Republic Business Credit continued its national growth trajectory with a new addition at the company’s home office in New Orleans. Katherine Hebert Seghers, an experienced data analyst and financial accounts manager, recently joined the firm as vice president, senior accountant. A graduate of Loyola University New Orleans with an MBA from University of New Orleans, Seghers brings more than a decade of experience in managing financial accounts.
“I am thrilled to join the Republic team. My position is a dual role that will expand my financial skill set while allowing me the opportunity to learn the secured finance field through various special projects. I love the possibility to learn something new, which made this role so appealing,” Seghers said. “Meeting the team and seeing Republic’s company spirit in person along with their continuous growth reaffirmed why Republic is a leader in the secured finance industry and where I want to be.”
Seghers will report directly to Diane Wszalek senior vice president, controller at Republic.
“Katherine is a much-needed addition to the team, and I look forward to collaborating and working with her across our business planning and financial reporting requirements as we balance our short- and long-term goals together,” Wszalek said.
In her role, Seghers will contribute to the strategic and growth goals of the firm while overseeing critical day-to-day accounting needs. She will use her accounting expertise to oversee and manage reconciliations in all operating systems, complete weekly accounts processing, compile monthly client analysis and fee assessment and assist the controller on any special projects, such as third-party risk and vendor management and SOX auditing. Her prior experience in marketing and communications will also be a valuable asset as she assists with marketing projects.
“Our firm is growing, and it’s important to add to our team in a way that supports senior executives in some of our critical day-to-day responsibilities in an ever evolving and developing industry,” Stewart Chesters, CEO of Republic, said. “We’re lucky to have Katherine and her wealth of experience on board.”
The company also added Danielle Wright-Madison, who began her career as a financial analyst and most recently served as a field exam manager for a major national banking institution, as vice president, underwriting. She will report directly to Brian Daray, senior vice president, underwriting manager of Republic.
In her role, Wright-Madison will support the firms’ teams across its suite of products that include asset-based lending, e-commerce and factoring. She also will be responsible for reviewing and assessing clients for compliance against standard credit policies and procedures.
“Danielle’s breadth of experience in finance and underwriting make her a perfect fit for our growing business,” Daray said. “She will be a key player on our team, working closely with the underwriting, client services and new business teams to guide us toward prospective borrowers that make sense for us and our partners.”
“I am truly looking forward to working within the entrepreneurial environment of Republic and leveraging my skill set of problem solving, leadership, support and training,” Wright-Madison said.
Prior to Republic, Wright-Madison was continually promoted at a major national bank, honing her expertise in field examination, due diligence, billing, records, inventory collateral and credit assessment. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Xavier University of Louisiana, is a member of the Business Achievers Association, National Association of Black Accountants and has volunteered for an IRS tax assistance program.
“We were looking for someone in our New Orleans office who would be a proactive contributor to our community and prospective clients, as well as provide critical guidance in all aspects of client due diligence and compliance,” Robert Meyers, president of Republic, said. “It’s an important role, and we’re thrilled to be able to add Danielle to the incredible talent pool at Republic.”
