R Teresa Lodato, CPCC, PCC, CNTC, CRTC

Founded a strategic advisory practice focused on diagnosing hidden misalignment within leaders, teams, and organizational structures to improve decision quality, leadership effectiveness, and execution performance. Translate complex human dynamics into clear frameworks and operational behaviors that restore alignment between vision, culture, and results. Core Contributions: • Advise senior leaders and teams navigating growth, transition, or structural change • Architect leadership recalibration engagements integrating behavioral psychology, organizational dynamics, and executive decision frameworks • Design and facilitate executive intensives and leadership retreats focused on alignment, communication, and accountability • Develop proprietary IP including Leadership Frequency™ to operationalize embodied authority and execution coherence • Featured in Fortune, Newsweek, PsychCentral, Authority Magazine, Circle Magazine, Yahoo, and Fatherly for thought leadership on intuitive performance and modern leadership

As a Finance Specialist within Merrill Lynch’s Private Banking & Investment Group, I provided high-touch advisory and investment support to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients in collaboration with elite Financial Advisor teams. My role combined strategic wealth management, business operations, and client relationship excellence to optimize portfolio performance and strengthen long-term client loyalty. Key Contributions & Highlights: • Served as a trusted liaison for top-tier clients, delivering white-glove service and resolving complex financial inquiries with speed and precision. • Collaborated with Financial Advisors to craft bespoke wealth strategies—including financial planning, risk management, and investment portfolio design—that aligned with clients’ evolving goals and life stages. • Analyzed market conditions and monitored portfolio performance, offering timely insights and recommendations that supported client retention and firm growth. • Developed customized reports comparing portfolio performance to benchmarks, enabling data-driven decisions and increased transparency in client communications. • Oversaw end-to-end operational efficiency: from compliance tracking to documentation and process optimization, supporting seamless service delivery across multiple FA teams. • Deepened client engagement by integrating banking solutions with investment strategies, reinforcing cross-selling and relationship depth across the broader Bank of America ecosystem. Credentials: • Held Series 7, 66, and SAFE Act registration. • Bachelor’s in Finance and Business Administration. • Known for precision under pressure, relationship-driven service, and a strategic approach to solving financial challenges.

As a Premier Client Relationship Manager, I provided strategic financial guidance and concierge-level service to a portfolio of over 350 high-net-worth clients. My role integrated personalized financial planning, cross-functional collaboration, and targeted business development to elevate client outcomes while contributing to regional revenue growth. Highlights & Impact: • Proactively managed and deepened relationships with affluent individuals and families, delivering holistic financial advice tailored to their evolving goals across investment, credit, lending, and banking services. • Increased qualified client adoption of investment and credit solutions by over 30%, exceeding internal growth targets and strengthening long-term relationship value. • Conducted in-depth financial needs assessments and partnered with internal specialists to deliver seamless, customized financial solutions—resulting in elevated client satisfaction and increased wallet share. • Educated clients on digital banking solutions, boosting self-service adoption and engagement with emerging technology platforms. • Recognized for delivering exceptional client care, resolving complex inquiries with speed and professionalism while maintaining full regulatory compliance. • Selected as regional point person for GWIM Diversity & Inclusion workshops, facilitating meaningful conversations and championing equity-focused initiatives across the market. Core Strengths: • Strategic communicator and trusted advisor who leads with clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence. • Expert at uncovering hidden opportunities within client portfolios to drive deeper value and connection. • Known for blending analytical rigor with a human-centered approach—creating loyalty, referrals, and enduring impact.

As a Senior Financial Advisor, I provided comprehensive financial planning and concierge-level service to a diverse portfolio of high-net-worth clients. My role combined investment advisory, credit and lending expertise, and personalized relationship management to deliver holistic solutions that supported client success and contributed to branch and regional revenue growth. Highlights & Impact: Built and deepened relationships with affluent individuals and families, delivering tailored advice across investments, credit, lending, and banking services. Increased adoption of investment and credit solutions by more than 30%, exceeding sales goals and strengthening long-term client loyalty. Conducted in-depth financial assessments and partnered with product specialists to design and implement customized strategies, improving satisfaction and expanding wallet share. Guided clients in leveraging digital banking platforms, boosting technology adoption and improving service efficiency. Recognized for consistently delivering high standards of client care, resolving complex financial inquiries with speed, accuracy, and regulatory compliance. Acted as a leadership presence within the branch, mentoring junior advisors and contributing to team training and development initiatives. Core Strengths: Strategic communicator and trusted advisor who blends financial acumen with client-centered relationship building. Skilled at identifying opportunities within client portfolios to maximize value and deepen engagement. Known for balancing analytical rigor with emotional intelligence, resulting in stronger loyalty, referrals, and sustained business growth.

