Experience

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  Pasadena Federal Credit Union

  • Pasadena CA

  • Interim Chief Executive Officer

    • May 2022 - Jun 2023
    • Pasadena CA

    As Interim CEO, worked closely with the Board and Executive Team to drive strategic initiatives forward including ALCO and focused loan and deposit promotions for growth and balance sheet restructuring, investments, liquidity and risk management, regulations, card services contracts, branch contracting and construction build out, merger strategies, and team communications and culture.Board Reference: Pete came into a difficult situation as CEO had just left. During his tenure, Pete helped us navigate through a series of challenges which could have resulted in difficulties for the Credit Union if it were not for his knowledge and experience. We had people issues, financial challenges, logistics challenges due to Covid and other circumstances. Pete helped guide us through with positive end results. He provided experienced leadership and guidance to the Board and Staff. Mr. Sainato is one of the best credit union managers ever met and recommend him for any leadership position. Management Reference: Inspiring leader and engaging mentor who truly develops his team.

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  Cabrillo Credit Union

  • San Diego, CA

  • Interim Chief Executive Officer

    • Aug 2019 - Oct 2021
    • San Diego, CA

    Primary responsibilities encompassed partnering with the Board of Directors and Executive Team to comply with federal and state regulations while developing strategic, branch operations, investment and loan plans to stabilize and enhance the safety and soundness of the organization, while creating a culture of empowerment and service to drive the organization forward. As COO, successfully managed branch operations and back office operations through Covid. Resolved audit and exam issues, developed prudent risk management practices and created dozens of new policies, agreements, and related operating practices while enhancing earnings simultaneously .Today, Cabrillo has very strong earnings and is well capitalized, and proudly serving the communities in San Diego and beyond. Board Reference: Pete’s work-ethic and commitment to the members and employees of Cabrillo have been nothing less than invaluable. His strategic thinking and decisions have continued to take Cabrillo in a positive direction and has strengthened its soundness. Management Reference: Pete served as my mentor by genuinely providing encouragement, support and the necessary coaching to allow me to increase my overall knowledge and leadership skills. I was encouraged to present areas of opportunity and recommendations for change. He supported me from project beginning to end.Management Reference: Pete is exceptionally skilled at taking complex concepts and breaking them down into their component parts, so they are clear to anyone, at any level. This was especially true of his ability to create focused strategic plans along with initiatives to make things happen. And with Pete at the helm, great things did happen as the organization had many successes and returned to strong profitability.Management Reference: Mr. Sainato demonstrated a deep understanding of Risk Management.Staff Reference: Pete always valued staff feedback from all levels. He welcomed input from everyone.

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  TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

  • Alexandria, Virginia

  • President & CEO

    • Jun 2018 - Nov 2019
    • Alexandria, Virginia

    As President and Chief Executive Officer, responsibilities included creating strategic goals and balance sheet strategies, developing investment and loan initiatives, and fostering a collaborative team culture including diversity training. Created a positive work environment and inviting culture by restructuring and enhancing pension plans and education, redesigning work spaces including a café and rooftop lounge for staff relief and appreciation and empowering all team members.

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  Justice Federal Credit Union

  • Chantilly, VA

  • President & CEO

    • Jan 2000 - May 2018
    • Chantilly, VA

    As President & Chief Executive Officer, I led the transformation of Justice Federal Credit Union from a locally focused organization to a nationwide financial cooperative serving the entire Justice & Law Enforcement Community. At the helm for over 18 years, Net Worth quintupled, while Loans, Membership, and Assets quadrupled. Under my leadership, these are some notable team accomplishments: • Branch Operations – strategically expanded to branch locations across the country• Business Development – added 10 national associations • Financial Stability – intensely focused on building strong earnings and record Net Worth• Operational Efficiencies – recognized as a Top 50 Best Performing Credit Union• Member Service Culture – raised service rankings to the highest level in their history• Most Outstanding Partner - awarded from the FBI Academy • Lending Focus – focused on streamlined and automated delivery to drive double digit growth• Asset Liability Management – operated with a loan to share ratio over 80% and strong ROAs• Investment Management – maximized earnings to elevate returns to the membership• Disaster Recovery – developed Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Operations Center• Card Services – ranked #1 in credit card management & managed 10 affinity relationships• Growth - Recognized as a Top 100 fastest growing Credit Union• Staff Training – developed award winning multi-year training programs for staff development• Retirement Plans - elevated and enhanced retirement contributions and educational platforms

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  Mission Federal Credit Union

  • San Diego, CA

  • Senior Vice President & CFO

    • Mar 1989 - Jan 2000
    • San Diego, CA

    As the senior member of the Management Team for Mission Federal, I worked diligently in developing and formulating fiscally sound and responsible corporate policy on member, employee, and organizational issues that provided this organization with strong financial stability, high member satisfaction, and industry leadership. As Chairman of the Asset Liability Committee, I was directly responsible for the coordination and timely execution of all loan and share product strategies, related marketing efforts, and operations support. Provided management and leadership to non-profit subsidiaries. Other accomplishments include:• Earnings Leader – recognized for top 1% in ROA for many years allowing for significant expansion of delivery channels, branches, and technology platforms, and providing for annual bonus dividends.• Investment Expertise - Created finance and investment departments and managed three dynamic investment portfolios. First credit union to utilize the Bloomberg.• Retirement Plans - As Lead Trustee, served as Chair Of Retirement Committee and managed both the defined benefit and defined contribution plans.• Board Positions - Served as Board Member of the Subsidiary offering insurance, auto, and travel services, and as Board Treasurer of the California Credit Union League Chapter. • Asset Liability Management - Created ALM Function including development of Board Policies, management of committee, and establishment of parameter and concentration limits for prudent balance sheet composition.

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  Beverly Hills Savings & Loan

  • Mission Viejo, CA

  • Vice President - Director of Audit

    • Mar 1986 - Feb 1989
    • Mission Viejo, CA

    As a member of the Senior Management Team, I was responsible for directing all audit activities for Beverly Hills Savings and Beverly Hills Insurance Services. I was also a member of the Hedging Oversight Committee. Worked directly with top Senior Management Officers in a consultative and team-oriented culture where Internal Audit was embraced a key partner to organizational success. Major emphasis was concentrated on business process improvement, earnings enhancements through valued changes. Audit areas included branch operations, insurance, and all corporate and back office operations including commercial and single family loans.