Geri Thomas
Geri may have retired from Bank of America, but she certainly hasn’t slowed down. After 45 years with the bank, Geri launched her own business, traveled the world and continues to be active in the Atlanta community.
A summer job launches a meaningful career journey
Geri first joined Bank of America as a customer account representative. What began as a summer job launched a career journey that culminated in roles as both Chief Diversity Officer and Georgia State President.
As Chief Diversity Officer, Geri led efforts to include diversity metrics in CEO and management team member performance goals, along with ongoing progress reports to the board of directors. That intense commitment demonstrated by leadership paved the way for the expansion of employee networks and the establishment of leadership councils within the bank.
As Georgia State President, Geri remembers how impactful the business integration strategy was in bringing all lines of business together in the market. She shared, “That’s when we began to think and act as one company rather than as siloed businesses. Coming together like that was very powerful for our team, and we did well together.”
Doing the right thing brings progress and pride
Geri retired from Bank of America because she thought it was the right time, feeling that our diversity and inclusion work was ready to grow under new leadership. She’s proud of how diversity and inclusion remain a focus for the company and that progress continues to be made.
Reflecting on her pride in the company, Geri still uses “we” when thinking about Bank of America and her colleagues.
“I really do believe –and I don’t think that I’m biased – that we always try to do the right thing. This gives me confidence in what the company does, and where we’re going.”
Sharing a highlight from her time at Bank of America, Geri thinks back to 2015, when Bank of America signed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of marriage equality and federal workplace protections for LGBTQ+ people. Geri advocated for the bank to publicly demonstrate its support, seeing it as a human rights issue and one that was important for employees to see the bank take a visible stance on.
Following her passion for education and travel
As a consultant, Geri shares her expertise advancing diversity and inclusion strategies and retaining talent from historically underrepresented groups with a wide range of companies and institutions. She schedules clients so she also can pursue her passion for education and travel.
Committed to education reform, Geri serves on the board for redefinED Atlanta, a nonprofit that advocates for equity and funds to drive systemic improvements in K-12 public education in the Atlanta area, and she’s on the board of advisors for Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson School of Business. Geri has also become a member of the Georgia State University Foundation Trustee Emeriti Society, honoring her service as a former trustee.
Her travel adventures include two extended cruises that have taken her to all seven continents. A two-and-a-half-month cruise to Antarctica and South America included experiencing Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and returning to the U.S. as pandemic lockdowns hit in March 2020.
Bringing ambassadors together benefits us all
Geri sees herself as an ambassador for the bank — and knows she’s not alone. With the help of a social media group, Geri’s stays connected to alumni across Georgia, including through regular dinners.
“So many people who have worked for Bank of America are still committed to, and have pride in, the company,” said Geri. “Connecting us brings huge benefits for both sides — informed and engaged alumni and active ambassadors for the bank.”