Kim Walawender, Chief of Operations, comes to us with over 20 years’ experience in finance and back-office operations. Originally from Ocean City, NJ, Kim has lived in Clayton, NC for the past 19 years with her husband, Steve, two college-aged children, Alyssa (UNC) and Logan (ECU), and two rescue dogs, Buster and Louie.
During her time as Assistant Branch Manager and then Branch Manager of a Finance Company, she has fostered a team-centered office culture that emphasized empowerment, support, and enjoyment in the workplace. Kim is fully versed in all aspects of consumer finance, handling underwriting, funding, collections & repossessions, customer service, and compliance with a keen eye for detail and proactive strategies.
Prior to that, as the Client Services Manager for an independent wealth management firm for 4 years, Kim managed all back-office operations. She was pivotal during the transition of the firm to a new broker dealer, re-papering all client accounts and serving as the primary contact for audits and regulatory agencies.
Kim has also held various Office Management positions handling the various administrative functions of firms, including tracking revenue, processing payroll, scheduling, and maintaining compliance according to industry standards in healthcare, non-profit, and senior living sectors.
Kim has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and interpersonal skills throughout her career. Her career is marked by her dedication to excellence, continuous learning, and a genuine love for her work. Her ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, coworkers, and senior management has made her a valued leader in every position she has held. Kim has a B.S. in Business Administration from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, with additional coursework in finance and accounting. She has held NC Life Insurance License, NC Credit Insurance Licenses and is a Notary Public.