Alan Kline

American Banker’s award winners for 2017 had moments in their careers where hard knocks taught an indelible lesson, they trusted their gut or they listened to good advice. Here is a takeaway from each of their stories.

Beth Mooney is taking KeyCorp to new heights through bold dealmaking and with a relentless commitment to doing what's right for customers, employees and communities.

It was mostly good news for banks in the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s Quarterly Banking Profile, with higher earnings and net interest margins. But there were concerns as well, including slower loan and deposit growth.

Comerica's chief accounting officer since 2010, Carr will replace David Duprey, who is retiring early next year.

Dramatic changes in the way banking services are delivered combined with slow economic growth has resulted in too many banks chasing too little business, said BB&T's CEO.

The Cleveland company's third-quarter profit more than doubled from the same period last year, thanks largely to its 2016 acquisition of Buffalo-based First Niagara Financial Group.

Strong gains in net interest income offset a decline in fee income, but a recent settlement with the federal government over alleged misconduct at its Wilmington Trust unit weighed on the Buffalo company's overall results.

The Dallas company reported strong profits in the third quarter as higher yields on loans and improved cost control more than offset slight declines in loan balances and earning assets.

The financial crisis gave Mary Navarro an unprecedented opportunity to change banking for the better — and she delivered.

Kate Quinn has raised U.S. Bancorp's profile by emphasizing culture above all else.

Ellen Patterson is one of just 21 TD employees with an EVP title globally and the only female EVP based in the United States.

Sound Community Bank CEO Laura Lee “Laurie” Stewart has made a career of going against the grain, and her bank’s investors, employees and customers are all better for it.

In the newly created role, Jane Russell manages TD’s call centers, ATMs and digital operations, and directs all operations within its 1,250 U.S. branches

Sandy Pierce's myriad responsibilities include managing Huntington’s 18 regional bank presidents, overseeing its private bank and leading all activities in Michigan.

A "transformational" capital raise led by CEO Mary Ann Scully set the stage for Howard Bank's largest-ever acquisition.

Synovus is widely regarded as one of the industry’s most admired companies, and it is up to Liz Wolverton to ensure that it does not rest on its laurels.

In her role as BBVA Compass' chief talent and culture officer, Rosilyn Houston is all about making employees happy.

By investing in technology and talent development, Julieann Thurlow is positioning her community bank for the long term.

Jennifer Smith is overseeing a core conversion that is the largest tech project in Zions' history.

MUFG Union Bank is counting on Wendy Breuder — a proven revenue generator — to use her considerable analytical skills to find meaningful cost savings through the consolidation and relocation of office space.