Leslie J. Olma is a seasoned Fortune 500 Transformational Change Leader with an illustrious career spanning over two decades. Her expertise lies in strategizing organizational restructuring and developing innovative business models to adapt to rapid technological advancements. Leslie has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead change management initiatives, motivate cross-functional teams, and streamline processes and policies across diverse industries.
Most recently serving as Director of Enterprise Payments at Capital One in Richmond, VA, Leslie oversaw critical operational platforms including Wire and Real-Time processes. In this role, she was responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory and SOX standards while managing a team of approximately 50 associates across multiple locations. Her leadership spanned the management of over 4 million transactions annually, totaling $3.5 trillion, encompassing FX/USD clearing through Fedwire and SWIFT channels.
Leslie’s career is marked by a series of achievements in operational excellence and strategic development. At Associated Bank in Green Bay, WI, she served as Senior Vice President and Division Head of Enterprise Payments and Treasury Management Operations. Here, she was instrumental in enhancing divisional productivity by over 10% through strategic reengineering efforts and reducing full-time equivalent (FTE) resources by 57%, resulting in significant cost savings exceeding $1.5 million. Her initiatives included outsourcing critical operations like lockbox and cash vault services, implementing enhanced security protocols, and leading the successful migration of an ACH platform.
Prior to her tenure at Associated Bank, Leslie held senior management roles at InstaMed in Philadelphia, PA, where she served as Senior Manager of Payment Settlement. In this capacity, she oversaw the reconciliation of electronic payment settlement products, managed risk, and implemented infrastructure improvements that optimized operational efficiency and client satisfaction. Her accomplishments included reducing return rates through innovative validation controls and developing comprehensive risk monitoring strategies.
Leslie’s commitment to community service is evident through her extensive board experience. She has been actively involved with organizations such as Youth for Understanding (YFU), where she serves as a Board Trustee and Scholarship Founder. Her contributions include fostering partnerships to establish the Passport to Equity Scholarship Fund, promoting educational opportunities for Black American high school students in international exchange programs. She also serves on the board of the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center, where she contributes to enriching the community through visual and performing arts programs.
Leslie Olma’s primary advocacy work centers on international student exchange and bridging cultural gaps through the national non-profit organization, Youth for Understanding. She is actively partnering with the State Department to establish new international exchange programs, demonstrating her commitment to fostering global understanding. In Mongolia, Leslie collaborated with state and federal leaders to develop strategies for hosting American high school students in the country.
Leslie holds a diverse educational background, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Public Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Barat College of DePaul University. She is currently pursuing a Juris Master in intellectual property from George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, further enhancing her legal acumen and governance expertise.
In addition to her professional achievements and academic pursuits, Leslie is recognized for her leadership in treasury management, operational risk mitigation, and her strategic vision in driving organizational growth and transformation. Her dedication to excellence, coupled with a deep commitment to community service and educational advocacy, underscores her role as a respected leader in both business and social spheres.
Character: Leslie J. Olma exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a commitment to ethical leadership, fostering trust and collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
Knowledge: With extensive expertise in organizational restructuring, business models, and operational efficiencies, Leslie leverages deep industry knowledge to drive strategic transformations and develop creative solutions to challenging problems.
Strategic: Leslie demonstrates a visionary approach in orchestrating organizational changes and navigating complex business landscapes to achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Communication: Leslie excels in effectively communicating strategic visions, fostering engagement, and aligning stakeholders towards common goals through clear and persuasive communication strategies.
