DALLAS, June 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Comerica's Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer Linda D. Forte has announced her plans to retire in August 2016 following a 42-year career with the bank. Comerica Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition Nathaniel Bennett has been named as Comerica's new Chief Diversity Officer, reporting to Megan D. Burkhart, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. In addition to his new responsibilities, Bennett will continue his role as the leader of Talent Acquisition at Comerica, which will allow for strong synergies.

"I have been blessed with a career in which I could fulfill my passion to empower others," said Forte, who has helped define and drive business strategies to establish Comerica as a leader in diversity and work life practices. "It has been a privilege to help raise appreciation and support for the diverse members of our community, as well as make our communities better through corporate contributions and volunteerism."

"Under Linda's leadership, Comerica has contributed millions of dollars to nonprofits in the communities we serve, provided our colleagues meaningful community volunteer opportunities, and driven our diversity program forward, making it one of the best and most recognized in the country," said Ralph W. Babb, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"Diversity and community involvement are core values at Comerica. As Chief Diversity Officer, Nathan will reinforce our deep commitment to a diverse workforce, community and customer base. This fits perfectly with Nathan's focus on talent acquisition, since we know that when our workforce truly reflects the demographics of our markets, we will better serve our customers, grow our business and build an even stronger organization," Babb added.

Linda Forte
Among Forte's significant accomplishments during her 42-year career with Comerica, which began in 1974, are the:

• formation of employee teams designed to develop and nurture business relationships with diverse business owners, professionals and community influencers;
• development of employee networking groups, which coordinate hundreds of professional development opportunities for colleagues while supporting communities the bank serves through volunteer projects and events;
• launch of the bank's well regarded Master of Diversity Awareness program, which supports understanding of the value of an inclusive workplace environment; and
• annual reporting of thousands of volunteer hours in the bank's "Comerica Cares" program, which has received national recognition for its impact on communities served.

Forte, in addition to her service on a number of boards, has earned considerable recognition during her tenure with the bank, including as a recipient of the 2014 Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion Annual Humanitarian Award, as the 2014 Michigan Women's Foundation Woman of Achievement and Courage, and as a 2013 Inductee into the "Academy of Distinguished Alumni" for Bowling Green State University. She also was recognized in 2016 by Black Enterprises' "Top Executives in Diversity." For a complete listing of Forte's board service and community recognition, please see here.

Nathaniel Bennett

Nathaniel Bennett
Bennett, who has 12 years of experience in financial services and nearly 20 years of experience in recruitment and selection, joined the bank as a vice president of Corporate Human Resources in 2009, responsible for the bank's Texas market staffing. He has been involved with Comerica's diversity program ever since, most recently assisting the bank's employee resource network groups, including its Veteran Leadership Network, in attracting veteran and other talent to Comerica. Bennett was promoted to senior vice president in 2010, with responsibility for all Talent Acquisition at Comerica. Previously, he worked in financial services and with three major retailers, assisting all with their talent acquisition strategies, executive recruiting and sourcing needs, among other responsibilities. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Rice University in Houston, Texas.

"When I joined Comerica, I recognized immediately the robustness and vigor around our diversity and inclusion efforts, and I am very enthusiastic about carrying that baton forward. Like Linda and the Comerica management team, I believe in fostering an environment that celebrates the wonderful differences among our colleagues and customers, thereby making us a stronger company," said Bennett.

Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $69.0 billion at March 31, 2016.

SOURCE Comerica Incorporated