Opportunities & Empowerment
North Carolina’s banks are committed to cultivating a culture that reflects the diversity in ideas, beliefs and people that make up our community.
North Carolina’s banks are committed to cultivating a culture that reflects the diversity in ideas, beliefs and people that make up our community.
The NCBA Opportunities & Empowerment Council was established based on two key ideas:
- All Americans should have a truly equal opportunity to prosper, and
- Economic inclusion is absolutely necessary when creating these opportunities.
Members of the Opportunities & Empowerment Council meet regularly to provide input on ways that the NCBA can provide leadership on racial equality and to identify resources the organization can provide for its members to help with diversity and inclusion efforts. We believe that strength comes from diversity and inclusion, and this council is an important step for North Carolina’s banking industry.
Mission Statement
Together, we will advocate, influence and help to build sustainable Diversity, Equity and Inclusion capabilities that ensure racial, gender and ethnic equality in the banking industry. We believe in equality – we will work to ensure equality – that’s our commitment.
Pillars of Action
- Workforce Development & Hiring
- DE&I Strategy & Education
- Community Partnerships & Financial Literacy
NCBA Opportunities & Empowerment Advisory Committee

Michael Atkinson
First Citizens Bank
mike.atkinson@firstcitizens.com
919-716-7280

Almeda Benefield
Providence Bank
abenefield@pbknc.com

Vivian Bolanos
First Citizens Bank
vivian.bolanos@firstcitizens.com
828-257-5758

Sondra Collins
North State Bank
scollins@northstatebank.com
919-645-4983

Philip Fintchre
Fifth Third Bank
philip.fintchreii@53.com

Sheldon Hilaire
TD Bank
sheldon.hilaire@td.com
803-324-1855

Johnathan Kearney
PNC Bank
johnathan.kearney@pnc.com
919-788-5816

Nick Means
Farmers & Merchants Bank
nmeans@fmbnc.com
704-762-2260

Eva Ogden
Pinnacle Financial Partners
eva.ogden@pnfp.com
336-881-3371

Eric Powell
M&F Bank
eric.powell@mfbonline.com
919-536-0123

José Sandoval
First Citizens Bank
jose.sandoval@firstcitizens.com
336-412-4143

Shannon Sutton
First Carolina Bank
shannonsutton@firstcarolinabank.com
919-665-3043
NCBA Opportunities & Empowerment Council

Channing McDowell
United Bank
channing.mcdowel@bankwithunited.com

Sheldon Osborne
TD Bank
sheldon.osborne@td.com
980-221-4514

Shakeira Tennort
JPMorgan Chase
shakeira.tennort@chase.com
704-267-3548

Jumeekah Ingram
First Carolina Bank
jumeekahingram@firstcarolinabank.com
984-689-3686

Irene Kyere
Southern First Bank
ikyere@southernfirst.com
336-337-7338

LaQuan Lucas-Harris
First Bank
llucasharris@localfirstbank.com
252-373-0475

Ola McClean
Bank of America
ola.mcclean@bofa.com
NCBA Opportunities & Empowerment Leadership

Peter Gwaltney
North Carolina Bankers Association
peter@ncbankers.org
984-344-9999
NCBA PRESIDENT & CEO

Michelle Sutton
North Carolina Bankers Association
michelle@ncbankers.org
984-344-9980
