Alumni Network Spotlight: Allen Blevins

Allen Blevins has always believed in the power of purpose. For more than three decades, that purpose guided his career at Bank of America, shaping a journey defined by leadership, inclusion, and a passion for the arts that continues to inspire him in retirement.

A journey of growth and opportunity

Allen’s career began in 1988 at Bank of America predecessor bank, NCNB, where he joined as an Affluent Banker focused on building relationships with new clients. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact, moving into marketing leadership roles in the Carolinas. These experiences allowed him to develop innovative programs and understand the importance of working alongside talented teammates to achieve shared success.

In the late 1990s, Allen took on a unique challenge as Rewards and Recognition executive, developing non-cash rewards for employees and helping create a culture that valued every contribution. It was a lesson he carried throughout his career—people are at the heart of any great organization.

Where art meets corporate leadership

The next chapter of Allen’s journey brought his love of the arts to the forefront. As Internal Brand Executive, he managed the Bank of America Art Collection and Historical Archives—an experience that merged his passion for art with his expertise in branding and cultural stewardship.

He reminisced about leaders who left a lasting impact, including former Bank of America executive, Cathy Bessant.  He shared, “Cathy pushed me to think bigger, taught me the value of paying attention to the details and gave me the chance to lead projects that truly shaped my life.”

From 2008 to 2018, Allen served as the Global Arts and Culture and Heritage Programs Executive. He launched “Art in our Communities,” partnering with over 100 museums worldwide to loan curated exhibitions and managed the Art Conservation Project to ensure the preservation of artistic heritage. As the bank’s first historian, Allen took pride in protecting and documenting a legacy that continues to shape the institution’s story.

Guided by leaders of principle and courage

Throughout his career, Allen found inspiration in the leaders around him, especially former Bank of America Chairman and CEO, Hugh McColl and Cathy Bessant. From McColl Allen learned the power of courage and doing what’s right—even when it’s not popular. He remembers McColl’s unwavering commitment to providing domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples long before it was widely accepted. “I learned so much from Hugh including the importance of not allowing others to limit what you can achieve,” Allen shared. That lesson of integrity has stayed with him ever since.

Bessant’s leadership taught Allen the importance of curiosity and creativity. She offered him opportunities to manage the bank’s corporate art collection—an experience that changed the trajectory of his life and helped him see how art can connect people and communities.

Equally important was the sense of belonging Allen felt at Bank of America. As a gay man in the corporate world in the 1990s, he found a place where authenticity was valued and celebrated. “It was never an impediment to my career,” he reflected. “That sense of inclusion and support is something I carry with me today.”

A retirement dedicated to meaningful work

When Allen officially retired in 2022, his journey didn’t end—it simply shifted. With his husband, Armando, he now devotes his energy to supporting the arts in the U.S. and Mexico. Whether that is curating exhibitions, serving on boards like the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte or the Global Advisory Board of the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, Allen’s mission is to amplify voices that have historically been overlooked.

“We focus on supporting women artists, especially those from Mexico and Mexican-American communities,” he explains. “Art can play an important role in society by stimulating dialogue and bringing people together.”           

Allen and Armando have sponsored major exhibitions and loaned works from their personal collection, always preferring to influence quietly, behind the scenes- “It’s about creating opportunities and building connections that make a difference,” says Allen.

A lasting legacy of inclusion and purpose

From managing global art programs to championing emerging artists in retirement, Allen’s story reflects a commitment to inclusion, integrity, and the transformative power of creativity. He sees every project as a way to build bridges—between people, cultures, and ideas.

Reflecting on his journey, Allen says, “I’m grateful to have spent my career at a place where I could grow, learn, and live authentically. And I’m equally grateful to spend my retirement using those same values to support the arts and create conversations that matter.”

Allen looks forward to being part of the Alumni Network, where he continues to stay connected to former teammates and is inspired by current and former leaders of the company.