Brenden Rizzo
Chicago
Summary
Strategic commercial real estate leader with 10+ years of experience in underwriting, portfolio management, client relationship strategy, and risk mitigation. Proven track record in managing over $1 billion in credit facilities and spearheading multi-state merger integrations. Adept at delivering financial outcomes and ensuring regulatory compliance through data-driven decision-making and cross-functional leadership. Skilled mentor with a history of developing high-performing analysts and portfolio managers.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Manager III, Vice President
Huntington National Bank
06.2017 - Current
- Relocated from Michigan to Illinois to lead the successful transition of the Huntington–FirstMerit merger and continued driving performance through the Huntington–TCF merger integration.
- Led the onboarding and technical development of new Analysts and Portfolio Managers, enhancing team effectiveness and ensuring alignment with portfolio strategy.
- Cultivated relationships with top-tier real estate developers across Chicago, supporting business development and portfolio expansion.
- Closed and managed over $1 billion in commercial real estate credit facilities, encompassing national projects led by Chicago and Midwest-based sponsors.
- Managed strategic client relationships and delivered tailored financial solutions in a Relationship Manager capacity, contributing to sustained client retention and portfolio growth.
- Led market intelligence initiatives by compiling and analyzing national and regional asset-level data to guide financial strategy and risk oversight.
- Actively engaged in leadership and diversity initiatives, including participation in Huntington’s special initiative programs, Inclusion initiatives, and Young Leaders programs.
Credit Analyst, Staff Officer
Huntington National Bank
01.2015 - 06.2017
- Supported oversight of a $20B+ national commercial real estate portfolio, contributing to the management of complex credit facilities across diverse asset classes.
- Managed critical portfolio administration, including covenant compliance, maturity underwriting, financial reporting tracking, CCAR data submission, and comprehensive credit support for Portfolio and Relationship Managers.
- Prepared and delivered credit presentations, portfolio reviews, and market analyses to senior leadership, informing strategic credit decisions and risk management.
- Led onboarding and training of new team members, fostering operational consistency and accelerating team integration.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Ohio University
Athens, OH 01.2020 - 04.2022
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
Rochester University
Rochester Hills, MI 09.2010 - 12.2014
Skills
- Leadership and team development
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer relationship management
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Project management and execution
- Financial risk management
- Investment strategy
- Property valuation
Professional Community Involvement
- Board Member, Real Estate Lenders Association
- Membership Committee, CREW Chicago
- Volunteer, Lakeview Food Pantry, Monthly
- Volunteer, Junior Achievement, Quarterly
- Member, National Real Estate Investor
- Member, Urban Land Institute
- Member, Risk Management Association (RMA)
Timeline
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Ohio University
01.2020 - 04.2022
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Manager III, Vice President
Huntington National Bank
06.2017 - Current
Credit Analyst, Staff Officer
Huntington National Bank
01.2015 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
Rochester University
09.2010 - 12.2014
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