Bank of America Names Brett Bernard Michigan State President

Bank of America Enterprise Marketing and Market President Executive Meredith Verdone announced today that Brett Bernard has been named Michigan state president. Bernard joined Merrill Lynch more than 27 years ago as a financial advisor and has held a number of leadership positions at the company during his career.

As state president, Bernard will help integrate Bank of America business lines throughout Michigan, enabling the company to deliver its entire range of global financial services capabilities to more individuals, families and businesses while deepening relationships with existing customers and clients. He will also oversee corporate social responsibility activities for the state, including philanthropic giving and employee volunteerism.

“In his new role, Brett will leverage our vast talent and resources across the state to create opportunities for customers, clients and the communities we serve,” said Verdone.

In addition to his responsibilities as state president, Bernard will continue to serve as market executive for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management’s Mideast territory, overseeing 2,300 employees throughout Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This includes approximately 1,500 financial advisors who provide comprehensive financial solutions to individuals and businesses to address clients’ cash and asset management, as well as lending and wealth transfer needs.

Bernard, who resides in Bloomfield Hills with his wife and four children, graduated from Rhodes College with a degree in economics. He serves on the board of trustees for New Detroit, Inc.

“Bank of America is very fortunate to have an outstanding leader, civic champion and experienced financial services professional like Brett to lead our team and carry on our tradition of service and giving throughout Michigan," added Verdone.

Last year, Bank of America employees in Michigan volunteered more than 21,100 hours to local nonprofits and continue to be significant players in major philanthropic initiatives, including the United Way campaign. Approximately $4 million in 2010 statewide philanthropic giving helped nonprofit community organizations develop and grow, including those that provide basic human services such as hunger relief, housing assistance and access to healthcare.

Every major line of business at Bank of America is represented in Michigan, including Global Commercial Banking, Global Wealth and Investment Management, and Global Corporate and Investment Banking. The Consumer Bank also has a strong and convenient presence, with 215 banking centers and 537 ATMs throughout the state.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 58 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 5,700 retail banking offices and approximately 17,750 ATMs and award-winning online banking with 30 million active users. Bank of America is among the world's leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in more than 40 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

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