Sara Schmidt, MBA
Vice President, Enterprise Strategy and ESG at Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)- Claim this Profile
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French Elementary proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Credentials
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Crown Director Effectiveness Course
Institute of Corporate DirectorsNov, 2023- Sep, 2024 -
The Working Mind Manager Program
Mental Health Commission of CanadaApr, 2021- Sep, 2024 -
Unconscious Bias
LinkedInJun, 2020- Sep, 2024
Experience
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Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)
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Canada
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Financial Services
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300 - 400 Employee
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Vice President, Enterprise Strategy and ESG
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Jun 2023 - Present
In this role I lead the annual Corporate Strategic planning process with the Board of Directors and Executive team, and lead the development of the multi-year Strategic plan and Balanced Score Card. In addition, I hold responsibility for managing the Portfolio budget, prioritizing the Corporate Portfolio and recommending the strategic investments to pursue. Operationally, the Project Management Office, Benefits Realization, Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence team, and the Digital… Show more In this role I lead the annual Corporate Strategic planning process with the Board of Directors and Executive team, and lead the development of the multi-year Strategic plan and Balanced Score Card. In addition, I hold responsibility for managing the Portfolio budget, prioritizing the Corporate Portfolio and recommending the strategic investments to pursue. Operationally, the Project Management Office, Benefits Realization, Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence team, and the Digital Client Experience Platform fall under my span of responsibility. With this title change comes an additional accountability - I hold overall responsibility for designing, developing and implementing an integrated ESG Framework for AFSC. A key focus for my role is to provide strategic leadership and oversight to high profile, transformational projects and initiatives. Relationship building, Vendor Management, negotiating contracts and assessing statements of work for value creation are other elements of my work that I enjoy.
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Vice President, Enterprise Strategy
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Sep 2020 - Jun 2023
In this role I have responsibility for leading the annual Corporate Strategic planning process with the Board of Directors and Executive team, and leading the development of the multi-year Strategic plan and Balanced Score Card. In addition, I hold responsibility for managing the Portfolio budget and prioritizing the Corporate Portfolio and recommending the Capital investments to pursue. Operationally, the Project Management Office, Benefits Realization, Continuus Improvement/Operational… Show more In this role I have responsibility for leading the annual Corporate Strategic planning process with the Board of Directors and Executive team, and leading the development of the multi-year Strategic plan and Balanced Score Card. In addition, I hold responsibility for managing the Portfolio budget and prioritizing the Corporate Portfolio and recommending the Capital investments to pursue. Operationally, the Project Management Office, Benefits Realization, Continuus Improvement/Operational Excellence team, Enterprise Architecture, and the Digital Client Experience Platform fall under my span of responsibility. A key focus for my role is to provide strategic leadership and oversight to high profile, transformational projects. Relationship building, Vendor Management, negotiating contracts and assessing statements of work for value creation are other elements of my work that I enjoy.
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Senior Manager, Corporate Initiatives and Strategic Priorities
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Apr 2019 - Sep 2020
I have the amazing opportunity to work with AFSC executive to drive strategic corporate initiatives, across the business, to transform the organization and advance the experience of both our people and our clients. This role allows me to leverage my strengths around strategic thinking, championing change efforts and encouraging others towards forward, innovative thinking. Working across the organization to facilitate cross functional collaboration lets me focus on building relationships to… Show more I have the amazing opportunity to work with AFSC executive to drive strategic corporate initiatives, across the business, to transform the organization and advance the experience of both our people and our clients. This role allows me to leverage my strengths around strategic thinking, championing change efforts and encouraging others towards forward, innovative thinking. Working across the organization to facilitate cross functional collaboration lets me focus on building relationships to influence successful outcomes. Managing a complex, diverse portfolio of activities with a sense of urgency satisfies my internal motivation of “getting things done”.