As a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, I managed a $275M+ book of business, delivering customized financial planning, investment strategies, and wealth preservation solutions to high-net-worth individuals and families. I was known for developing deep client trust, synthesizing complex financial information, and guiding clients through market cycles with confidence and clarity. Key Contributions & Results: • Built and maintained a thriving book of business exceeding $275 million in assets under management (AUM) by cultivating trusted relationships and delivering tailored, values-aligned investment strategies. • Conducted in-depth financial assessments to create personalized, goal-based plans incorporating retirement planning, risk management, and tax-efficient investing. • Leveraged the full scope of Merrill’s investment platform and Bank of America’s banking capabilities to deliver integrated financial solutions across multiple life stages and priorities. • Regularly exceeded sales and retention goals by aligning recommendations with each client’s evolving risk tolerance, cash flow needs, and long-term vision. • Stayed ahead of market trends and product innovation to ensure strategic positioning and portfolio resilience across fluctuating economic environments. • Maintained rigorous compliance and ethical standards while consistently acting as a fiduciary in service of long-term client outcomes. Strengths & Approach: • Trusted advisor known for integrity, proactive communication, and emotionally intelligent client engagement. • Strategic thinker with a proven ability to translate complex financial scenarios into clear, actionable plans that deliver peace of mind and financial freedom. • Deep experience navigating high-stakes financial conversations with poise and empathy.

As Branch Manager, I led all aspects of daily operations, team performance, and client engagement for a high-volume banking location. I was responsible for business development, regulatory compliance, and staff development, consistently delivering strong results in customer satisfaction, profitability, and team growth. Key Contributions & Leadership Highlights: • Directed all branch operations, including staffing, compliance, audit preparation, client service delivery, and risk management—ensuring operational excellence and regulatory alignment. • Recruited, trained, and coached branch staff, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, growth, and exceptional client care. • Increased branch performance through hands-on sales leadership, uncovering opportunities to deepen client relationships and cross-sell banking, credit, and investment products. • Developed and executed local business development strategies that drove new customer acquisition and retention in a competitive market. • Served as a leadership presence in the community, building strong relationships with local organizations and contributing to brand visibility and trust. • Navigated complex customer issues and inquiries with empathy, clarity, and precision—protecting both the client relationship and institutional integrity. Core Strengths: • Proven ability to lead under pressure, inspire teams, and translate goals into clear, achievable action plans. • Deep understanding of banking operations, financial risk, and client relationship management. • Early foundation in emotional intelligence, coaching, and people development—skills that continue to serve my leadership approach today.

As Credit Manager at Petoseed Corporation, a leading agricultural seed company, I oversaw all aspects of the company’s credit and collections operations. I balanced risk mitigation with strategic support for sales and customer relationships—ensuring the financial health of the organization while enabling responsible business growth. Key Achievements & Responsibilities: • Evaluated creditworthiness of domestic and international customers by analyzing financial statements, trade references, and credit reports—establishing appropriate credit lines and terms across diverse accounts. • Developed and enforced credit policies that reduced delinquencies and bad debt exposure, strengthening the company’s financial risk posture. • Managed a multimillion-dollar credit portfolio, proactively identifying at-risk accounts and initiating interventions to protect revenue flow. • Led successful recovery strategies for overdue accounts, negotiating payment plans and resolving disputes while preserving long-term customer relationships. • Partnered with the sales team to align credit terms with business development goals, supporting client acquisition and retention while ensuring fiscal responsibility. • Delivered regular reporting to senior leadership on credit activity, exposure risk, and collections performance, helping inform strategic decisions at the executive level. • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of credit regulations and agricultural industry practices to ensure compliance and competitive credit management strategies. Core Strengths: • Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities grounded in financial acumen and operational insight. • Skilled at navigating complex customer dynamics with clarity, diplomacy, and results-focused communication. • Proven ability to build bridges between finance and sales, supporting both revenue growth and fiscal discipline.

As Credit Manager at Data Exchange Corporation, I led credit and accounts receivable operations with a focus on strategic risk assessment, timely collections, and the development of efficient credit policies. My role was pivotal in supporting business continuity, optimizing cash flow, and minimizing financial exposure in a fast-paced, data-driven environment. Key Achievements & Responsibilities: • Assessed credit risk across a broad client base using credit scoring models, financial analysis, and industry benchmarking—setting data-informed credit limits that aligned with company policy and cash flow objectives. • Developed and implemented enterprise-wide credit policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with internal controls and industry regulations. • Led successful recovery strategies for overdue accounts while preserving customer relationships through skilled negotiation and tailored payment plans. • Collaborated with sales and customer service teams to streamline order-to-cash processes, resolve transactional barriers, and create seamless client experiences. • Reduced delinquency rates and improved average days sales outstanding (DSO), contributing to more predictable revenue cycles and financial forecasting accuracy. • Produced and presented comprehensive credit performance reports, offering actionable insights and recommendations to executive leadership. • Monitored regulatory changes and market trends, continuously refining credit strategies to enhance organizational resilience and competitiveness. Core Strengths: • Analytical thinker with a strong command of financial data, regulatory frameworks, and operational risk. • Effective communicator and cross-functional collaborator skilled at balancing commercial growth with financial discipline. • Known for high integrity, results-oriented leadership, and a proactive, systems-level approach to credit management.