Résumé

The formal record behind the story.

This page includes a concise overview of my experience across consulting, operations leadership, HR and people operations, financial services, lending, business management, customer relationships, and strategic execution.

  • Founder, operations, and people leader with 20+ years of cross-functional experience.
  • Founder & Principal of Watkins Strategic Solutions, helping owners set priorities and get important work off their desks through hands-on project and ongoing support.
  • Director-level operations and people leadership in technology services.
  • Deep banking, lending, underwriting, portfolio management, customer relationships, insurance, investments, and team development.
Willie Watkins in a black executive suit adjusting his cuff

Watkins Strategic Solutions

Founder & Principal • Mount Pleasant, SC • January 2025 – Present

Independent consulting began in January 2025 and grew into Watkins Strategic Solutions, formalized as an LLC in 2026.

  • Hands-on help for owners and growing teams across operations, hiring and people needs, financial administration, projects, registrations, and expansion.
  • Defined projects, fractional support, and ongoing responsibilities that help owners move forward and free up time for the work that needs their attention.

Electric Red, Inc.

Director of Operations & People • Charleston, SC • August 2019 – December 2024
  • Led operations, HR, finance support, vendor management, sales support, marketing coordination, and executive support functions.
  • Built operating and people infrastructure that supported approximately 180% headcount growth, expansion from 5 to 11 states, and more than 150% revenue growth.

Banking & Financial Services

First Citizens Bank • The Commercial Bank • SunTrust • Wachovia • Horace Mann
  • Branch leadership, financial sales management, lending, underwriting, portfolio management, customer relationships, insurance, investments, and team development.