Kathy O’Donnell has been promoted to director of public affairs for Citizens Financial Group. In her new role, O’Donnell is working with the local public affairs teams throughout the company’s 12-state retail footprint managing Citizens Bank and Charter One’s charitable contributions, philanthropic activities, community outreach, marketing sponsorships and its legacy programs.
PBN: You joined Citizens in 1995 as a public relations manager and now have earned the promotion to director of public affairs for Citizens Financial Group. What has been a highlight thus far?
O’DONNELL: One of the highlights of my career was developing the Gear for Grades backpack and school-supply collection program in 2003 and growing it from a Rhode Island-based initiative to a signature program in eight of Citizens’ markets. Gear for Grades came about after hearing from community partners who had identified a need for new school supplies and backpacks among schoolchildren. I remember how exciting it was when I was a child to get a new backpack and school supplies and realized what a luxury that is for so many. Now, through this program, Citizens provides more than 20,000 backpacks filled with school supplies each year to children in need.
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PBN: Which programs do you find have had the most impact on the Rhode Island community?
O’DONNELL: The programs which have the most impact are those addressing basic human needs. Our Striking Out Hunger program, a partnership with Cox Communications and the Pawtucket Red Sox, has provided more than $200,000 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Another example would be our Champions in Action program, which has grown over the past eight years and in this time, Citizens has committed $750,000 in unrestricted funds to our Rhode Island champions.
PBN: Has your familiarity with Rhode Island been an important aspect of your ability to connect with and respond to the needs of the local community?
O’DONNELL: I was born, raised and educated in Rhode Island. This has contributed to my intuitive perspective on the needs of our local community. I know the people, the history and the challenges. From the time I was very young, my parents instilled in me and my five siblings the importance of community and helping your neighbor in need. •
