Sales Customer Service

SELMA G. HABIB

SUMMARY

An accomplished, innovative executive with vast expertise in the public and private sectors as well as in international business development, sales, marketing, government relations, policy development, trade missions, public speaking, program management and strategic planning. Proven capabilities in banking and financial services. Interacts with domestic and international parties to ensure alignment on initiatives. Utilizes strong communication skills to promote a company’s interests worldwide. An integral leader, who ensures the successful completion of international objectives.

EXPERIENCE

U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: U.S.-BAHRAIN BUSINESS COUNCIL, Washington, D.C.

Executive Director, U.S.-Bahrain Business Council 2007-2010

Managed, designed and implemented programs as well as policy initiatives of the U.S.-Bahrain Business Council, membership organization of U.S. and Bahraini companies with investment as well as trade interests in Kingdom of Bahrain. Developed and executed work plan through annual strategic planning process in consultation with council’s chairman and board of directors. Interacted with U.S. Government officials on U.S.-Bahrain trade and investment issues. Directed annual budget as well as oversaw program development and revenue generation strategy and execution. Organized and led annual executive trade mission to Bahrain and represented council in trade-related events in U.S. and Bahrain.

Supported programs and initiatives of Middle East Affairs Department, which included Iraq Business Initiative, Kurdistan Task Force, U.S.-Egypt Business Council and U.S.-Egypt Business Leaders’ Forum. Wrote briefings for senior-level meetings and programs at Chamber for Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq and Morocco, as well as for senior-level official visits to Middle East region, including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Qatar and UAE. Advanced U.S. commercial issues in region while working extensively with Chamber member companies, U.S. and foreign governments, trade associations and American Chambers of Commerce abroad.

Led and promoted Chamber’s U.S. Bahrain Business Council’s initiative to educate U.S. private sector on Islamic banking, insurance and finance.

Organized high-level trade missions to Kingdom of Bahrain.

Coordinated private-sector input into annual meeting of U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement Joint Committee to raise specific commercial issues related to FTA.

Hosted senior-level U.S. and foreign government officials at Chamber as well as additional venues.

Played advocacy role on behalf of U.S.-Bahrain Business Council membership by pressing government of Bahrain to ratify and implement Cape Town Convention and related aircraft protocol to reap benefits of treaty.

Cooperated with leading business organizations as well as policy groups in Bahrain to facilitate business partnership between council members and Bahraini firms.

Highlighted and promoted greater awareness of council members’ priority issues as well as U.S.-Bahrain commercial and economic relationship.

Increased council membership by eight, from 21 to 29 members, from 2007 to 2008.

OFFICE OF THE ECONOMIC REPRESENTATIVE OF KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN, Washington, D.C.

Program Coordinator 2004-2007

Collaborated with ambassador on initiatives to facilitate negotiation, signing and implementation of U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, in addition to managing new office. Promoted investment and trade between U.S. and Kingdom of Bahrain. Led business development initiatives between U.S. Government, companies, NGOs and international organizations. Contributed to creation of U.S.-Bahrain Business Council.

Contributed to organizing and managing of special events, such as trade shows and high-level delegation visits.

Prepared and edited speeches and reports as well as briefing books for high level Bahraini officials.

Executive Assistant to the Economic Representative 2003-2004

Worked closely with economic representative in coordination of negotiations of Free Trade Agreement between U.S. and Kingdom of Bahrain, in addition to promotion of U.S. investment and trade between two countries, including drafting media and communications releases to various news organizations and U.S. Government.

Arranged and organized meetings between trade coalition and representatives. Prepared press release information regarding country policy.

Managed aspects of new office, including establishing Website and monthly newsletter, managing aspects of process involved for establishing Free Trade Agreement, such as business development initiatives, and managing financial records and vendor relationships.

CITIBANK F.S.B., Washington, D. C.

Vice President and Relationship Manager 2001-2003

Co-developed strategy for start-up initiative, Embassy Banking Program, including establishing bank policy and procedure, as well as embassy banking unit; developing product line for embassies, sub-agencies and diplomatic community; and working closely with legal division in developing customized documentation.

Developed marketing and business proposal template.

