As a reflection of its growth in the Phoenix market, Bankers Trust hosted a Grand Opening celebration at its new, larger location at 2325 Camelback Road, Suite 100, just one block north of its former North 24th Street address on Tuesday. To commemorate a key factor in the branch’s growth ― its emphasis on giving back to the community ― the event included presenting the first-ever Bankers Trust Community Partner Award to Diana “Dede” Yazzie Devine, CEO and President of Native American Connections (NAC). Pat Rourke, Phoenix Market President for Bankers Trust Company, presented the award alongside Suku Radia, CEO and President of Bankers Trust Company.
Rourke said, “We created the $3,000 annual award to recognize an individual who shares Bankers Trust’s core values in the areas of diversity, affordable housing and financial education, and who has made a significant, positive impact in the local community. Dede Devine certainly epitomizes those values, and we are thrilled to recognize and support her and Native American Connections in this way.”
For more than 30 years, Devine has served as CEO of NAC, which is a Native American-operated nonprofit corporation that provides comprehensive behavioral health services, affordable housing and community-based economic development opportunities primarily to Native Americans living in Phoenix and nearby tribal communities. Radia said, “In 2011, NAC opened Devine Legacy on Central. This 65-unit, multi-family development enhances access to affordable housing in Phoenix, something we at Bankers Trust are keenly concerned about and want to support whenever possible.”
Devine said, “As CEO of Native American Connections for 34 years, my leadership and values are layered across the organization and mirror the commitment of Bankers Trust to diversity, personal service, leadership and stability. Like Bankers Trust, Native American Connections’ ability to serve our customers is dependent on wonderful relationships and partnerships. It is an honor to be recognized by Bankers Trust for leading a team of mission-driven employees.”
