CEO
Raoof Kazemi is a distinguished professional with a multifaceted career spanning several decades and industries. He began his academic journey at Georgia Tech, where he earned a degree in Nuclear Engineering in 1979. His career trajectory took a dynamic turn as he transitioned from engineering to business, becoming an entrepreneur and business owner from 1979 to 1982. Following this, Kazemi pursued further education, earning a degree in Mathematics from Kennesaw State University (1982-1984). His expertise expanded into the financial sector as he worked as a manager at the investment bank Blinder Robinson from 1984 to 1986. He then completed a degree in Finance at Georgia State University (1986-1988) before transitioning to a role as a financial consultant (1988-1989). Kazemi's entrepreneurial spirit resurfaced when he owned a wholesale retail business from 1989 to 1992. He continued to expand his academic and professional credentials with a degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Georgia (1992-1994), followed by a Master's in Medical Science from Emory University (1994-1996). In the early 2000s, Kazemi focused on health and medicine, earning a health and medical degree from Georgia Tech (2000-2004). His career in the medical field flourished as he worked in anesthesia and trauma care at Grady Memorial Hospital and other facilities from 2004 to 2017. In 2014, Kazemi shifted his focus to anti-aging and aesthetics, where he served as CEO of a prominent company in the industry until 2022. Currently, he leverages his extensive background in various fields as the CEO of Kazemi Construction, guiding the company with his diverse expertise and leadership. Raoof Kazemi's career reflects a unique blend of engineering, finance, medicine, and business, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to excellence across multiple domains.
Commercial Banker
Mitchell Brickly is a highly accomplished commercial banker with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Currently serving as a Commercial Banker at First Citizens Bank since September 2023, Mitchell continues to excel in delivering tailored banking solutions and fostering strong client relationships. Before joining First Citizens Bank, Mitchell was the Senior Vice President of Business Banking at Capital One from June 2017 to October 2023. During this period, he was recognized with the 2019 Pinnacle Award, a testament to his exceptional performance and leadership in business banking. Mitchell's career also includes notable roles such as Vice President of the Commercial & Corporate Banking Division at Mutual of Omaha Bank, where he managed banking and lending needs for companies with revenues up to $50 million from November 2015 to May 2017. Additionally, as Vice President - Business Development Officer II at BBVA Compass from September 2012 to November 2015, he was honored with the #1 Pinnacle Club ranking in 2015, reflecting his superior business development skills. Mitchell began his career as an Assistant Vice President - Business Banker at JPMorgan Chase, where he built a strong foundation in banking and client management. He also gained early experience in financial sales as a Financial Sales Associate at Northwestern Mutual. Mitchell holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of New Orleans. During his time there, he was selected to represent the university at the National Collegiate Sales Competition in 2005, where he secured 1st place among over 30 contestants. His academic background is further complemented by a Commercial Formal Credit Certification from the University of Houston-Downtown, awarded in September 2015. Outside of his professional achievements, Mitchell was a key member of the 1999 State Basketball Championship Team at St. Augustine High School, demonstrating his teamwork and leadership from an early age. With a track record of success and a commitment to excellence, Mitchell Brickly remains a prominent figure in the banking industry, dedicated to providing outstanding financial services and solutions.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Kevin Cohee is the owner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black owned bank and the first Black owned internet bank in America. In the aftermath of the protest against police brutality in 2016, Mr. Cohee created and spearheaded the Bank Black movement resulting in Black people transferring tens of millions of dollars into Black owned banks as a form of social protest. OneUnited Bank was established by unifying several community banks across the country: Founders National Bank and Family Savings Bank in Los Angeles, People National Bank in Miami and Boston Bank of Commerce. Respectively, these banks have tenaciously served many neglected urban communities in America. By unifying these banks, OneUnited Bank has built the foundation to solve the longstanding problem of access to capital in inner city communities. Through Mr. Cohee’s visionary leadership, OneUnited Bank has exceeded industry averages year after year regarding asset growth and profitability. From 1996 to the present, OneUnited assets have grown from $56 million to over $650 million. The Bank has consistently been profitable and achieved a compound growth rate on