Bank of America named Kieth Cockrell as president of Bank of America Charlotte. Cockrell succeeds Charles Bowman, who has served as Charlotte market president since 2007.

Bowman will continue in his role as President of North Carolina. He will also lead the expansion of the bank’s Leader-on-Loan Program, an industry-leading initiative which embeds a key employee with a non-profit or educational partner to help provide leadership and strategic guidance. The program has been in place since 2017 in Charlotte and will expand in other markets as needs arise.

“During Charles’ 25 distinguished years with our company, he has made a lasting impact on communities, not only in our headquarters market of Charlotte, but also across North Carolina, as well as across our company,” said Brian Moynihan, chief executive officer, Bank of America. “We thank him for his leadership and look forward to continued growth and success with Kieth taking on this critical role.”

Bowman will also increase his engagement in public policy efforts and key issues in North Carolina, and work with senior leaders from across the company on state-wide initiatives. Bowman and Cockrell will work closely together, especially in support of the bank’s strategy to grow and invest locally, to drive economic mobility, and to advance racial equality and economic opportunity.

“We are thankful for Charles’ significant contributions throughout his tenure,” said Andrea Smith, chief administrative officer, Bank of America. “He has led our strategy to deliver the bank locally, whether it is helping to improve educational opportunities for those who are underserved, chairing our efforts to establish and invest hundreds of millions of dollars in affordable housing, or being a long-time advocate of the arts and culture, recognizing that these are all important components for any world-class city.”

“I have devoted my time to a company for which I am so proud,” said Bowman. “As a kid growing up in Thomasville, NC, I could not have envisioned a more rewarding career. The bank has enabled me to make long-term, meaningful contributions to the community that will positively impact future generations. I am eager to continue the important work still to be done across our great state, and to work with Kieth on a successful transition in Charlotte.”

As president of Bank of America Charlotte, Cockrell will assume the responsibilities for connecting the banking and investment resources offered through the bank’s eight lines of business to people and companies across the region. He will also lead the effort to deploy Bank of America's resources to address social and economic concerns, build strong communities and support the health and safety of local teammates.

Cockrell joined Bank of America 28 years ago. Active in the community, he co-chaired the 2020 Charlotte City Bond Campaign. He plays a vital role through board roles with local organizations, including Levine Museum of the New South, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Providence Day School and My Brother’s Keeper Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and is a board leader with Foundation for the Carolinas and Davidson College. Kieth was previously named Father of the Year by the American Diabetes Association.

“It’s a rare opportunity when your career allows you to combine your personal and professional passions,” said Cockrell. “My wife and I have called Charlotte home for the better part of the last two decades. The future of this community, this region and this state is bright, yet as in many places, we still have work to do around racial equality and economic opportunity. I look forward to partnering with Charles in these efforts to help move us forward.”

Cockrell is a passionate ally and advocate for a diverse and inclusive workplace. He served as vice chair of the bank’s Global Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Council. In this role, he was instrumental in establishing several employee networks, including the bank’s Black Professional Group; the Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement; the Military Support and Assistance Group; and the Black Executive Advisory Council. Cockrell has also received two D&I awards within the company, the Root Award and the Vanguard Award, for his role promoting equality, unity and multiculturalism.