Mark A. Towster Email & Phone Number

425 S Financial Pl, Fl 4, Chicago, Il 60605

Heading up trading and operations for the firm's VIX options trading arm within the U.S. Indexes space and therefore responsible for optimizing trading revenues, driving innovation, prioritizing project queues, and building cross-functional chemistry across the trading groups. Becoming a leading voice in career management by promoting dedicated quality career development with several direct reports across different desks and by mentoring new crops of career managers in the firm, leaning on the overhauled new hire process I helped create. Continuing to stay involved in recruiting efforts via interviewing, networking, and headcount planning.

425 S Financial Pl, Floor 4, Chicago, Il 60605

Involved myself daily with trading and risk management decisions as a full-time trader on the U.S. Indexes team, fulfilling roles both on and off the floor for the S&P, VIX, and Dow options desks. Climbed the typical trader pathway within the firm by transitioning from floor trading to electronic trading and eventually to risk management and group leadership within VIX. Began honing my career management skills by becoming a leader on revamping the firm’s new-hire onboarding and management process. Continued to enhance my expertise outside of trading hours - enrolling in additional educational courses, mastering different trading platforms, and taking on individual projects.

425 S Financial Pl, Floor 4, Chicago, Il 60605

Took on more responsibilities as a trading clerk in the US Indexes group at both the Chicago Board Options Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange as well as within the firm itself. Continued my options market making education via additional specialized in-house programs and courses.

1927 Orrington Ave #4, Evanston, Il 60208

Offered on-call support for all Northwestern University faculty, staff, and students to solve technological problems, ranging from troubleshooting phone, laptop, and desktop issues (both hardware and software) to maintenance and installation of computing, networking, and printing equipment.

440 S La Salle St, Floor 4, Chicago, Il 60605

Rotated through the US Indexes and Rates groups in both the Chicago Board Options Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange as a trading clerk, learning to understand and relay important messages using arb and a chat system. Received an in-depth education on the fundamentals of trading through an extensive and rigorous in-house course on options. Practiced trading and market making in a simulated environment, using expected value scenarios and sheets while altering variables like underlying price and volatility.

115 S La Salle St #34, Chicago, Il 60603

Rotated between four different operational branches - Wealth Management, Business Operations, Asset Management, and Iron Road Capital Partners - providing ancillary support to teams within their respective arms. Independently performed and completed projects including researching industries, performing in-depth company and security analysis, reporting on market trends, expanding centers of influence, and optimizing workflows.

2001 Sheridan Rd #158, Evanston, Il 60208

Acted as first-line support for all Kellogg School of Management students to solve technical problems, offer support for phone and laptop issues (both hardware and software), and provide public printing/computing equipment troubleshooting and maintenance. Individually selected to handle the phase-in of Windows 8, including walk-in and phone support for all branches of KIS.

8000 Foster St, Overland Park, Ks 66204

Wrote, compiled, and filed legal documents, motions, and notices with federal and state courts; conducted legal research; critically analyzed medical, legal, and personal records; interacted with and provided legal counsel to clients; and assisted in preparations for depositions, interrogatories, and witness disclosures. Networked with many lawyers from other firms, medical professionals, and paralegals to obtain and organize case information. Learned about courtroom procedures from direct meetings with judges and from observing trial proceedings.

5750 W 95Th St #312, Overland Park, Ks 66207

Focused on inventory analysis and organization for many large corporations, including Sears, Target, and Walmart. Worked with colleagues to develop team leadership and cohesion strategies to maximize efficiency yet maintain accuracy during an inventory. Gained experience and understanding of the auditing and inventorying process.

11309 W 95Th St, Overland Park, Ks 66214

Worked first-hand with customers on a personal level to advertise, persuade, and sell products. Built rapport with other associates to ensure that operations went smoothly, the customer was satisfied, and the store remained clean and inviting.

11301 W 95Th St, Overland Park, Ks 66062

Engaged customers one-on-one in a hectic setting in order to successfully promote the brand and sell the products. Coordinated with other associates and managers to create the best, most comfortable environment for the client.

9161 W 133Rd St, Overland Park, Ks 66213

Single-handedly led, organized, and made decisions in real-time that affected the outcome of a game. Coordinated with assistant referees as a team leader and a colleague to guarantee that games proceeded smoothly and as planned.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Economics / Business Institutions / Financial Economics, Gpa: 3.62

Activities and Societies: Sigma Nu Vice President, Secretary, and Dance Marathon Co-Chair; Investment Management Group - Technology.

A

Activities and Societies: Weld Boathouse Rowing Was admitted to and attended Harvard's Summer School between June and August of 2011.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Recipient, Gpa: 4.87 (Weighted)

Activities and Societies: Debate Team; SHARE Chairperson; Categories Trivia Team Captain; Varsity Tennis Team; Junior Varsity Soccer Team.