its common equity of over 35%. OneUnited Bank has been designated by the United States Department of Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). The Bank has received the Bank Enterprise Award (BEA), the highest award offered by the United States government for community development for ten years. A successful business executive and entrepreneur for almost 20 years, Mr. Cohee founded a consulting firm in 1979 specializing in acquisition of radio and television stations by minorities. After obtaining his JD/MBA in 1985, Mr. Cohee became an investment banker at Salomon Brothers, Inc. By 1988, through a leveraged buyout, Mr. Cohee acquired Military Professional Services, Inc. (MPS), a 29-year old company that marketed Visa and MasterCard credit cards to military personnel. Mr. Cohee successfully turned MPS into a profitable company with a $40 million portfolio and 20,000 customers. By 1993, Mr. Cohee sold the assets of MPS achieving significant financial benefit from the transaction. Mr. Cohee purchased a majority controlling interest in Boston Bank of Commerce in 1995 – when the Bank was experiencing financial difficulties. Mr. Cohee was elected Chairman and CEO in 1996 and has since spearheaded the Bank’s growth and profitability. Mr. Cohee is a native of Kansas City, Missouri. He holds a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Harvard Law School. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin; where he was a 4-year letterman in football. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and has received numerous awards for his business and community achievements and contributions.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Beverly Anderson has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and became the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BECU in December 2022. As CEO of the fourth largest credit union in the United States, she is responsible for all aspects of leading an organization with nearly 1.5 million members and $29.9 billion in assets. Beverly’s core areas of focus include strategy development and sustainable growth, overseeing daily operational activities, and fostering BECU’s culture of promoting the financial well-being of its members and communities. Prior to BECU, Beverly most recently served as President of Global Consumer Solutions at Equifax, leading a team of 2,000 employees across product, marketing, and operations for the consumer credit reporting agency in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Previously, Beverly led in executive roles defining and executing growth strategies at Wells Fargo and American Express. Beverly’s career and leadership recognitions include American Banker’s “23 People Who Will Matter in Banking in 2023,” Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Corporate America,” CardLinx’s “Top 20 Women in Digital Commerce,” and the Kenneth A. Powell Award for Professional Achievement from the Harvard Business School African-American Alumni Association. Beyond the office, Beverly is dedicated to giving back to her community, serving on the boards of Expedia Group, Accion, Sword Health, and the Harvard Business School African-American Alumni Association. She has also served as chairperson of the Card Policy Council of the American Bankers Association and board chair of the Council of Urban Professionals. Beverly holds a Master of Business Administration with distinction from Harvard Business School and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in business from Florida A&M University.
chief executive officer
René F. Jones is chairman and chief executive officer of M&T Bank, a diversified, community-focused banking franchise with $200 billion in assets and a network of 1,000+ branches across the eastern U.S. Before being named Chairman and CEO in December 2017, he served as Chief Financial Officer from 2005 to 2016, responsible for managing the financial actions of the company. In 2005, he was named to M&T’s Management Group, a group of senior executives responsible for the company’s strategic direction. Born and raised in Ayer, Mass., Jones received a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Management Science from Boston College. He began his career in accounting at the Boston-based office of Ernst & Young, and later at a private equity firm, and went on to receive a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Rochester. In 1992, he joined M&T as part of the Executive Associates Program. Jones participates in several organizations to help advance the industry, including the Bank Policy Institute, where he serves as vice chair, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where he serves as a director. He is also active in the community, serving on the boards of ACV Auctions, Boston College, and the Pan-Mass Challenge, as well as on the advisory council of the University at Buffalo. As one of only a few Black CEOs in the Fortune 500, Jones is passionate about equity of opportunity, both in and outside the company. He serves as a steward of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism and on the capital advisory committee of Aux21, a seed-stage firm investing in the future of global commerce with a focus on companies led by immigrant founders.
