Jelena McWilliams joined Fifth Third Bancorp this week as chief legal officer and corporate secretary, coming from a U.S. Senate committee post.
McWilliams will oversee legal, government, and regulatory affairs at the Cincinnati-based company.
She joined Fifth Third from the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, where she was chief counsel and deputy staff director. In that role, which she had held since 2012, she gave legal counsel to senators, provided oversight of financial regulators and drafted financial legislation. She also served as assistant chief counsel for the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.
From 2007 to 2010, McWilliams was an attorney for the Division of Consumer and Community Affairs at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. In that position she drafted consumer protection regulations and responded to consumer complaints and conducted consumer testing of mortgage disclosures.
“Jelena is a great addition to the executive leadership team at Fifth Third Bank,” said Greg Carmichael, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bancorp. “In addition to her extensive experience in regulatory affairs and financial services, Jelena has a strong focus on the customer that was honed in her various roles in government.”
“This focus is a perfect fit for Fifth Third’s strategic direction in 2017 and beyond. Her counsel undoubtedly will move us closer to our ability to achieve our Vision, which is to be the one bank people most value and trust,” added Carmichael.
McWilliams also worked at both Morrison & Foerster LLP in Palo Alto, California, and Hogan & Hartson LLP in Washington, D.C. She focused on corporate law, public offerings of debt and equity securities, and mergers and acquisitions. She earned her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of California at Berkeley.
“Fifth Third’s strong foundation, clearly articulated strategic plan and deep commitment to improving lives are among the many reasons I am excited to join the Bank at the start of 2017,” McWilliams said. “I look forward to helping build on that legacy.”