PBN 2021 Business Women Awards
Financial Services Woman to Watch: Jess Hutchinson, Bank of America Corp.
Jess Hutchinson keeps a sticky note on her desk with the phrase “lift as you climb” written on it. Hutchinson has followed that mantra over the last 15 years as she has risen through the ranks of human resources at Bank of America Corp. to her role of vice president, talent mobility adviser.
“I’m a people person, and I love the personal aspects of helping people meet their career goals,” Hutchinson said.
In her position, Hutchinson focuses on retaining talent by providing guidance on career skills and advancement opportunities within Bank of America for current employees. Overseeing a territory from Maine to Florida, she serves as an “internal applicant’s advocate,” or a liaison between candidates and hiring managers within consumer banking, home loans, global technology and other areas of the multinational banking and financial services company.
In her previous position as a corporate recruiter, she was responsible for hiring for the Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Development Program across several Northeast markets. One figure she’s especially proud of: In 2020, 92% of her hiring was diverse.
“Hiring diverse talent makes us stronger,” Hutchinson said. “We are able to truly mirror the clients we serve, and in the grand scheme of things, that’s what helps advance racial equality and economic opportunity.”
While Hutchinson’s position, based in Bank of America’s Lincoln office, spans markets throughout the East Coast, she seeks out opportunities to be involved with Bank of America’s Rhode Island initiatives. For several years, she has served as chairwoman for the Bank of America Community Volunteers program, which supports various nonprofit organizations in the state, including Habitat for Humanity South County, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island and Save The Bay Inc.
She also recently planned and executed a monthlong career development workshop series for Bank of America’s Rhode Island employees. The eight-hour seminars focused on the power of the employee’s role in their own personal and professional development. Based on its success, her “Invest in Your Development” model will now be replicated in other markets.
“I really want to connect the dots for employees to see that no matter where you are in your career, you can be that Bank of America life-timer and continually grow and develop,” Hutchinson said.
