Beatrice Kelly Joins Comerica to Lead Community Development Lending Program

Dallas-based finance group, Comerica Bank, is adding some new faces to its executive leadership this week. The company announced that veteran executive, Beatrice Kelly, will be joining the company to lead its community development lending program.

Kelly rejoins the banking institution after an eight-year tenure with Fifth Third Bank where she served as director of Operations, Community Development, and Sustainability, responsible for creating and maintaining partnerships to advance its goals in addition to working other roles surrounding investments and CRA lending. Prior to her work with Fifth Third, she worked for Comerica for 17 years with roles in business banking in addition to commercial bank training and recruiting.

“Beatrice’s proven experience in connecting with and supporting small businesses, nonprofits and philanthropic partners aligns with our focus on cultivating relationships that assist our customers and improve our communities,” said Peter Sefzik, executive vice president, executive director of Commercial Bank in a press statement. “Undoubtedly, she will strengthen collaborative initiatives with our line of business leaders to establish a go-to-market strategy for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) lending across Comerica’s footprint.”

Kelly also serves on multiple boards including the Community Reinvestment Fund, Cincinnati Advisory Board, USA, Advisory Committee, and Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC). The banking institution has committed to do its part to help marginalized communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the corporation presented a million-dollar grant to the Local Initiatives Support Corp. to help struggling small businesses and a $500,000 investment to California FarmLink.

“As we seek opportunities to further support community growth and development, Beatrice’s expertise will enable us to expand our ability to deliver critical resources, such as much-needed capital,” said Comerica Bank Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford, Jr. in a press statement. “Her leadership will help entrepreneurs and small businesses, especially those from low- to moderate-income communities, during a time when these communities still face incredible challenges ahead.”