Aided unit in competing and winning significant relationships, not limited to deposits in excess of $100,000,000.

Established depository, investment and credit relationships with ambassadors, consuls, members of ruling families, diplomats and staff.

FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, Washington, D.C.

Vice President, Global Government and Embassy Banking 1995-2001

Served depository, investment management, credit and trust needs of high-net worth foreign nationals and respective missions in Washington, D.C., area. Oversaw client base, which included Middle Eastern and African foreign missions, ministries in respective home countries, affiliated non-profit organizations and foundations, ministers and ambassadors, as well as additional high-net worth individuals. Managed two sales assistants.

Co-managed low nine-figure account portfolio, corporate and personal, consisting of 1,000 accounts.

Held responsibility for building client base through implementation of sales plan, client referrals, seminars and sales events, as well as for recommending financial solutions in initiative to increase profitability of existing portfolios.

Served as main source of referrals for investment products, which generated combined fee income in moderate six figures in first year.

Contributed one half of global government and embassy banking net income.

Resolved major servicing needs of major clients through appropriate investigation and escalation by interfacing with various departments.

Assistant Vice President, International Private Banker, 1989-1995.

Co-managed high eight-figure account portfolio, consisting of 850 foreign missions and high-net worth individuals, including ambassadors and defense attaches. Serviced depository, borrowing and investment needs. Marketed to foreign embassies, military missions and non-profit organizations. Maintained relationships through contacts of key personnel of foreign missions and networking. Managed consumer lending needs of client base. Prepared loan applications and documentation for approval of credit. Contributed to preparation of management reports. Organized seminars and sales events to enhance relations and increase sales volume.

Assistant Cashier, International Banking Officer, 1987-1989.

Managed, developed and maintained account relationships for foreign embassies, military missions and international organizations. Achieved Winner’s Circle in 1988. Administrative Assistant, International Banking Representative, 1983-1987. Developed and maintained account relationships of foreign embassies, military missions and non-profit organizations.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

FIRST AMERICAN BANKSHARES, INC., Washington, D.C., Executive Assistant, 1982-1983. Collaborated with vice president of international in reviewing, summarizing and analyzing documentation relating to international investment and finance. Performed administrative and secretarial duties.

ITT WORLD COMMUNICATIONS, INC., Washington, D.C., Service Coordinator, 1980-1982. Provided customer service and marketing support for national field sales force. Held responsibility for managing resolution of store-and-forward service issues of client base.

EMBASSY OF LEBANON, Washington, D.C., Administrative Secretary, 1979. Prepared daily review of press for ambassador. Supported special receptions and events.

IBM GENERAL BUSINESS GROUP, White Plains, New York, Junior Analyst, Special Products Department, 1978. Researched and prepared major report for special products department, Outline of Market Research Techniques. Monitored quantitative research. Extracted detailed analysis of research finding, interacted with research consultants in development of analytical plans, investigated secondary research sources and evaluated usefulness to on-going distribution process. Reviewed existing research and recommended changes appropriate to product and research peculiarities.

OTHER EXPERIENCE

H. BECK, INC., Rockville, Maryland, Registered Representative, 2009-2010. Served as part-time, individual, licensed registered representative, selling securities and additional financial services.

PRIMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES INC., Sykesville, Maryland, District Leader, 2005-2007. Acted as part-time licensed representative in Maryland and Washington, D.C., as well as Virginia, for life and health insurance, and mutual funds, in addition to long-term care.

EDUCATION

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, Washington, D.C.

M.B.A., International Business, Marketing, 1979

OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY, Norfolk, Virginia

B.S., Business Administration, graduated Summa cum Laude, 1977

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, Beirut, Lebanon

Business Administration (in top ten on Honor’s List both semesters 1974-1975)

CERTIFICATION

American Institute of Banking, Statement of Equivalency, 1986

LICENSES

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Series 7, 2001

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Series 63, 2001

Maryland Life and Health Insurance License, 2002

Virginia Life and Health Insurance License, 2002

AFFILIATIONS

Association of Women in International Trade, 2008-2011

American Bahraini Friendship Society, 2010-2011

SKILLS

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Arabic Language (Conversational Lebanese Dialect)

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