Sharon Van Der Gulik, Pmp, Cbap Email & Phone Number

In my role as Director of Digital and Business Systems, I played a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape at YN. One of my primary responsibilities was to mentor and develop a newly forming team tasked with monitoring, enhancing features, and implementing releases on core applications. I took immense pride in nurturing my team, providing mentorship, setting clear goals, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.I played a strategic role within the leadership team, offering valuable input on key systems and application integration. Collaborating closely with key stakeholders and my dedicated team, I guided YN's digital journey to achieve optimal performance within the constraints of our vendors. Furthermore, I maintained a robust relationship with our vendors, handling contract negotiations and holding them accountable for meeting their service level agreements.Key Achievements:• Project Management: Led a critical project that significantly enhanced our digital presence. This initiative involved the comprehensive upgrade of our public website, online banking, and mobile banking platforms, ensuring seamless access to cutting-edge financial services for our members.• Team Empowerment: Together with my team, we developed a streamlined and efficient process for implementing core system releases, promoting consistency and reliability in our operations. Additionally, I facilitated knowledge transfer sessions and provided high-level support, empowering the team to collaborate with stakeholders to develop and successfully launch a new financial product.• Strategic Vendor Negotiation: Recognizing the need for cost optimization, I successfully negotiated a vendor relationship to acquire a digital signature application. This strategic move resulted in a remarkable 50% reduction in operational costs, making a significant contribution to the financial health of the Credit Union.

In my tenure as Senior Business Analyst, my core responsibility was to serve as a strategic consultant, bridging the gap between internal business units and external stakeholders. This role necessitated a profound understanding of our credit union’s diverse product portfolio and the intricate regulatory landscape governing our operations. I employed a range of collaborative techniques to forge strong relationships with both internal partners and external entities, ensuring a thorough comprehension of their requirements and aligning our solutions with these needs.Key Achievements:• Project Manager for Socially Responsible Investment Launch: Orchestrated the technical and process development for the launch of a new line of socially responsible investment options. Ensured compliance and seamless integration, leveraging strong project management and regulatory knowledge.• Streamlined Onboarding for Business Memberships: In collaboration with the business owner, I spearheaded a project to revamp the onboarding process for business members. Implemented technology solutions to eliminate user errors, addressing compliance challenges experienced by the business unit. • Navigated Complex Banking System Merger Challenge: Addressed a major challenge arising from a banking system merger by skillfully developing and rolling out 19 new investment products. This project also involved the intricate task of migrating accounts across 64 different product types, showcasing my capacity to manage large-scale, complex projects within strict regulatory frameworks.• Leadership in Enterprise Loan Origination System Implementation: Led the project management for the Enterprise Loan Origination System, a key component of Credit Union Merger Program. My extensive knowledge of underwriting and lending products was crucial in delivering a fully operational loan origination system that was fully integrated with the core banking system.

In my tenure as a Business Solutions Analyst, I played a crucial role in a team responsible for aligning our banking systems with evolving business needs, contributing significantly to three major banking system conversions. My in-depth understanding of our core banking system, combined with extensive knowledge of Credit Union products and proficiency in branch procedures and corporate operations, was instrumental in enhancing system functionality and efficiency.Key Achievements:• Strategically Managed Product Harmonization in Merger: Directed the product harmonization project during the Community First and YNCU merger, focusing on defining and launching marketable, revenue-generating products. Led cross-functional teams to effectively introduce new products and modify existing ones, ensuring a seamless integration across both credit unions.• Data Leadership in Banking System Integration: Acted as the banking data lead during a critical dual system merger, seamlessly migrating two legacy systems onto our core banking platform. My role was pivotal in ensuring data integrity and system functionality throughout the transition.• Lead in Legacy System Conversion: Expertly managed the lending component of our legacy system conversion, utilizing my comprehensive knowledge of lending practices. This involved overseeing product configuration, developing test plans, and supervising a team of testers. My focus on data accuracy and system balance was key in ensuring a smooth and effective transition to the new platform.

As Branch Manager, I was entrusted with the comprehensive management of the branch, focusing on strategic sales planning and execution to ensure the achievement of sales and service targets. My role encompassed developing and implementing innovative sales strategies, networking to generate new business leads and referrals, and guiding the team towards operational efficiency and sales excellence.Key Achievements:• Simultaneous Management of Two Major Branches: Over a critical 3-month period, I managed the organization’s two largest branches during staff recruitment, applying strategic sales direction and operational acumen to maintain high service standards and consistent sales performance.• Top Sales Status Achievement: Demonstrated exceptional sales leadership by achieving top sales status in Credit Union Share offerings, reflecting my ability to strategically drive sales and exceed targets through effective market analysis, client engagement, and implementation of targeted sales initiatives.• Development of Strong Referral Networks: Successfully developed and sustained robust referral networks in each location, significantly contributing to business growth. This achievement highlights my skills in strategic networking and relationship-building, essential for ongoing business development and market expansion.

As Assistant Branch Manager, my primary responsibility was to achieve sales and member service targets, demonstrating a strong commitment to member satisfaction and financial success. I actively engaged with our members, providing personalized financial coaching to support their financial objectives. Additionally, I represented YN at various community events such as trade shows, fall fairs, and charity events, which were instrumental in generating leads and contributing to our branch's sales achievements.Key Achievements:• Leadership in Post-Conversion Support: Responding to Senior Management's request, I undertook a critical 6-month assignment to address challenges following a banking system conversion. My role was pivotal in troubleshooting issues and delivering on-the-spot training, which was essential in bolstering staff confidence and proficiency in the new system and processes.• Interim Branch Manager: Demonstrated flexibility and leadership by stepping into the role of Branch Manager as needed. This adaptability ensured uninterrupted branch operations and consistent member service.• Consistent Sales Excellence: Maintained a track record of consistently meeting or surpassing individual sales targets, showcasing my ability to drive sales growth and contribute significantly to the branch's overall performance

My career at the Bank of Montreal was marked by progressive roles, starting as a teller and advancing through various sales and leadership positions across multiple branches. This diverse experience enabled me to develop a broad skill set, particularly in sales and financial services.In my role as a Financial Service Manager, I specialized in tailored financial solutions, with a focus on investment and financial planning in deposit-rich locations. This involved managing portfolios for mature clients, often conducting personalized business at their homes to better understand and meet their financial needs. In roles where lending was the focus, I assisted clients with their borrowing requirements, ensuring they received the right financial advice.As a Front Line Manager, I oversaw the operations of a small, rural branch, and as a Manager of Customer Service in a larger branch, I led a team of six, driving excellence in customer service. These roles honed my leadership abilities and deepened my understanding of branch operations, sales strategies, and customer relationship management.