January 2025 Luncheon: Fireside Chat with Bank of America’s Kieth Cockrell
Submitted by Keiko Pace, Stephens Office Systems
Kieth Cockrell, Bank of America’s Charlotte Market President, kicked off our 2025 luncheons by speaking about his family, his career with Bank of America, and how Charlotte’s growth and development is making the region an attractive place for companies and families to move.
He was bullish about the Charlotte region, stating that our industry growth and financial banks have helped make Charlotte the 2nd largest financial capital in the US. He said Charlotte needed to “continue to be bold and outrageous”, meaning that we needed to continue to attract companies, create entertainment districts for people to gather and enjoy, and make Charlotte not only a livable city, but a city people view as a destination with attractive shopping districts.
Bank of America’s mantra is to “Deliver profits with a purpose”. The banking company engages their employees and the clients to be the best that they can. He feels Charlotte is on the same track with record levels of people moving to Charlotte everyday and becoming not only a financial hub but a medical hub with Wake Forest School of Medicine being constructed in a mixed use development called The Pearl.
Kieth credited the Charlotte Business Regional Alliance for their hard work in helping Charlotte grow as they serve as a voice for business growth and development. When asked about DEI practices at Bank of America that could be used in other businesses and practices, he said that they listen to their employees on how to make things better. They take their advice and suggestions and are constantly strategizing ways to improve processes. Bank of America’s ability to stay focused on their employees and clients contribute to their success.
He believes Charlotte needs to continue to invest in our youth and education and provide a safe environment where they can continue to grow life skills. Kieth’s heavily involved in a lot of organizations and non-profits because he wants to engage in the community and broaden his impact by building deeper relationships. Building those deep relationships help create more business.
Kieth’s family is extremely important to him and while he has many successes in his career, it was evident that his proudest success is his family. He spoke of his loving, supportive wife, Serena who helped him raise 3 grown and very successful children. Serena placed a high priority on education and Kieth wanted his children to get involved in something they were passionate about. His motto to his kids were: “If you are going to do it, do it well.” Kieth was very proud of Bank of America’s role in sponsorships of various sports organizations around town. They just recently announced their partnership and sponsorship for the Men’s World Cup in men’s soccer for 2026 and spoke of ACC moving their headquarters to Charlotte. He understood that Charlotte needs a strong center city with entertainment and shopping districts.
He concluded the discussion saying that his family is his biggest accomplishment and his children are his legacy. His career advice is to go deep: learn as much as you can and put everything into it.
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