Cheri MacDonald

Regional Underwriting Manager/ Managing Director, Wells Fargo Capital Finance

Biography:

Cheri MacDonald is a managing director, regional underwriting manager for Wells Fargo Capital Finance.  This group is responsible for underwriting and closing middle-market asset-based transactions that range in size from $10 million to over $2 billion, covering a broad array of industries.  She is based in Atlanta, GA.  Cheri started her 20-year career with Wells Fargo in its Santa Monica, CA office, gaining experience in field exam, syndications, loan administration and underwriting.  In 2006, she relocated to Atlanta to re-establish Wells Fargo Capital Finance’s underwriting group in the South.  During her time with the company, she has earned the company’s highest awards, including two Golden Spokes and a Chairman’s Award.  She has also been actively involved in Wells Fargo Capital Finance’s Diversity and Inclusion Council and the Women’s Connection, as well as the SFNET’s Women in Commercial Finance Committee.  She is a graduate of California State University, San Bernardino, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting.

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?

Your ideas and perspectives have great value, and our industry has continued to evolve to provide opportunities for you that generations before could only dream of or were a rarity.  Have confidence in yourself, and do not be afraid to challenge the “norm”.  Different perspectives and viewpoints add to the discussion, promote positive development, and assist change within a group and/or organization.  Let your voice be heard; do not shy away from your strengths.

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the beginning of your career? 

Developing and building relationships are key.  Branch out of your comfort zone and get to know people both inside and outside of your group and organization.  Join different groups to develop and grow your network. This can be as easy as joining a work or industry sports team, participating in volunteer opportunities in your community that are sponsored by your company or industry, joining groups within your organization like the Diversity and Inclusion group, women’s networks, team member networks, or attending one of the many SFNET-sponsored events.  This can help improve existing and future working relationships and provide for future career advancement opportunities.

What kind of role has mentoring and/or sponsorship played in your career?

 I was very fortunate to have strong managers who were also mentors to me.  They taught me the ropes and encouraged my progression through the organization and into management.  This mentoring has been invaluable to me, but even more rewarding has been the investment in paying it forward by being a mentor myself.  It has been a personal highlight of my career.   To mentor a fellow team member and watch them grow, develop and make meaningful contributions to Wells Fargo Capital Finance is extremely gratifying and makes me feel like I have made a difference.  I am very proud to see them progress, be publicly recognized and grow within their own personal careers, and see them continuing to pay it forward by teaching the next generation of asset-based lenders.

What do you think the industry could do to attract and retain the best and the brightest today? 

We need to look outside of the box and be open to change to attract the best and most diverse talent, not being afraid of creating opportunities for individuals that look different than you, or have a different background.  An investment in someone that has strong skills, a good attitude and is passionate about learning often pays off more than someone with just a good resume.   But the most difficult challenge is really retaining that talent over the long term.  It is key to keep people challenged, engaged and fairly compensated, especially during the pendulum swings in our industry that can result in either an extreme amount of work or a long lull in activity.  It is also critical to remain flexible, recognizing that our world is becoming more automated and collaborating remotely through flexible work schedules and telecommute options can be a win-win solution.