U.S. Bank celebrates 2019 Most Powerful Women in Banking honorees

Mentorship, growth and embracing challenge underscore the headline this week that several U.S. Bank women were among the 2019 class of the Most Powerful Women in Banking, as celebrated by American Banker at a gala in New York City last night.

Vice chairs Leslie Godridge, Gunjan Kedia and Kate Quinn were once again named to the Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance lists, and U.S. Bank also earned a Top Team distinction.

“We are proud of the talent, expertise and experience these women bring to U.S. Bank and the industry overall,” said Andy Cecere, U.S. Bank chairman, president and CEO. “Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is embodied in the way they lead and how they guide our company to a better future. They are inspiring the next generation of leaders – both men and women – throughout our organization. It is a distinct honor to celebrate and congratulate them.”

Quinn and Godridge were named to the Most Powerful Women in Banking list. Quinn, ranked 11th, is the company’s vice chair and chief administrative officer. She oversees the company’s strategy, human resources and corporate affairs efforts, and has been instrumental in redefining not only the U.S. Bank purpose, core values, brand and strategy, but also driving a reimagining of the customer and employee experience across the enterprise. Godridge, ranked 14th, is vice chair and co-head of the company’s Corporate & Commercial Banking division, and has led the organization through significant growth during the past 12 years.

Kedia, ranked 15th on the Most Powerful Women in Finance list, serves as the company’s vice chair of Wealth Management and Investment Services. The organization has grown under Kedia’s leadership and is making considerable strides to leverage data, analytics and digital advances to meet the changing needs of customers who are affluent or emerging in their wealth.

Efforts across the company to build a strong bench of talent through mentorship, sponsorship and development were paramount to U.S. Bank earning a Top Team ranking this year, as well. In addition to Godridge, Kedia and Quinn, 15 female executives throughout the organization were honored for their talents, contributions and leadership. They lead some of the largest and most diverse areas of the bank, and influence key strategic efforts that are guiding the company into the future. Those women included Ismat Aziz, Betsy Cadwallader, Kristy Carstensen, Reba Dominski, Kandace Heck, Lynn Heitman, Kercedric Holley-Bell, Felicia La Forgia, Katie Lawler, Janet Lerch, Mary Martuscelli, Beth McDonnell, Jodi Richard, Jen Thompson and Judie Verb. 

“The women selected for this honor are tackling tough business challenges with great success,” said Bonnie McGeer, executive editor of American Banker and chair of its Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance program, which is now in its 17th year. 

Complete rankings can be viewed online at American Banker and are featured in the October 2019 issue of American Banker Magazine. The Most Powerful Women rankings are comprised of three lists: the Most Powerful Women in Banking, the Most Powerful Women to Watch and the Most Powerful Women in Finance. In addition, American Banker honors the Top Teams in Banking, along with Lifetime Achievement and Community Impact honorees.

About U.S. Bank 

U.S. Bancorp, with 74,000 employees and $482 billion in assets as of June 30, 2019, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The Minneapolis-based bank blends its relationship teams, branches and ATM network with mobile and online tools that allow customers to bank how, when and where they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial and corporate, and investment services customers across the country and around the world as a trusted financial partner, a commitment recognized by the Ethisphere Institute naming the bank a 2019 World’s Most Ethical Company. Visit U.S. Bank at usbank.com or follow on social media to stay up to date with company news.

About American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Banking

American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Banking recognizes the professional achievements and influence of top-performing female executives in banking and financial services. The annual program, now in its 16th year, encompasses four lists: the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking™, the 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance, the 25 Most Powerful Women to Watch, and the Top Teams in Banking. Rankings and details about the awards dinner are available at americanbanker.com/women-in-banking.

About American Banker

American Banker, a SourceMedia brand, is the essential resource for senior executives in banking and financial services, keeping its users updated on vital developments and focusing sharply on their most important concerns. Financial industry professionals turn to American Banker to stay maximally informed and engage with an authoritative community of analysts, practitioners and innovators through opinion content, research reports, social media, and live events. American Banker Magazine is a monthly print publication of American Banker, focusing on the ideas, the people, and the companies that are changing the way bankers do business.