Whitley has been named Dallas market president, succeeding Kathleen Gibson, who continues in her role as the North Texas Commercial executive.
As the senior executive for Dallas, Whitley will help integrate the delivery of the company’s core capabilities to customers throughout the city and surrounding communities. She also will serve as the senior leader for the company’s civic, community and philanthropic presence in Dallas.
“Laura has been an active leader throughout her career, and I’m confident that she will continue to be a leader in the Dallas market,” said Walter Elcock, president, Bank of America Texas. “She’s an experienced banker who will get results for our associates, our customers and our community.”
Whitley has 21 years of financial advisory experience with corporate, institutional and high net worth clients, holding key leadership positions in Global Corporate and Investment Banking as well as Private Banking. She is a member of the bank’s Management Operating Committee and served on the Executive Diversity Advisory council.
Before assuming her current position in 2004, she was president of the Private Bank’s Central Region. Previously, as managing director for Banc of America Securities, she directed the firm’s corporate and investment banking activities with Fortune 1000 clients in the Midwest. She spent the first decade of her career advising global companies in Europe, Asia, and Canada on capital raising, corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions. She began her career with Bank of America as a management trainee in 1983.
Whitley earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Texas Tech University in 1983. She is a NASD Registered Principal with Series 7, 24, 63 and 66 securities licenses.