Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Websites
Certification
Accomplishments
Hobbies and Interests
Languages
References
Timeline
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GELITHA J. FERGUSON

GELITHA J. FERGUSON

Nassau

Summary

Legal professional with extensive experience in compliance management and risk assessment at Atlantis Resort & Casino. Demonstrated ability to enhance operational efficiency while safeguarding organizational integrity. Skilled in legal documentation and client communication, utilizing strong analytical skills to drive compliance initiatives and promote accountability.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Legal Secretary

GCRFExecutive Services
Nassau N.P.
02.2025 - Current
  • Organized attorney calendars by tracking appointments, meetings, and conferences.
  • Created correspondence, memos, reports, and other legal documents via Microsoft Word.
  • Greeted visitors to the office in a professional manner while providing support to attorneys as needed.
  • Organized case files by creating and maintaining document filing systems for easy retrieval of information.
  • Facilitated delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
  • Assisted in maintaining department attorney personnel files with utmost confidentiality.
  • Composed letters and organized legal correspondence for attorneys and legal assistants.
  • Functioned as liaison between clients, vendors, and attorneys.
  • Managed receipt and allocation of incoming mail.
  • Facilitated copying of all correspondence, documents, and additional printed materials.
  • Executed handling of confidential information with strict adherence to discretion and integrity.
  • Developed spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel for efficient record-keeping and reporting.
  • Managed various schedules utilizing online calendaring system.
  • Streamlined communications through efficient email forwarding, call transfers, and document filing.

Consultant: Gaming Compliance/Risk Management Specialist

GCRF Consultancy Group
Nassau N.P.
08.2024 - Current
  • Reviewed existing policies and procedures to suggest necessary improvements.
  • Evaluated existing systems and processes against industry best practices to enhance efficiency.
  • Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
  • Ensured compliance with corporate governance guidelines through active monitoring of internal controls framework.
  • Developed risk management strategies to identify, assess, and control risks related to the organization's operations.
  • Participated in training sessions designed to educate staff on importance of effective risk management principles.
  • Analyzed existing policies, procedures, and processes for potential areas of risk exposure.

Personal Travel Planner

Archer Travel Services & Evolution Travels
La Crescenta
12.2024 - 02.2025
  • Completed various training and certifications for personal travel planners (i.e., Evolution Travel Certification, College of Disney Knowledge, Carnival Cruise Line, etc.).
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of travel industry trends, regulations, and best practices to better serve customers.

Director of Regulatory Compliance

Atlantis Resort & Casino
Nassau
05.2022 - 08.2024
  • Company Overview: Recruited by Kerzner International to structure compliance functions, eradicate fraud and theft, introduce tight internal controls across nine business units, and usher in a risk-aligned compliance culture within a 2000-member, multi-million-dollar casino operations.
  • Evolved business capacity founded on comprehensive and best-in-class ML, CTF, SOX, compliance and gaming risk-based systems and frameworks, meeting regulatory requirements under a tight deadline while enabling the capture of business growth opportunities during critical recessionary-and later- a transitionary phase.
  • Hit the ground running in 2008 and continued to align business gaming operations with current regulatory, supervisory, and ever-changing industry requirements, meeting the ROI needs of diverse stakeholders.
  • Strengthened Atlantis Resort and Casino's reputation.
  • For 2 years, it has hosted a hospitality management group for Iowa University; led round table discussion and casino tour, offering 'behind-the-scenes' look at world-class casino operations.
  • Served as a key member of the strategy team, designing solutions to sustain profitability during a down economy by curtailing expenses and plotting debt refinancing.
  • Analyzed and identified risk areas to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Devised and maintained compliance recordkeeping processes to support initiatives.
  • Addressed compliance issues by developing and implementing corrective action plans.
  • Prepared and presented comprehensive reports to upper management and audit team, covering issues and recommendations.
  • Performed regular compliance reviews and audits, identifying noncompliance issues.
  • Formulated detailed recommendations based on audit findings to support annual planning and definition of goals.
  • Investigated potential compliance violations and reported findings to senior management.
  • Established and monitored compliance procedures to provide consistent implementation across departments.
  • Advised division leaders of regulatory risks in business processed and provided recommendations for improvement.
  • Implemented effective compliance policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements.
  • Delivered subject matter expertise for internal and external customers on compliance best practices and quality control.
  • Kept up to date on compliance trends and rulings using meticulous research and study.
  • Developed compliance training initiatives and materials, educating staff on regulations.
  • Recruited by Kerzner International to structure compliance functions, eradicate fraud and theft, introduce tight internal controls across nine business units, and usher in a risk-aligned compliance culture within a 2000-member, multi-million-dollar casino operations.

Regulatory & Supervisory Relationship Management

Central Bank of The Bahamas
Bahamas
01.1989 - 12.2007
  • Company Overview: Leading regulatory and supervisory body empowered to foster an environment of monetary stability, conducive to economic development and to ensure actable and sound financial system.
  • Charged with the development and implementation of best-in-class regulatory and risk management frameworks along with current legal strategies to protect multi-million-dollar investment portfolios (35+ accounts of license banks and trust companies) and support of the firm's business strategy.
  • Introduced frameworks aligning systems, internal controls, accounting practices and regulatory compliance programs with immediate and long-term objectives.
  • Assumed role of corporate vigilante, safeguarding company against conflicts of interest, know-your-customer requirements, and protecting brand against financial exposures that would cause brand value leakage.
  • Established and cultivated a reputation as a highly analytical and investigative leader with skillful negotiation and persuasive communications, wielding the ability to connect with diverse individuals (colleagues, clients, and staff) to create consensus and change cultures within a 1000-member environment.
  • Leading regulatory and supervisory body empowered to foster an environment of monetary stability, conducive to economic development and to ensure actable and sound financial system.

Education

Certificate - Hospitality & Tourism Management

Florida Atlantic University
Miami, Florida
12.2020

Post Graduate Diploma - Education (Innovation in Learning & Teaching)

University of South Wales
United Kingdom
06.2019

Associate of Science - Banking & Trust Administration & Company Formation

Bahamas Institute of Financial Services
Nassau N.P., Bahamas
12.2007

Bachelor of Science - Professional Management

Nova Southeastern University
Miami, Florida
12.2007

No Degree - Regulatory & Supervisory - Bank Examination, Bank Analysis, Credit Risk Analysis, Bank Management

Board of Governors of The Federal Reserve
Washington D.C.
12.2005

International Certification - Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Terrorist Financing & Compliance

Manchester Business School
London, England
06.2005

Associate of Arts - Banking & Finance

University of The Bahamas (College of The Bahamas)
Nassau N.P., Bahamas
06.1995

Skills

  • Legal research and documentation review
  • Audit management and compliance monitoring
  • Internal audits and auditing processes
  • Project coordination and stakeholder meetings
  • Risk management and assessment strategies
  • Compliance procedures and reviews
  • Corporate governance and regulations enforcement
  • Training delivery and effective communication
  • Trend monitoring and industry assessments
  • Document preparation and filing systems organization
  • Client communication and correspondence
  • Software utilization and record keeping
  • Attention to detail and problem solving
  • Time management and team collaboration
  • Strong presentation skills and proofreading
  • Legal compliance and documentation
  • Business accounting
  • Court administration and case coordination
  • Research and data analysis
  • Meeting and document management
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Conflict resolution strategies
  • Problem-solving expertise
  • Litigation support
  • Legal compliance

Affiliations

  • Global Gaming Women
  • Associate - Bahamas Institute of Financial Services

Certification

International Compliance Association (ICA) - Anti-Money Laundering/Compliance

Accomplishments

  • Recruited by Kerzner International to structure compliance functions, eradicate fraud and theft, introduce tight internal controls across nine business units, and usher in a risk-aligned compliance culture within a 2,000 member, multimillion-dollar casino operations.
  • Hit the ground running in 2008 and continued to align business gaming operations with current regulatory, supervisory, and ever-changing industry requirements, meeting the ROI needs of diverse stakeholders.
  • Strengthened Atlantis Resort & Casino's reputation. For 2 years, hosted a hospitality management group for Iowa University, led round table discussions and casino tours, offering 'behind-the-scenes' look at the world-class casino operations.
  • Evolved business capacity founded on comprehensive and best-in-class AML, CTF, Sarbanes Oxley, compliance and gaming-based systems and frameworks, meeting regulatory requirements under a tight deadline while enabling the capture of business growth opportunities during critical recessionary - and later - a transitionary phase.
  • Led Atlantis Resort & Casino through debt/equity evolutionary phase with comprehensive compliance risk-based frameworks for 9-business unit and multimillion-dollar environment.
  • Served as a key member of the strategy team, designing solutions to sustain profitability during a down economy by curtailing expenses and plotting debt refinancing.
  • Whipped up cross-organizational resolutions in alignment with the company's strengthening on a global scale.
  • Success formulating and leading the implementation of solid systems and frameworks that stand the test of time and rising vulnerabilities amid increasing threats.
  • Gifted business leader who understands business continuity is essential and requires a proactive approach. Incessantly assessing and reassessing in-place compliance frameworks, ensuring risk-based and multi-ecosystem alignment.
  • Collaborated with team of 9 Business Units in the development of Anti-Money Laundering - Digital Platform.
  • Achieved 99% Fraud Reduction by completing Audit Reviews and Remediation with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Documented and implemented AML/CFT/Compliance Framework which led to Historical Record-Breaking Profits.
  • Published Book: 'An Introduction to Casino Operations Management from a Compliance Perspective'.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Travelling
  • Reading
  • Mentoring

Languages

English, Native language

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Legal Secretary

GCRFExecutive Services
02.2025 - Current

Personal Travel Planner

Archer Travel Services & Evolution Travels
12.2024 - 02.2025

Consultant: Gaming Compliance/Risk Management Specialist

GCRF Consultancy Group
08.2024 - Current

Director of Regulatory Compliance

Atlantis Resort & Casino
05.2022 - 08.2024

Regulatory & Supervisory Relationship Management

Central Bank of The Bahamas
01.1989 - 12.2007

Certificate - Hospitality & Tourism Management

Florida Atlantic University

Post Graduate Diploma - Education (Innovation in Learning & Teaching)

University of South Wales

Associate of Science - Banking & Trust Administration & Company Formation

Bahamas Institute of Financial Services

Bachelor of Science - Professional Management

Nova Southeastern University

No Degree - Regulatory & Supervisory - Bank Examination, Bank Analysis, Credit Risk Analysis, Bank Management

Board of Governors of The Federal Reserve

International Certification - Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Terrorist Financing & Compliance

Manchester Business School

Associate of Arts - Banking & Finance

University of The Bahamas (College of The Bahamas)
GELITHA J. FERGUSON