Diverse Remote-Experience Leader in Care, Finance

Melody Taquino

970-***-**** **********@*****.***

Summary

Vendor Management and Risk Operations professional with 20+ years of experience with direct and third-Party vendors in highly regulated auto finance, collections, repossession, skip tracing and legal recovery. Proven ability overseeing multi-state vendor networks, enforcing SLAs, conducting audits, and stabilizing high risk portfolios. Excellent working knowledge of FDCPA, CFPB, UCC, and state repossession laws. Highly skilled at crisis intervention and de-escalation practices.

Education

Master’s Degree Forensic Science 1993

National University, San Diego, CA

Bachelor’s Degree - Criminology 1990

University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Associate’s Degree - Business Management 1987

Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD

Professional Experience

Collection, Skip trace and Asset Resolution Specialist 2007 – current Owner and operator overseeing third party vendors and direct client’s recovery and workflow across auto, mortgage, credit card, commercial and unsecured portfolios.

● Manage and audit vendors and direct clients supporting repossessions, skip tracing, collections, and legal recovery

● Developed FDCPA training and operational manuals for clients

● Direct collection revenue production, compliance, quality, and customer service in managing portfolios ranging from

$89M to $470M

● Negotiate settlements, payment arrangements, and recovery strategies

● Reduced newly acquired collection portfolios from 15% to under 1.5% within 90 days during client mergers.

● Partner with legal and compliance teams to prepare for audits, litigation, and regulatory reviews Direct Support Specialist ARC-CCR 2021-2025

● Implemented behavior modification strategies tailored to individuals with special needs, including Angelman Syndrome, Autism, Blindness, and Asperger’s.

● Life skills development, training and usage on/technology for special needs

● Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation support when needed Day Program Support Specialist, Harmony 2018-2021

● Managed daily operations of a day treatment program for adults with special needs.

● Delivered and supervised art and music therapy sessions daily, assisted w/lifeskills

● Crisis Intervention and de-escalation

Managing Partner, MDT & Son Enterprises Inc. 2001 – 2007

● Managed business operations, including vendor relations, project management, and financial planning.

● Led teams in service delivery and implemented process improvements to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction.

● Managed vendor contracts and ensured compliance with regulatory standards

● Managed all phases of collections, skip-tracing, research, and loss prevention

● Interpreted and maintained compliance with governing laws and regulations

● Managed receivables and third-party portfolios ranging from $47MM to $124MM

● Maintained end-of-month collections under 1% and reduced newly acquired client collection portfolios from 18% to less than 3% within 90 days

● Analyzed debt portfolios for risk assessment

● Created and implemented policy/procedures and training manuals

● Conducted initial interviews, onboarding, performance reviews, corrective actions, and terminations Operations Director, AutoMax Acceptance 1998 – 2001

● Managed auto finance collections, loan servicing, repossession, and loss prevention

● Led loan acquisitions

● Managed dealer relations and vendor performance

● Conducted internal audits; oversaw general ledger and P&L statement

● Shareholder operations liaison

● Maintained regulatory compliance across operations

● Developed and maintained new dealer base

Director of Operations/Partner, Family Support Services 1994 – 1997

● Led operations, collections, compliance, and vendor oversight

● Established and led a dedicated unit responsible for managing pro se child support and custody order modifications

● Managed trade shows

● Created and Implemented training and operations manuals

● Participated in the hiring and firing process and all reviews

● Maintained compliance with all collection laws

Skills

● Vendor and Portfolio Management Systems

● Collections & Skip Trace Platforms

● Microsoft word, Excel, Outlook, QuickBooks

Certifications & Continuing Education

Special Olympics Coach

Red Cross CPR/Infant certification

REPO2025- Continuing Education (Valid through 7/31/2027)

Repossession Law & Updated State Case Law

FDCPA & CFPB Consumer Law Compliance

Uniform Commercial Code

EV Repossession Risk & Emerging Challenges

Vendor communication & documentation Best Practices

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