Networking, Culture Pave Way for Women at PNC
We spoke with several exceptional employees who happen to be women. Here’s what they said about their success at PNC.
Originally published on Point of View
Vicki Henn got her start at PNC Bank more than 25 years ago. Today she is executive vice president and chief human resources officer at the company. “I’m an example of what happens when you identify talent in someone and then make an investment – (PNC CEO) Bill Demchak did that with me.” Henn has made it part of her mission to provide opportunities for others in the same way.
Adding access to networking opportunities to this culture of intentional growth and development, has created pathways to success for many women at PNC. Laura Gamble, regional president for Greater Maryland, says the culture at PNC was a key reason she joined the company. “The culture of collaboration and teamwork is really strong here,” Gamble says.
"I have certainly benefitted from some terrific female bosses and mentors, and I believe I should return the favor. At this point in my career, I can be of help by connecting women to job opportunities and business opportunities. I think that is very important because it can help more women be successful in their careers."
-Laura Gamble, regional president for Greater Maryland
Shakesi Morris is yet another good example of internal movement at PNC. She began her career with PNC in 2007 as a Branch Manager in Mobile, Ala. Now, she’s a senior vice president and channel manager for PNC Bank’s National Retail Digital Strategy. “It’s always a pleasure learning from other professional women, and finding inspiration in their stories of progression and perseverance,” says Morris. During her 12-year tenure with the company, she has been chosen to participate in multiple leadership training programs including PNC’s Women’s Leadership Development Program.
"PNC’s leadership training programs helped me understand my personal strengths and the importance of developing others, how to work with diverse groups and departments to accomplish a common goal, and the ability to identify the talents of our team and leverage the value they bring to our clients and internal team members."
-Shakesi Morris, senior vice president, channel manager for PNC Bank National Retail Digital Strategy
Miranda Creel, executive vice president of commercial sales in Treasury Management, says leadership development program opportunities and networking have helped her throughout her career. In fact, the most valuable piece of advice she ever received from a mentor was “follow your passion, do what you love to do and the success will follow.” That’s what she did and today she leads a team of treasury professionals across the United States in setting strategies and helping clients and prospects with cash flow management. “My peers are mostly men, and I feel I’m looked upon as someone who can help the organization be successful.”
PNC’s data backs up what these women say. According to Henn, the percentage of women occupying first level, mid-level and senior level roles at the organization has increased in each category since 2015. Sixty percent of PNC’s workforce are women and 52 percent of managers are women. Further, PNC’s Board of Directors is comprised of 36 percent women, which is well above the national average.
“While we're doing really well in many areas, we recognize the opportunity to do even better,” says Henn. “We’re particularly focused on increasing the percentage of women who are senior leaders.”
In January it was announced PNC was one of 230 companies in the world included in the 2019 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI), proving that PNC is committed to the success and advancement of its female employees. PNC has also earned spots on the NAFE Top Companies for Executive Women, Working Mother 100 Best Companies, Best Company for Dads lists and the Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index.
"A successful career is about the positive impact you have on others – your team, your peers, your boss, clients and ultimately shareholders. I will consider my career a success if I have provided a model of leadership that all of those groups can relate to and find accessible."
-Jennifer Lee, regional managing director for the Northeast, wealth management
Creating an inclusive environment for women is core to PNC’s values, but at the end of the day, it’s just good business. Jennifer Lee is the regional managing director for the Northeast in Wealth Management. “In wealth management, women are increasingly in control of financial assets, they’re the decision makers for their families,” says Lee. “I believe PNC has an opportunity to use its values of inclusivity and conscientiousness to connect with customers in a way they may not have experienced before.”
