Appreciation. Fun. Prizes. Awards. What’s not to love? Every year, we go all out during Credo Week – our signature spin on Employee Appreciation Week – to celebrate the values that guide how we serve our customers, support our communities, and uplift each other. This isn’t your average recognition program; it’s an award-winning, company-wide event recognizing the people behind our purpose.
Meet our inaugural Citizens Miles that Matter award recipients! This award honors four inspiring New Yorkers running the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon for official NYRR charities. Each winner receives a $26,200 donation to their cause, recognizing their grit, resilience, leadership, and generosity. Join us in cheering for these extraordinary individuals — and all marathon runners — on Sunday, November 2. · Bryan Baratian – iMentor · Christopher Jackson – Ronald McDonald House New York · Erik Lochtefeld – Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS · Natasha Whitling – The Pink Agenda Citizens is proud to partner with New York Road Runners and its mission to promote running and community wellness.
Building the workforce of the future is a central focus of our commitment to making a positive impact. We announced a new $20 million commitment over the next three years (2026 to 2028) to support workforce development programs and long-term economic growth. Funding will continue to support nonprofits working to enhance educational and career opportunities, address the rapidly changing demands of the modern economy, and strengthen economic mobility across our footprint. And our commitment extends to our own colleagues, investing in their upskilling and development. In 2024, nearly 31% of colleagues stepped into new roles, showcasing our commitment to continuous learning, internal mobility, and career growth. Whether through mentorship, career moves, or skill development, we support every step of their journey.
For many caregivers, families and students, it’s back-to-school time. At Citizens, learning doesn’t stop once you’re hired. Through our Education Assistance Program, eligible colleagues can receive financial support to pursue degrees, certifications, or courses that align with their career goals. Whether you're looking to upskill, pivot into a new field, or deepen your expertise, this benefit helps make continued education more accessible. It’s one more way Citizens invests in your long-term success—because your growth matters. 👉Learn more about the Education Assistance Program.
We believe that diverse experiences lead to meaningful impact. Our colleague Grace’s journey—from Commercial Banker to HR Business Partner—is a perfect example of this. By applying her business lens to HR strategy, she’s helping shape talent development and organizational effectiveness across Citizens. Shifting from client-facing work to internal strategy required a mindset shift, but Grace leaned into her strengths and embraced continuous learning. Her advice for anyone considering a career change? “Explore roles that align with your strengths. Talk to colleagues. All it takes is a conversation.” 👉 Read the full article to learn more about Grace’s journey and insights.
Citizens recently welcomed students from Enterprise for Youth to our San Francisco Citizens Private Bank office for a dynamic career panel featuring our President, Brendan Coughlin, as well as Dr. Rina Marfatia and Miles Deamer. The conversation covered career journeys, the power of authenticity, and the importance of continuous learning, with additional contributions from Citizens leaders Mark Lehmann and Roberto Rivera, an Enterprise For Youth board member. To support Enterprise for Youth’s mission and help advance their job readiness and internship programs, Citizens proudly presented a $25,000 donation. We’re committed to building the workforce of the future - by investing in partnerships that help young people gain the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to succeed.
Opportunity. Belonging. Purpose. At Citizens, these values come to life through the actions of leaders who lift others as they rise. Maria Leonard, Chief Compliance Officer and Karen Swiatocha, Head of Contact Center and Retail Transformation, reflect on how they use their roles to champion and elevate women across the organization, and share the career advice that continues to shape how they lead. Their insights are a powerful reminder that leadership is about showing up, sharing wisdom and creating space for others to thrive.
As the school year kicks off, we know many working parents are juggling new routines, school supplies, and shifting schedules. We’re proud to support our colleagues through it all. That’s why we offer five days of emergency back-up care, so when your plans pivot, you can too. Whether it’s a last-minute school closure or a gap in childcare, we’re here to help you stay focused at work while feeling confident at home - one of the many ways we support caregivers and parents through comprehensive benefits, paid parental leave, and well-being resources designed to help you thrive both at home and in your career.
Champions in Action has been a driving force for positive change—since the program’s launch 23 years ago, we’ve awarded more than $12 million in grants and promotional and volunteer support to more than 400 Champions in Action nonprofit winners who are aligned with our Sustainability and Impact priorities: Fostering Strong Communities, Building the Workforce of the Future, and Supporting Positive Climate Impact. We recently recognized nine high-impact nonprofits, each helping individuals with diverse abilities build confidence, career skills, and long-term success. “Creating a more inclusive workforce starts with recognizing the strengths and talents of individuals of all abilities,” said Michelle Hecht, Head of Corporate Affairs. “Many still face barriers to employment, which is why we’re proud to support organizations expanding access to job training, inclusive hiring, and long-term career growth.”
We were recently named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion™ by the Disability Index®, marking five consecutive years of recognition. This achievement reflects our continued efforts to build a workplace where accessibility and belonging are prioritized every day. From inclusive hiring and professional development to workplace design and digital accessibility, we are committed to making sure all colleagues can thrive.
