Title: Global Corporate Trust Client Manager, Vice President
Firm: U.S. Bank Trust Company, N.A.
Age: 30
Rose Anne Valera immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines at the age of 16. "My Filipino parents believed that to achieve financial stability you worked in healthcare or finance, which led me to pursue an accounting degree," says Rose Anne, a vice president with U.S. Bank Trust Company.
At the age of 17 Rose Anne landed an accounting internship with the city of St. Paul Public Works. "It was my first exposure to public finance, even though I didn't realize it," says Rose Anne.
Six months later she joined the St. Paul Public School District where she thought she would spend her entire career. "After learning that government employees could retire as early as 55 with full benefits, I remember thinking that's a pretty good plan," Rose Anne says.
But a co-worker ultimately encouraged Rose Anne to explore other opportunities. "That conversation changed my trajectory," Rose Anne says. "I faced plenty of rejections along the way, but a leader at U.S. Bank in 2015 took a chance on me. I didn't have much experience, but I brought energy, curiosity and the willingness to learn to the table," Rose Anne says.
In Rose Anne's position as vice president and client manager in global corporate trust, she is the main point of contact for clients from day one until the deal terminates. She takes ownership across the full lifecycle of transactions, supporting financings that fund K-12 schools, higher education facilities and local government infrastructure. Rose Anne manages a municipal bond portfolio of over $4 billion.
"I had never heard of corporate trust or fully understood the breadth of careers within public finance. It took time, exposure, and mentorship to recognize the opportunities available. Because of that experience, I actively work to introduce the industry to young adults and early-career professionals," Rose Anne says.
Rose Anne is expecting her third baby in November.
