Denise Ramsey: A Journey Through Senior Management in Financial Services
Denise Ramsey’s extensive career in operational management, banking, and financial services has helped her carve a name for herself in the competitive world of financial services. With a profound background that spans across various domains such as project management, revenue analysis, and staff development, Denise’s professional journey is one of growth, leadership, and impact.
In this article, we will explore her career trajectory, educational background, and the significant roles she has played in companies like CAPTRUST, Campbell Wealth Management, VLP Financial Advisors, and others. Through her experiences, Denise has become a respected leader in financial services, excelling in operational efficiency, business strategy, and client service.
Early Life and Education
Denise Ramsey’s educational journey began at Muhlenberg College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Her time at Muhlenberg College not only provided her with a solid foundation in economics but also equipped her with leadership and team-building skills. Denise was actively involved in extracurricular activities, participating in varsity field hockey, varsity lacrosse, and the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, which helped shape her leadership qualities and team spirit. These early experiences set the stage for her career in senior management, where she would later excel in diverse fields such as banking, financial services, and retail management.
Professional Career: A Leap into Financial Services
CAPTRUST
Denise Ramsey currently serves as the Senior Manager in Practice Management & Business Development at CAPTRUST, a national investment advisory firm. She joined CAPTRUST in December 2024, marking an exciting transition after the acquisition of Campbell Wealth Management. Her primary role at CAPTRUST revolves around developing strategies to improve business operations, supporting growth, and managing relationships across various teams within the firm. Despite the transition to a new name and new team, Denise has remained focused on maintaining the firm’s core values of client satisfaction and team collaboration.
Her leadership skills at CAPTRUST highlight her ability to manage change while staying true to the client-first approach that CAPTRUST is known for. Denise’s professional journey at CAPTRUST is still in its early stages, but she has already made significant strides in ensuring operational excellence and strategic growth. Her commitment to these goals demonstrates her focus on maintaining high standards while building new professional relationships within the broader CAPTRUST network.
Campbell Wealth Management
Before her role at CAPTRUST, Denise held a prominent position at Campbell Wealth Management. From April 2023 to April 2025, she served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). During her tenure at Campbell Wealth Management, Denise was responsible for overseeing the operational efficiency of the firm, ensuring that all services met regulatory compliance, and implementing strategic planning initiatives. Her work here was focused on streamlining internal processes, improving client services, and setting new business development goals.
In addition to her role as COO, Denise also held the position of Director of Client Service from August 2022 to April 2023, where she led performance reviews, new product rollouts, and enhanced client relationships. Denise’s time at Campbell Wealth Management sharpened her expertise in financial services, particularly in client service management and strategic operations, which proved valuable as she transitioned to CAPTRUST.
VLP Financial Advisors
Denise’s journey also includes significant contributions at VLP Financial Advisors, where she served as the Director of Operations from January 2016 to August 2022. In this role, she was responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, maintaining high levels of client service, and leading a range of staff management functions. Her key responsibilities included overseeing performance reviews, payroll administration, client relations, and recruiting. She played an instrumental role in streamlining operations and ensuring the firm’s commitment to delivering quality financial services to clients.
Denise’s role at VLP Financial Advisors reinforced her ability to lead complex financial operations, offering valuable insights into financial strategy, client management, and the operational requirements of a growing advisory firm. Her work there laid the groundwork for her continued success in senior management roles within the financial services industry.
Pump It Up
Denise’s career also saw her venture into retail management and ownership. From January 2005 to January 2016, she was the Owner/VP of Pump It Up, a business focusing on children’s entertainment and events. In this role, Denise managed all aspects of the business, including recruiting, marketing, strategic planning, staff development, and customer service. She was responsible for overseeing product implementation, sales generation, and policy and procedure development.
Running Pump It Up allowed Denise to develop a broad skill set in operational management, from handling customer service and risk management to fostering a positive environment for both clients and staff. This entrepreneurial experience strengthened her leadership abilities and helped her hone her skills in business management, which she later applied to her financial services career.
FBR National Bank
Earlier in her career, Denise also held a role at FBR National Bank as a Vice President from August 2000 to January 2002. During this period, she was responsible for managing all aspects of the transfer agent operations, including customer service call centers, account transactions, deposits, redemptions, tax reporting, broker trades, and large client custody accounts. She was instrumental in the conversion and implementation of a new shareholder service system, which greatly enhanced the firm’s ability to serve clients more efficiently.
Denise’s time at FBR National Bank provided her with valuable experience in managing large financial accounts and navigating the complexities of financial transactions, skills that would later prove useful in her broader financial services career.
Skills and Expertise
Throughout her career, Denise has developed a wide range of skills that have contributed to her success in the financial services sector. Her expertise includes:
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Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all operations meet industry standards and regulations.
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Project Management: Leading initiatives to enhance business operations and achieve strategic goals.
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Operations Management: Streamlining processes to ensure operational efficiency.
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Business Development: Identifying growth opportunities and building new business relationships.
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Staff Development: Recruiting, mentoring, and managing teams to achieve organizational goals.
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Financial Services: Deep knowledge of financial planning, client relations, and financial product offerings.
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Strategic Planning: Developing and executing strategies that align with business objectives.
These skills have made Denise a sought-after leader in the financial services industry, as her ability to manage operations and drive growth has contributed to the success of the firms she’s worked with.
Conclusion
Denise Ramsey’s professional journey exemplifies the importance of versatility and adaptability in the business world. From her early career in financial analysis to her leadership roles in operational management, Denise has consistently demonstrated her ability to manage complex business processes and develop strategies that benefit both clients and teams.
Her work at CAPTRUST, Campbell Wealth Management, VLP Financial Advisors, Pump It Up, and FBR National Bank reflects her broad expertise across multiple industries. Denise’s leadership and strategic vision have made her an integral part of every organization she has been a part of, and her continued success in the financial services industry is a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication to excellence.
As she continues to grow in her role at CAPTRUST, Denise is sure to influence the future of financial advisory services, continuing to drive innovation, efficiency, and client-focused strategies.
