Deborah Cullotta
Oak Lawn
Summary
Skilled Operations Team Leader bringing self-directed and confident management style developed over 15 years of experience. Oversees training, documentation and financial reporting. Excellent problem-solving, conflict management and project coordination skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Service Operations Team Leader
Huntington National Bank
04.2022 - Current
- Provide operational leadership across a designated market, ensuring excellence in branch operations, transaction processing, risk management, regulatory compliance, and audit readiness.
- Coach and develop branch colleagues to improve operational effectiveness, service quality, and adherence to policies and procedures.
- Conduct operational audits and compliance reviews to ensure alignment with banking regulations, internal controls, and organizational standards.
- Partner with market and branch leadership to identify operational risks, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Champion Huntington's Welcome Culture by enhancing customer experiences, strengthening colleague engagement, and promoting a service-focused environment.
- Selected as a Branch Ambassador for the Cadence Bank merger, supporting integration efforts, change management initiatives, and operational transitions.
- Recognized through multiple Heart of Huntington nominations for leadership excellence, customer service, and operational support.
- Coached and developed more than 50 colleagues across 10 branch locations, driving operational consistency and high-performance standards.
Branch Service Manager
Huntington National Bank
06.2017 - 04.2022
- Managed branch operational audits and ensured compliance with banking regulations, company policies, and procedures.
- Monitored risk management and loss prevention practices to safeguard customer assets and reduce operational risk.
- Resolved complex customer issues while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction and retention.
- Coached and mentored colleagues on operational procedures, service excellence, regulatory compliance, and policy adherence.
- Partnered with branch leadership to improve operational performance, strengthen customer experiences, and support business objectives.
- Served as a Branch Ambassador during the TCF Bank merger integration in Livonia, Michigan.
- Coached and developed more than 50 colleagues across 10 branch locations, driving operational consistency and high-performance standards.
Service Manager
BMO Harris Bank
07.2011 - 06.2017
- Led training and coaching initiatives for teller staff on banking procedures, compliance requirements, and customer service standards.
- Assisted customers with deposit account solutions designed to meet individual financial needs and goals.
- Identified operational and compliance risks while educating colleagues on fraud prevention and loss mitigation best practices.
- Oversaw teller operations, cash management processes, vault security, balancing procedures, and transaction accuracy.
- Supported branch leadership in maintaining audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness.
- Ensured adherence to internal controls while promoting exceptional customer service and operational excellence.
Education
Completed Two Years of College - Criminal Justice
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, ILContinuing Education - Leadership and Management Development
Skills
- More than 15 years of progressive leadership experience in retail banking operations
- Extensive expertise in branch operations, regulatory compliance, audits, risk management, and internal controls
- Successfully coached and mentored 50 colleagues across multiple branch locations
- Selected to support major banking integrations, including the TCF Bank and Cadence Bank mergers
- Recognized through multiple Heart of Huntington nominations for leadership and customer service excellence
- Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships with branch, market, and regional leadership teams
- Passionate about developing talent, improving operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional customer experiences
- Operational excellence
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Committed to ongoing professional growth through leadership training, operational excellence programs, compliance education, management development, and continuous learning initiatives that support organizational success and employee engagement.
Timeline
Service Operations Team Leader
Huntington National Bank
04.2022 - Current
Branch Service Manager
Huntington National Bank
06.2017 - 04.2022
Service Manager
BMO Harris Bank
07.2011 - 06.2017
Continuing Education - Leadership and Management Development
Completed Two Years of College - Criminal Justice
Moraine Valley Community College