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Senior Manager, Client Relationships & Experience (Incl. Branch Operations & Client Contact Centre)
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Jun 2016 - Apr 2019
Leading employees in our 44 branch locations across Alberta is such a privilege. In addition to being accountable for increasing AFSC's presence in the market, I am responsible for execution of our client experience strategies throughout the branch network. With the committed delivery teams in place at the branches, serving our clients, and the strong leadership of the Team Coordinators and Area Managers, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with this group. Areas of… Show more Leading employees in our 44 branch locations across Alberta is such a privilege. In addition to being accountable for increasing AFSC's presence in the market, I am responsible for execution of our client experience strategies throughout the branch network. With the committed delivery teams in place at the branches, serving our clients, and the strong leadership of the Team Coordinators and Area Managers, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with this group. Areas of Responsibility include: Branch network (crop insurance and agricultural lending), Client Contact Centre, Client Experience Department, and Business Sponsor for AFSC Connect programme (Salesforce transformation). Member of the following steering committees: Single View of the Client, Identity Access Management (IAM), AFSC Connect, Windows 2003 Retirement, Portfolio Intake Committee (PIC), Information Governance, AFSC Loss committee, Lending Program Changes.
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Manager, Client Experience and Relationship
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Dec 2014 - Jun 2016
Member of the Operational Management Strategy team - responsible for developing corporate strategies which are designed to enhance the client experience at AFSC. Areas of responsibility include: Client Experience & Relationship Department, Client Transactional Survey, Client Contact Centre, Relationship Manager and Business Development Officers Community of Practice. Focus on integration and alignment of traditional & technological client interaction channels. Oversee operational and enterprise… Show more Member of the Operational Management Strategy team - responsible for developing corporate strategies which are designed to enhance the client experience at AFSC. Areas of responsibility include: Client Experience & Relationship Department, Client Transactional Survey, Client Contact Centre, Relationship Manager and Business Development Officers Community of Practice. Focus on integration and alignment of traditional & technological client interaction channels. Oversee operational and enterprise initiatives related to client experience. Business sponsor of AFSC Connect, digital transformation and modernization programme.
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Home Auto Operations Leader
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Jan 2010 - Nov 2014
Responsible to train, lead, develop and supervise front line staff (ranged between 12-22 direct reports) in five branch locations across Alberta & BC. Influence team to achieve Key Performance Indicators to support regional financial results and customer service expectations. Enhance Operational Effectiveness through delivering new hire training, ongoing coaching and performing regular audits. Assist direct reports in their career development through creation of Personal Development Plans… Show more Responsible to train, lead, develop and supervise front line staff (ranged between 12-22 direct reports) in five branch locations across Alberta & BC. Influence team to achieve Key Performance Indicators to support regional financial results and customer service expectations. Enhance Operational Effectiveness through delivering new hire training, ongoing coaching and performing regular audits. Assist direct reports in their career development through creation of Personal Development Plans. Extensive experience in recommending & implementing Performance Improvement Plans for below performance direct reports. Promote employee engagement through supporting the corporate culture to ensure Johnson Inc. maintains its status as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. Provide feedback and participation on Regional & Corporate initiatives (Operational/Strategic/System). Work closely with various internal department heads to achieve goals of Home-Auto team, developing strong relationships to influence desired outcomes. Resolve client concerns within scope of authority. Recruit & Interview for all HA service roles across the Region. Develop innovative team campaigns to drive Net New sales results. Special Project & Committee work includes representing West Region in Client Complaints Committee, Exception Reduction Committee, Diamond Regional testing & verification, Successful 2013 Regional implementation of Diamond software including project management, training, coaching & troubleshooting West Region staff. Member of National Selection Committee for Quarterly Team Spotlight Award.
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Home Auto Consultant
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Mar 2004 - Dec 2009
Manage Sponsor Group Client relationships. Develop budget & marketing plans to promote product and drive participation & growth. Develop new client relationships, service existing relationships. Build relationships with stakeholders.
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Education
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2022 - 2022
University of Calgary
Executive Certificate in ESG Mgmt, ESG Management -
Royal Roads University
Executive MBA, Innovation -
ProSci Change Management
Change Management Process Certification -
Insurance Brokers Association of Canada
CAIB - Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (Honors) -
Insurance Institute of Canada
Chartered Insurance Professional -
Red Deer College
BA transfer, Psychology -
The University of Calgary
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology
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