”: Worth, Wealth, Wisdom, Wellness

Signature Conferences & Programs:

  • Women, It’s Time to Heal (2017) — Two-day conference on holistic wellness
  • Worth, Wisdom, Wellness Women’s Conference (2018) — Focused on leadership, personal growth, and financial empowerment

Retail Director Banking

Chase Bank
Philadelphia, PA
09.2018 - 12.2019
  • Directed regional banking operations across a multi-branch network, driving sustained sales growth, improved financial performance, and enhanced customer experience outcomes through disciplined execution and performance management
  • Developed and executed comprehensive branch network strategy, optimizing footprint, staffing models, and service delivery to improve operational efficiency, customer accessibility, and market penetration
  • Implemented data-driven performance frameworks to monitor key metrics, enabling proactive decision-making, risk mitigation, and continuous operational improvement
  • Coached and developed high-performing leadership teams, strengthening talent pipelines, succession planning, and leadership capabilities, resulting in consistently exceeding sales and service targets
  • Fostered a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer-centricity, leading to measurable improvements in employee engagement, client satisfaction, and overall business performance

Community Banking President

Wells Fargo
11.2008 - 01.2017
  • Led executive oversight of a large-scale banking division, managing 6 direct VP leaders and 500+ employees, driving strategic direction and operational excellence across the Delaware Valley region
  • Directed P&L management, ensuring balanced financial performance, revenue growth, cost control, and alignment with enterprise goals
  • Established and enforced business policies, procedures, and governance standards, including executive-level oversight of compensation and promotion decisions
  • Developed and executed strategic growth initiatives to expand market presence and strengthen competitive positioning
  • Drove consistent sales performance and operational discipline, ensuring achievement of revenue targets, budget adherence, and performance metrics
  • Cultivated strong community and stakeholder relationships, enhancing brand trust and supporting business development efforts
  • Built and led high-performing teams by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and customer-centricity, while coaching and mentoring leaders to deliver a best-in-class client experience

Retail Banking and Small Business Director

Wachovia National Bank
Philadelphia, PA
04.2006 - 02.2009
  • Directed operations for a 57-branch network across Philadelphia and Montgomery County, driving sales, service excellence, and strong financial performance
  • Led and developed 9 direct reports, building a high-performing leadership team through coaching, mentoring, and talent development
  • Conducted comprehensive risk assessments and financial analyses to identify gaps, mitigate losses, and improve profitability
  • Implemented strategic operational and change initiatives, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and overall business performance
  • Optimized resource allocation and workforce planning, ensuring effective staffing models and improved operational execution
  • Strengthened talent pipelines by leading onboarding and succession strategies, achieving a 50% reduction in turnover and over 80 internal promotions

Key Achievements:

  • Ranked #1 in Eastern Region (Wachovia at Work) – 2008 & 2009
  • 1st Place, Deposit Challenge – Eastern Region (2008)
  • 2nd Place, Rock the House Campaign (2007)

Sevice Director Senior Vice President

Wachovia National Bank
Plymouth Meeting, PA
02.2005 - 04.2006
  • Directed service, sales, and operational performance across a 95-branch network spanning Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Bucks County
  • Led and developed 8 direct leaders and 800+ employees, overseeing a portfolio of $4.8B in deposits and $2.5B in loans
  • Partnered with senior leadership to implement innovative operational strategies, driving market share growth, customer acquisition, and increased profitability
  • Elevated customer experience and service performance, achieving a record regional service score increase (6.59 to 6.70 within 6 months) and sustaining top-tier results

Financial Sales Leader

Wachovia National Bank
Philadelphia, PA
01.1998 - 02.2005
  • Led and coached a team of 25 financial specialists across 12 branches, managing a portfolio of $900M in deposits and $500M in loans
  • Transformed underperforming markets across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, expanding into affluent segments and strengthening overall market positioning
  • Developed and executed a strategic growth plan that increased profitability by 5%, successfully returning Northwest Philadelphia operations to positive performance
  • Monitored performance metrics to assess team effectiveness, implementing corrective actions as necessary for continuous improvement.
  • Collected data on competitors' pricing and promotions through primary and secondary research techniques.

Education

Bachelor of Science - English

Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
05-1991

Skills

  • Growth strategies
  • Strategic thinking
  • Go-to-market strategy
  • Problem-solving
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Active listening
  • Organizational skills
  • Critical thinking

Timeline

Head of Strategy, Growth and Operations

Chase Bank
05.2024 - Current

Divisional Director

Chase Bank
01.2022 - 05.2024

Business and Community Executive

Chase Bank
12.2019 - 01.2022

Retail Director Banking

Chase Bank
09.2018 - 12.2019

President

MICHELESPEAKS Ministries
01.2017 - 09.2021

Community Banking President

Wells Fargo
11.2008 - 01.2017

Retail Banking and Small Business Director

Wachovia National Bank
04.2006 - 02.2009

Sevice Director Senior Vice President

Wachovia National Bank
02.2005 - 04.2006

Financial Sales Leader

Wachovia National Bank
01.1998 - 02.2005

Bachelor of Science - English

Rutgers University
Michele Lawrence