Vanessa Dueñas

APR 2004 - JUL 2014

Chief Operating Officer

CHESAPEAKE INVESTMENT SERVICES INC.

Vienna, VA

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Process Improvement. Restructured firm departments and re-calibrated operational processes, joining the senior management team that led the firm’s exponential growth from start-up to a premier futures broker and commodity investment manager, overseeing upwards of a quarter billion dollars in assets. 

C-Level Executive Support. Directly reported to the CEO and was involved in all confidential and development matters, including strategic initiatives, project supervision, budgeting, bookkeeping, scheduling, travel logistics, contract negotiations, technology migration, data management, human resources, resource procurement and allocation, sales benchmarks, and customer retention.

Senior Management. From EA/CTO, rose to the role of COO within 5 years through rapid study and adaptation, creative problem solving, organized multi-tasking, sound judgement, dedicated action, and the drive for tactful negotiation to always win the “best deal”, balanced for both short and long term objectives. 

Data Analysis. Doubled efficiencies in sales, internal operations, performance calculations (GAAP), and revenue collection through the quick and effective management of large amounts of data, keenly interpreting qualitative data and devising algorithms (Microsoft Excel) to analyze and report on quantitative data.

Public Relations. Served as the firm’s ambassador and first line of contact, increasing trust through active and tactful communication and interpersonal skills. 

Employee Relations. Boosted employee morale, productivity, and retention by organizing engagement events, providing counseling and training in ethics, derivative products, sales methods, and conflict resolution, serving as liaison between executives and employees, and fostering strong interdepartmental collaboration. Managed several cross-functional teams ranging from 5 to 15 people.

Business Development. Supported the increase of sales and B2B connections by over 50% by seeking out and serving as liaison for over 50 affiliate offices and potential partner brokers with the firm, matching work groups and assisting in joint endeavors.

Writing & Editing. Fortified firm’s relations by co-authoring, editing, and increasing the frequency of communications with clients and employees, as well as developing clear internal procedural documents such as employment contracts, human resources guides, regulatory compliance guides, and training manuals.

 
Marketing. Augmented firm prominence and return on marketing initiatives by strengthening messaging, authoring press releases and adverts, designing artwork (Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop), spearheading mass-mailers, improving firm’s web and social media presence, creating dynamic multi-media presentations (Microsoft PowerPoint), coordinating TV and radio appearances, handling event and trade show logistics, and conducting presentations for U.S. and international audiences.

Compliance. Secured Business Continuity and Ethical Standards by revamping and maintaining firm’s Compliance and Legal department, including keeping up to date with regulatory and industry best practices, performing annual internal audits and monthly checks, conducting employee training, working closely with regulators to ensure all external audits (NFA, CFTC, FINRA) received clean bills of health, and managing legal and arbitration matters such as communication with counsel, brief revisions, document discovery, and case preparation.