Lakeisha A. Rocker, MBA has established herself as a financial management and business analytics leader, serving as the director of global credit and collections at National Oilwell Varco. Her career spans more than two decades, marked by significant achievements in credit management, process automation, and team leadership across multiple industries. Through her innovative financial management and dedication to process improvement, she has consistently driven organizational success while fostering team development and implementing cutting-edge technological solutions that enhance operational efficiency.
Ms. Rocker built her academic foundation through progressive education, earning an associate of science in computer programming from Houston Community College, a Bachelor of Science in information technology from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She has further enhanced her expertise with certifications in financial management and business analytics from Cornell University, along with green and yellow belt operational excellence certifications and recognition as an advanced robotics process automation professional. This combination of formal education and specialized certifications has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and managerial aspects of financial operations, enabling her to bridge the gap between technological innovation and practical business applications.
Ms. Rocker’s professional journey demonstrates a steady progression through increasingly responsible roles in finance and credit management. At National Oilwell Varco, she advanced from directing credit and collections for the rig segment to overseeing global operations for the energy equipment segment. She simultaneously serves as a senior instructor for online management mentoring courses, sharing her expertise with emerging professionals and contributing to developing future industry leaders. This dual role allows her to maintain a fresh perspective on industry developments while helping to shape the next generation of financial management professionals.
During her tenure at CEMEX, Ms. Rocker spearheaded innovative automation initiatives that transformed reporting processes. She assembled a cross-departmental team to implement robotic process automation, earning advanced certifications and establishing 24-hour automated reporting systems. This achievement improved operational efficiency and demonstrated her ability to leverage technology for business advancement. She later brought this expertise to Houston, where she trained others to develop automated solutions for repetitive reporting tasks. Her success in implementing these automation initiatives showcases her talent for identifying opportunities for improvement and leading teams through significant technological transformations while focusing on practical business outcomes.
Ms. Rocker’s career path includes significant roles at major corporations, including serving as credit and collections manager at ERIKS North America, business manager at The Coca-Cola Company, and credit analyst for the Minute Maid business unit. Her early career experience spans positions in accounts receivable at Republic Services Inc., account management at AT&T, and customer service and training at Reliant Energy. Each role contributed to her comprehensive understanding of financial management and customer service, building a foundation of practical experience that informs her current leadership and decision-making processes. The diversity of these roles has given her unique insights into various aspects of financial operations and customer relationship management across different industries and organizational structures.
Ms. Rocker’s leadership philosophy centers on helping others succeed while maintaining high-performance standards. This resolve emerged from her own experience, starting as a temporary worker at Coca-Cola; she distinguished herself through dedication and secured a permanent position despite fierce competition. Her career journey has come full circle, as she now directs the work of a former mentor who supported her early career development, exemplifying her growth as a leader and professional. This experience has strengthened her focus on mentoring and developing talent within her teams, creating opportunities for growth and advancement while maintaining focus on organizational goals and performance standards.
Ms. Rocker attributes her success to an unwavering work ethic and determination to exceed expectations. She recognizes that exceptional achievement requires additional effort and dedication, a philosophy she developed early in her management career. This understanding drives her to consistently go beyond basic requirements to ensure thorough and effective task completion, particularly in data-driven environments where precision and reliability are crucial. Her approach to leadership combines this strong work ethic with innovation and process improvement, creating a dynamic working environment that encourages individual and team success.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms. Rocker actively participates in community service through United Way, the Boys & Girls Club of America, and the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes. She balances these commitments with personal interests in travel and family time while pursuing professional growth aimed at reaching vice president-level positions in credit or risk assessment. Her ultimate aspiration involves establishing an independent consulting firm, allowing her to share her expertise more broadly within the industry. This combination of professional ambition, community involvement, and personal development reflects her ability to maintain balance while pursuing excellence in all areas.
Throughout her career, Ms. Rocker has demonstrated that success comes from combining technical expertise with genuine concern for the development of others. Her mentoring extends beyond formal roles, as evidenced by her support of employees pursuing educational goals, including helping a team member balance work responsibilities with studies at Baylor University. This holistic approach to leadership, combining technical innovation with personal development support, characterizes her impact on the organizations and individuals she encounters. Her story inspires aspiring professionals, showing how determination, continuous learning, and a commitment to helping others can lead to sustained success in the financial management industry.