Desiree Coleman-Fry brings 20 years of experience delivering strategies supporting impact-focused solutions
Desiree Coleman-Fry recently joined U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance as Chief Strategy Officer. A working mom of four and a native of St. Louis, Coleman-Fry brings an abundance of leadership experience in business strategy to Impact Finance, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank which is dedicated to financing projects nationwide that help build thriving communities, drive inclusive economic growth and accelerate the transition to a green economy.
Coleman-Fry (Photo: Antonio T. Harris)
“I started my career in local government, which provided me with an understanding of the ways that systems, policies and structural issues impact people and under-resourced communities,” said Coleman-Fry. “I hope to use that social policy lens, as well as my experience in the financial services sector to collaborate in aligning products, programs, and processes in support of U.S. Bank and Impact Finance goals.”
As Chief Strategy Officer, Coleman-Fry’s team will be focused on strategy, impact measurement, employee experience, storytelling and partnering with product areas. Impact Finance’s work is a key contributor in helping U.S. Bank deliver on a variety of public commitments, including U.S. Bank Access Commitment™. It finances projects in all 50 states and U.S. Territories.
“Desiree brings a wealth of leadership experience in business strategy and strategic execution across complex organizations,” said Impact Finance Chairman and CEO, Zack Boyers. “She leads with an entrepreneurial spirit, a bias toward action and a deep commitment to equity and collaboration.”
Most recently, Coleman-Fry served as vice president of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Office of Minority and Women Inclusion Officer and Equal Employment Opportunity Officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. She also brings eight years of experience from Wells Fargo and Wells Fargo Advisors in roles focused on diverse customer segments in consumer and small business banking; DEI; corporate social responsibility; and employee engagement. Her career also includes roles at the United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services in Washington D.C., and as a Capital City Fellow in the Executive Office of the Mayor, Washington D.C.
Holding a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University, Coleman-Fry is currently pursuing her doctorate in Public and Social Policy from Saint Louis University and serving as a Danforth Plant Science Center trustee. In her spare time, she enjoys museums and traveling with her husband, Jason, and their kids.
“I’m excited to join an organization that intentionally leverages the strength of its people, products, and strategic projects to advance equity and create sustainable change,” she said.