Katherine Backus Email & Phone Number

I specialize in fostering talent and enhancing employee experiences across the full lifecycle, from onboarding to career growth and beyond. Partnering closely with senior leadership, I lead key strategic initiatives such as the DEIB, Community Impact, and our Manager Resource Group, while also designing and delivering impactful training programs that empower individuals and teams. I oversee and mentor the CSA managers and interns, ensuring they have the guidance, resources, and support needed to excel in their roles and contribute meaningfully to our team’s success. My role encompasses overseeing HR operations, including benefits administration, managing HRIS, and supporting payroll. By blending strategic insight with hands-on leadership, I work to create an environment where employees feel supported, engaged, and poised for success.

Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area

As a Talent Development Specialist, I lead the design, development, and implementation of impactful programs that supported the growth and success of our team. Working closely with key stakeholders, I assessed training needs and created tailored onboarding, orientation, and upskilling in collaboration with content experts. I also developed career pathing frameworks and developed a training library to offer continuous learning resources for all employees. My role included managing records, evaluating program effectiveness, overseeing the internship program, and supporting performance review processes. Additionally, I coordinated external training and conference schedules to align with development goals across roles within the firm.

In my capacity as an analyst, I worked closely with Investment Counselors to identify optimal asset allocations and financial plans for our clients. I leveraged my previous experience as an Investment Counselor to educate employees on investment solutions and coach them through difficult client situations. I created specialized solutions to complicated and nuanced financial and tax situations, conducted Monte Carlo analyses and evaluated annuities for viability as an investment strategy.

I served as the primary point of contact for 190 high net worth families and managed over 145 million dollars in assets under management. I assisted clients with varying backgrounds and stages of life in achieving their long term financial goals by counseling through difficult investment decisions, market volatility, and life’s unexpected twists and turns. I also traveled to host nationwide events to educate clients in capital markets, investment philosophy, portfolio strategy, and our market outlook. Whether elevating and resolving critical client issues with senior management, discussing tactical portfolio shifts with our research team, or assisting clients with paperwork, my role required operational excellence, attention to detail and ability to multi-task.

Camas, Wa

As a manager, I mentored 14 team members, across 3 geographically-dispersed offices, in firm philosophy, financial basics, and professional development. I analyzed qualitative and quantitative data to enhance group processes, team dynamics, and business results. Along the way, I created new training and development resources, managed and allocated resources, redefined policies and procedures, and established accountability measures to ensure duplicability in future generations of the role and achievement of long term goals.

Camas, Wa

In my initial role at the Fisher Investment, I revised all outgoing communications to determine legality, legitimacy, and professionalism across all departments. I suggested enhancements and crafted novel communication to clients, vendors, prospects, and interviewees. I pioneered our training program and mentored several employees throughout my tenure, dedicated to leaving a strong program for those that followed in my footsteps.

Atlanta, Ga

Promote Broadway productions through a variety of print and electronic communicationsConduct marketing research and data analysis on Broadway patrons and non-patrons to increase theater attendanceStrengthen customer relations through outreach at art festivals, Broadway shows, and other events

Atlanta, Ga

Analyze data and monitor online marketing campaign success through Google Analytics and Google AdwordsIdentify and contact potential promotional outlets when entering new markets and launching softwareCreate visual and presentation materials of significant healthcare industry trends and information to create awareness

Atlanta, Ga

Assisted new clients in the validation and implementation of Medea softwareGuided executive members in optimal off-shore software development and testing, and employee management strategyInvestigated feasibility of cloud computing and recommended appropriate platforms for development and growth

Develop and maintain Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook accounts for companyResearch history, trends, news, etc. related to the financial sectorContribute genuine, scholarly articles posted on the website weekly

Denver, Colorado

Reviewed financial statements and assisted with documentation regarding school district financesUpdated databases, brochures and documents for various departments based on state statures and various sourcesProvided administrative support to large multi-day training sessions

Involved in start-up investment, training, organization, and accounting of businessPromote customer relations through marketing efforts on social media including Facebook and the school e-mail systemServiced nearly 200 students and more than doubled investment

Empire, Co

Served as mentor for week-long, overnight camp program for children with Muscular DystrophyPlanned and executed creative and engaging activities for campers

Lone Tree, Colorado

Greeted and seated patrons in a friendly and professional mannerCoordinated tasks of dining room personnel to ensure prompt and courteous service to customersMaintained organization and cleanliness of restaurant facilities

Bba, Management Consulting And International Studies

Business and International Studies Double Major

Bachelor Of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Management And Operations, International Studies

Activities and Societies: Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Gamma

International Economics, Semester Study Abroad

Education record