Diane Valha

Accomplished senior level executive assistant supporting CEO/President level executives with extensive experience in office administration, human resources and client services.  A consummate business professional dedicated to supporting top performing C suite executives.  Serves as an effective gatekeeper, prepares well-researched documents, manages multiple busy calendars and efficiently handles a high level of daily activities. Outstanding at time and task management who meets deadlines and helps improve efficiency.  Skilled listener who understands how to set priorities and deliver a consistent high level of service.  Extremely good at multitasking and maintaining control in an ever-changing business environment.  Helps to foster and maintain cooperative working relationships and leading productive teams. High level skill set using MS Office and Outlook.

Professional Experience

Stronghill Capital, Austin, TX January 2020 – present, Chief of Staff.

Stronghill Capital is a direct wholesale lender that works closely with our broker partners to help them close loan opportunities they originate.

3650 Reit, Chicago IL – 2018 – present

A national commercial real estate lending, investment and services platform providing both long-term lending commitments and shorter-term bridge debt and equity capital.

As a portfolio lender, the 3650 REIT name signifies the number of days in a 10-year loan – and our corresponding commitment to hold loans on our balance sheet and provide high-touch service to our sponsor relationships each and every day through to maturity.

Executive Administrative Assistant

Reporting to the Managing Partner

Darkknight Ventures, LLC, Chicago, IL  2017 – present

Darkknight Ventures, LLC is an advisory and investment firm focused on accelerating the success of entrepreneurial operating entities.  We help firms grow more value, faster, while having the most fun.

Director of Operations

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer

  • Executive Assistant to the CEO
  • Directly responsible for controlling the operations of the company

Shirlaws Group, London, UK   (January 2016 – December 2016)

Shirlaws is a portfolio of companies that advise private enterprise how to grow, fund or exit their business in order to enjoy their life’s work.

Senior Executive Administrative Assistant

Reporting to the Global Chief Executive Officer

  • Extensive calendar management.
  • Support global initiatives.
  • Act as a Personal Assistant to handle travel for family, medical appointments/reimbursements, auto repairs. Handle all banking transactions for CEO, including monthly financial reporting.
  • Assist CEO on all committees/boards he chairs. Includes event planning, conference calls, and meeting preparation.
  • Coordinate all travel logistics for the CEO, including private plane travel arrangements and expenses. 

Cohen Financial, Chicago, Illinois (January 1998 – December 2015)

Cohen Financial is a national real estate capital services company and an originator of commercial real estate debt and equity transactions in the United States.

Senior Executive Administrative Assistant (2003 – December 2015)

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer

  • Support the Executive Team whose members include CEO, COO, EVP’s.
  • Extensive calendar management.
  • Coordinate and direct assigned projects for the team members, including personal and business financial management.
  • Ensure projects are appropriately prioritized and completed on time.
  • Maintain customer confidence and protects business operations by maintaining confidential information.
  • Work with CEO’s financial advisor to get taxes completed, signatures, charitable donations, car and property insurance.
  • Prioritize conflicting needs, expedite and proactively follow through on all projects to successful completion.
  • Coordinate all travel logistics for the CEO, including private plane travel arrangements and expenses.
  • Act as a Personal Assistant to handle travel for family, medical appointments/reimbursements, auto repairs. Handle all banking transactions for CEO, including monthly financial reporting.
  • Assist CEO on all committees/boards he chairs. Includes event planning, conference calls, and meeting preparation.
  • Manage and distribute all incoming communication.
  • Maintain and extensive filing system and client relationship database.
  • Oversee and manage office relocation process.

Major Accomplishments:

Created monthly cash flow binder for CEO that monitors and tracks:

  • Cash operating account
  • Private plane cash flow
  • Personal trusts
  • Personal investments and net worth statement
  • Charity contributions
  • Family bonds
  • Upcoming expenses
  • Personal taxes

Executive Administrative Assistant (January 1998 – January 2003)

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer

  • Supported Infrastructure, included marketing department, human resources, accounting and IT.
  • Coordinated and processed weekly financial reporting for the Executive team.
  • Managed build out of corporate office space.
  • Prepared and processed expense reports.
  • Coordinate all travel logistics.
  • Created/edited executive – level PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets.
  • Execute all tasks or special projects as assigned by CFO.
  • Maintain extensive filing system for accounting department.
  • Maintain and update client relationship database.
  • Coordinated companywide trainings for the company university.

BTI, Raleigh NC

Privately held Telephone Company.

Administrative Assistant (1994 – 1997)

Reporting to the Vice President of Sales

  • Supported sales team.
  • Coordinated and processed weekly financial reporting for the Executive team and Sales team.
  • Tracked all open sales opportunities, bids, win/loss reports and major account revenue streams.
  • Coordinate all travel logistics for the VP of Sales.
  • Maintained extensive database of sales pipeline opportunities.
  • Execute all tasks or special projects as assigned by VP of Sales.
  • Maintain extensive filing system.
  • Coordinated quarterly sales dinners across the country for top sales performers.
  • Organized client dinners, entertainment, etc.

Education

Shippensburg University, Shippensburg Pennsylvania ~ Bachelor of Science / Psychology

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