Dean Athanasia is president of Regional Banking for Bank of America and is a member of the company’s executive management team.
In this role, Athanasia oversees four of the company’s eight major lines of business, including Retail Banking, Preferred Banking, Business Banking and Global Commercial Banking. Located in over 200 U.S. and 15 international markets, these businesses serve more than 69 million consumer and business clients that hold over $2.5 trillion in assets at Bank of America. In addition to his line of business responsibilities, Athanasia also oversees Data, Digital & Global Marketing, Global Payments Solutions, Workplace Benefits, and Consumer, Small Business & Wealth Management Banking and Lending Products for the company.
Under his leadership, Bank of America has consistently retained and grown its #1 retail deposit market share and its position as the top small business and commercial lender in the U.S. The business lines led by Athanasia were recognized with 673 industry awards in 2023, including World’s Best Digital Bank, Global Most Innovative Bank, and Best Bank for Small and Midsize Enterprises in the U.S.
Prior to becoming president of Regional Banking, Athanasia served as president of Consumer & Small Business. These businesses serve U.S. consumer and small business clients with a full range of financial products and services through a network of 3,800 financial centers, 15,000 ATMs, and an award-winning Digital platform that serves over 57 million users.
Athanasia joined the company in 1996 and previously spent time as the head of Global Wealth and Investment Management Banking and Merrill Edge. He also served as president of Premier Banking and Investments for the company’s Wealth Management division.
Athanasia currently serves as executive sponsor of the bank’s LGBTQ+ Executive Leadership Council, which invests in the advancement and advocacy of LGBTQ+ talent, clients and communities. He previously sponsored the company’s Disability Advocacy Network and the NextGen Council, which seeks to understand and address the needs of future generation employees and clients.
Athanasia holds a master’s degree in business administration from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from Yale University where he majored in economics. He is active in the community, serving as chairman of the board of Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit organization that provides essential items for children living in homeless or low-income situations in Boston, Philadelphia, New York and Chicago. He also serves on the board of the Noble & Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts.