Zelalem A.
About Zelalem A.
Zelalem A. is a Quantitative Model Developer currently employed at The Oakleaf Group, with a background in financial analysis and quantitative analytics across various organizations. He holds advanced degrees in Economics and Artificial Intelligence and has expertise in model risk management and data processing.
Work at The Oakleaf Group
Zelalem A. has been employed at The Oakleaf Group as a Quantitative Model Developer since 2024. In this role, he focuses on developing quantitative models that support various financial analyses. His work contributes to the organization's ability to provide data-driven insights and solutions to clients in the financial sector. The Oakleaf Group is known for its expertise in quantitative analysis and model validation, making Zelalem's skills particularly valuable.
Previous Experience in Financial Analysis
Prior to his current position, Zelalem A. worked at Wells Fargo as a VP - Senior Quantitative Analytics Specialist from 2019 to 2024. He also held a position as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte from 2015 to 2019. His earlier experience includes serving as a Sr. Financial Analyst at Discover Financial Services for one year in 2014-2015. Throughout these roles, he gained significant experience in model risk management and validation projects for various financial products.
Educational Background
Zelalem A. holds a Master of Professional Studies in Artificial Intelligence from Penn State University. He also earned a Master of Science in Economics from South Dakota State University, where he studied from 2008 to 2010. His undergraduate degree is a Bachelor's in Economics from Haramaya University, completed from 2002 to 2006. This educational background provides him with a strong foundation in both quantitative analysis and economic theory.
Technical Skills and Certifications
Zelalem A. is a certified Databricks Apache Spark developer, demonstrating expertise in Apache Spark architecture and data processing. He has extensive experience in machine and deep learning model development within the DataBricks environment. His technical skills include migrating borrower-initiated mortgage insurance cancellation models and data from SAS to Python on AWS, showcasing his proficiency in modern data processing technologies.
International Experience
Zelalem A. has a diverse international background, having worked as a Consultant for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 2010 to 2012. He also served as a Visiting Scientist (Intern) at UN Environment for seven months in 2010 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. These experiences have contributed to his understanding of global financial systems and practices.