HOUSTON – Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) has promoted Vanessa T. Reed to Regional External Affairs Manager, reporting to Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford Jr.
In this role, Reed will oversee external affairs operations in Arizona, Florida, Michigan and Texas. Her team of six will continue to work closely with the bank’s nonprofit partners as well as other key stakeholders in the respective markets Comerica Bank serves; with a primary focus on financial education initiatives and programs for children and adults as well as economic/community development for programs that promote and enhance opportunities for low-and moderate-income families and communities through: job creation training, readiness and retention; neighborhood/community revitalization and business development; small business training and development; and affordable housing advocacy and development.
“Vanessa’s increasing responsibilities in external affairs and the strong community relationships she’s built over the years, coupled with her banking background has prepared her for this opportunity,” said Ashford. “Under Vanessa’s leadership, her team is well-positioned to deliver on Comerica’s Promise of raising expectations in the communities we serve.”
Reed joined Comerica Bank in 2000 as a credit specialist in the commercial real estate division, and most recently served as the Texas External Affairs Manager, which included the bank’s corporate headquarters market of Dallas as well as Austin, Fort Worth, Kerrville, Houston and San Antonio.
Her civic and community involvement includes serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for Change Happens and the Fort Bend Church’s Accounting Team Ministry. In addition, Reed is a member of the leadership advisory committee for Houston Money Week and the Houston Metropolitan Continental Societies, Inc. board.
Reed is a recognized leader and serves as a subject matter expert on community development and engagement in both Texas and her home state Louisiana. She’s received several honors since beginning her career at Comerica Bank, including the Chatman Women’s Foundation 2017 Inaugural PowHer Play Award and This Woman’s Work 2018 Community Advocate Award.
A graduate of University of New Orleans, Reed holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in accounting.
