25 Over Fifty-Five 2019 Award Winner
KEITH KELLY | Rhode Island state president, Citizens Bank
KEITH KELLY IS Rhode Island state president of Citizens Bank and head of its corporate banking group. But in many ways, he’s not what you’d expect for someone in such a high-ranking position.
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“Whereas some managers will sit at a desk and look at numbers, he’s out there on the front lines almost as if he’s one of us,” said Kevin Chamberlain, Citizens senior vice president of corporate banking. “He supports us in the community and the market and in everything that we do.”
Kelly mainly works with businesses with $25 million to $800 million in annual revenue. His leadership and ability to generate new clients is one of the reasons behind Citizens Bank’s success. Kelly said the bank has met or exceeded analysts’ expectations for the past 19 to 20 quarters, despite challenges such as splitting from the Royal Bank of Scotland Group in 2015.
Kelly also oversees Citizens Bank’s philanthropy in Rhode Island. With 5,300 employees – more staff than any of Citizens’ other state operations – the charitable events range from volunteering at food banks and soup kitchens to working with veterans groups. Kelly will sometimes spend his lunch at the McAuley House or another local organization. He also serves on the boards of HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, United Way of Rhode Island, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, the Rhode Island Bankers Association and the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council.
“I’ve been very fortunate in my career, and it’s important to give back,” Kelly said. “One of the key cornerstones for Citizens Bank is being engaged locally.”
Kelly has been at Citizens Bank for nine years and has worked in banking for more than 30 years. He’s held leadership positions at The Washington Trust Co., Square 1 Bank, UPS Capital Business Credit Inc., First International Bank, Bank of Boston and Bank of New England.
