Comerica Bank, a leading financial institution, has appointed Kevin Watkins as its National African American Business Development Manager. The appointment of Watkins reflects the bank’s continued commitment to developing and growing relationships with African American business leaders, entrepreneurs, and communities across all markets.
Watkins will collaborate with Comerica’s African American Business Resource Groups and Chief Diversity Officer Nate Bennett on building external partnerships with African American nonprofit organizations across the bank’s national footprint.
Building External Partnerships to Support African American Businesses
As the National African American Business Development Manager, Watkins will focus on building external partnerships with African American nonprofit organizations across the bank’s national footprint.
He will work with Comerica’s African American Business Resource Groups and Chief Diversity Officer Nate Bennett to strengthen relationships with African American business leaders, entrepreneurs, and communities across all markets.
Watkins brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having worked closely with customers and small businesses through Comerica banking centers. He will use this expertise to assist African American entrepreneurs and businesses and help promote economic development.
Wendy Bridges, Comerica Bank’s Executive Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, stated that “Kevin’s expertise and understanding of our diverse communities will prove valuable in assisting African American entrepreneurs and businesses.”
Comerica Bank’s Commitment to Economic Development
Comerica Bank has a long-standing commitment to economic development and has been actively engaged in community reinvestment activities, community investments, and financial education initiatives. Watkins’ appointment is a reflection of the bank’s continued efforts to increase opportunities in our communities.
Watkins’ previous role as Vice President and Banking Center Manager of Comerica’s Ford Road-Beech Daly Banking Center in Dearborn Heights allowed him to cultivate relationships among philanthropic organizations, as well as community, civic, and government leaders.
He assisted the bank’s community reinvestment activities, community investments, and financial education initiatives, which include the wide-reaching Comerica Money $ense programs (Business $ense, Money $ense, Education $ense, Sports $ense, Senior $ense, and Church $ense). Additionally, Watkins advised the Comerica’s Michigan Market President on external affairs-related issues.
Watkins’ Educational Background and Career Progression
Watkins earned both his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from Eastern Michigan University.
He began his career at Comerica in June 2005 as a Management Trainee and has held various assistant banking center manager roles with increased levels of responsibility at numerous locations since then. In 2012, Watkins was elevated to banking center manager/assistant vice president.
A Message from Kevin Watkins
“Supporting and engaging with businesses, and providing resources to help them succeed, remain at the core of how we strive to increase opportunities in our communities,” said Watkins. “I look forward to continuing efforts alongside community leaders to deliver crucial resources and technical assistance to businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Final Thoughts
Comerica Bank’s appointment of Kevin Watkins as its National African American Business Development Manager underscores the bank’s continued commitment to developing and growing relationships with African American business leaders, entrepreneurs, and communities across all markets.
Watkins’ appointment is a reflection of the bank’s continued efforts to increase opportunities in our communities and promote economic development.
The appointment is a welcome development that will support African American entrepreneurs and businesses in achieving their goals and aspirations.
Bernie Grady is a technology and business journalist who writes about trending topics in the world of technology, entertainment, and business. She has a keen eye for spotting new trends and loves to share her insights with her readers. Bernie has been writing professionally for over 10 years and has experience covering a wide range of topics. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.