William Hatfield '12
President, RI Market - Bank of America
Managing Director - U.S. Trust
Award Profile
Courageous Thinking and Action
Bill has been committed to assisting the Rhode Island community by supporting efforts that address pressing social and economic issues. He has empowered Bank of America Community Volunteers, a dedicated and talented team of professionals at the bank, to further build a culture of service and tackle the tough challenges facing our state. In 2011, Bill led the bank’s efforts to responsibly lend $36.3 million to small businesses in Rhode Island, which helped spur economic activity throughout our state including job creation and community development. Additionally, he oversaw the bank’s local environmental commitment by providing $62.4 million in financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, as well as $2.3 million in charitable giving for the betterment of Rhode Island.
Vision & Innovation
Building a sustainable Knowledge Economy for Rhode Island includes a combination of industries that are knowledge driven and knowledge producing is a key component toeconomic success for our small state. As Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair of the Innovation Providence Implementation Council, Bill has been one of the driving forces behind the effort to develop Rhode Island’s Knowledge Economy. Bill has helped to jumpstart projects that have been identified as providing promising economic opportunities that will expand key industries and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of the city and state.
Inspiring Leadership
Bill is a highly respected business leader in the Rhode Island community; however, it’s his leadership inside Bank of America that makes him an inspiring leader. His leadership has inspired wide-spread community service projects throughout the bank. Whether it’s picking up a hammer for Habitat for Humanity, sorting food at the RI Community Food Bank, or teaching financial literacy to youth, Bill “walks the talk” and leads by example. In 2011, Bank of America employees contributed more than 31,000 volunteer hours for maximum community impact.
Community Mindedness
Business engagement with local non-profits is a key factor of success for communities. Bill understands the critical roles non-profit organizations play, such as providing shelter, feeding the hungry and empowering youth to own their economic success. He is an ambassador for many organizations throughout the state and works to advance their missions by providing strategic direction, governance, and leadership in philanthropic and advocacy efforts. He is also an active volunteer and current and past board member for many of Rhode Island’s great not-for-profit organizations, including Junior Achievement, Crossroads Rhode Island, Family Service of RI, United Way of RI, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, The Providence Foundation, RIPEC and Women & Infants Hospital.
JA Mission Moment
Bill attended the Junior Achievement National Conference in San Antonio when he was on the RI Board. It was an amazing experience to see the commitment to the development of youth for Junior Achievement across the footprint and the leaders who attended. Bill came back energized and excited to be a part of the significant changes that JA was making in Rhode Island with the youth of the community. Junior Achievement works to ensure the youth have the tools and resources they need to be successful in the future.