Faith Hamilton's 40-year career in global financial services included 15 years with Bank of America, before retiring in 2018.
A 15-year career spanning the globe
Faith joined Bank of America in 2003 as a business executive overseeing the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Operations team in San Francisco. Her prior experience in international banking and cross-border payments at Citi prepared her well for this role. In 2008, she relocated to Charlotte to help navigate challenges during the financial crisis.
Over the course of her career at Bank of America, Faith also led teams in U.S., U.K. and India across several functions, including ACH, Image Cash Letter, Global Payments Operations and European Branch Operations. Faith also earned a stellar reputation for driving customer and operational excellence, fostering associate satisfaction and developing talent.
Fueled by her passion for people and the development of top talent, Faith served as a co-chair for Women in Technology and Operations and the Diversity and Inclusion Council. She was also a member of the Black Executive Leadership Council. Additionally, Faith served as co-chair for the bank’s Disability Advocacy Network’s Autism at Work initiative.
One of Faith’s most memorable experiences came in 2005 while sitting next to then-CEO Ken Lewis at a luncheon. She remembers asking Ken how the bank was preparing for the workplace of the future – specifically, how it was addressing the growing prevalence of autism to support parents and future employees. Her question inspired action, and soon after, the company launched a new employee resource group that became the Disability Affinity Network.
Faith’s son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at 18 months, so she knew the importance of early detection and having appropriate resources. “Bank of America was good to me and my two children, whom I was able to provide with an excellent education, medical care and great life experiences,” said Faith. “Today, my daughter is consulting with Deloitte, and my son is a certified relationship behavior technician, Toastmasters International speaker and recent Bible college graduate.”
When Faith decided to leave her fulfilling career at Bank of America, she knew it was time to pursue her philanthropic dream -- sharing her time and talents working and volunteering in the non-profit sector. Today, she is dedicated to what she believes is her life’s purpose — to help others reach their full potential through education, employment and mentorship.
Pursuing her passion to serve others
Prior to her retirement, Faith was inspired to serve others while on assignment in EMEA, where she helped provide internship opportunities. for urban underserved youth, at Bank of America in the U.K. Her work involved sponsoring operations management rotations and focused on the advancement of women. Upon returning to the U.S., Faith went on to be a line of business sponsor for one of the Bank’s Pathways programs with nonprofit partner Year Up United. The program provides professional skills training and careers for young adults who lack access to university education and jobs. It was this set of experiences that ultimately led to Faith’s passion for and transition to the non-profit sector.
She recalled, “I was at a major crossroads in my career. I loved Bank of America but felt that I was being called to serve my life’s purpose in a different way. I left the bank to pursue my passion to serve underserved youth through education and employment.”
Faith later became a senior director for enterprise accounts with Year Up United.
Power of having an Alumni Network
Faith is thrilled to be part of the Alumni Network. Within a few months of joining the network, she discovered how her personal, professional and spiritual life could intersect in meaningful ways. Through the network, she learned about an opportunity with Augustine Literacy Project Charlotte (ALP), a literacy-focused nonprofit. This initiative, supported by Bank of America and in collaboration with the Charlotte Mecklenburg School District (CMS), piloted new technology to help volunteer tutors connect with students virtually. These tutors work with first and second graders, teaching them reading, writing and spelling to help them reach grade level by third grade. The aim is to give these students the confidence and foundation for a bright future.
Today, Faith serves on the ALP Board of Directors and the ALP Finance Committee – a meaningful full-circle moment. She’s especially proud to support an organization founded by a fellow member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, where she is also a parishioner.
Faith noted, “Bank of America gave me the power to act – to share the gift of literacy and the hope it brings with young students.”
“My greatest wish is to be able to continue participating in volunteer events with other alumni. And I would also be honored to a mentor emerging leaders or Pathways interns if the opportunity presents itself.”
