Marlena A.

Merkt
13801 Napoli Dr. Apt. 7202 * Houston, TX 77070 * mmac4042@westpost.net * 281.825
.1991
SUMMARY
Savvy MBA professional with eight years' business administration experience. Ove
r four years' experience in a financial environment tackling projects in challen
ging, fast-paced environments. Demonstrated ability to acquire technical knowled
ge and skills rapidly. Innovative problem solver, able to see the business and c
onsumer sides of a problem. Excellent communication skills, both oral and writte
n. Creative thinker with the ability to problem solve and prioritize seeking a F
inancial Analyst position where abilities will add similar or greater value. Kno
wledge and experience with GAAP, knowledge of SAP.
Software areas of expertise: LinkNet, The Network Connection, Axys, Telemet, Pr
oxy Edge, Schwab Link, Value Line, Transplant Connect, PeopleSoft, Oracle Crysta
l Ball, POM, Adobe Acrobat, beginner level of Photoshop CS4, and MS Office; Exce
l, Word, Outlook, and Access.
EXPERIENCE
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL FINANCIAL NETWORK Houston, TX
Financial Representative
06/09-Present
* Offered prospects and clients a personalized approach to uncovering innovativ
e financial solutions tailored to each individual need using the comprehensive P
ersonal Needs Analysis report for client presentation.
* Developed the ability to thrive in a high paced self-motivated environment.
* Approached different financial situations in a structured analytical manner ca
tering to the risk tolerance level of each individual.
* Extrapolate rate of return given different interest rates for a given investme
nt product.
* Ambitiously took initiative in terms of creating a successful client base with
no natural market.
* Learned the entrepreneurial skills necessary to not only start a business but
successfully run the practice as well utilizing the highly acclaimed business mo
del of Northwestern Mutual, a company voted "Most Admired" for the past twenty-f
ive years by Fortune magazine.

TENNESSEE DONOR SERVICES Nashville, TN

Office Manager 04/06-08/08
* Directly accountable for overseeing daily operations and providing expedient s
olutions for all staff (in-house, on call and traveling out of state).
* Reconcile Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable; work closely with Controll
er to ensure the highest level of financial stability is being achieved using GA
AP.
* Responsible for implementation of an organizational system designed to track m
edical personnel's (surgeons and nurses) credentials and insurance policies
* Ensure compliance with government regulations and provide staff with current i
nformation.
* Provide new employee office orientation.
* Took initiative and contacted Second Harvest Food Bank resulting in the solo p
romotion of a company wide food drive and collecting 150+lbs of food and other n
on-perishables for needy families.
* Inspired and promoted the implementation of a toy and clothing drive to benefi
t a total of 10 children in need with the Boys and Girls Club during the holiday
season.
Executive Assistant for Quality/Compliance Director
* Instrumental in the implementation of the Risk Monitor Occurrence Reporting Sy
stem from the brainstorming / quote collecting phase to training and launch.
* Actively involved in all inspections including but not limited to; the FDA, AO
PO [Association of Organ Procurement Organizations], EBAA [Eye Bank Association
of America].
* Functions as liaison between Director, Quality Systems and Compliance, and oth
er Directors as needed.
Lee, Danner & Bass Investment Counsel Nashville, TN
Research Analyst 2005-2006
* Prepared daily, monthly, and quarterly maturity expiration reports.
* Responsible for researching and compiling proxies, daily stock information, da
ta reports.
* Implemented SEC approved organization system for permanent client files.
EDUCATION / LICENSURE
Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology
Masters of Business Administration - Finance 2009
Graduated with a 3.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science - Business Management and Entrepreneurship 2007
Graduated with honors; completed various courses at Honors level.
Relevant coursework: Managerial Accounting, Business Organization & Administrati
on, Money and Banking, Human Resources Management, Sales Management, Internation
al Marketing, Managerial Marketing, Accounting for Managers, Managerial Corporat
ion Finance, Managing Organizations, Global Operations Management, Economics for
Managers, Managerial Strategy, Global Environment of Business, Topics in Financ
ial Markets and Investments, etc. Heavy emphasis on GAAP / SAP.
Licensed in Texas and Tennessee for Life / Disability / Long-Term Care / Health
Insurance
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT / AFFILIATIONS
Board member for Houston Literacy Advance Young Professionals
Delta Mu Delta, International Honor Society in Business
NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) member
Houston Downtown Alliance
Emerging Leaders
Weekly scheduled volunteer for Ronald McDonald House at Texas Children's Hospita
l