Baylor Bear named president & CEO of one of America’s 100 largest companies

In late February, TIAA — a leading financial services provider that ranks among the 100 largest corporations in America — named one of Baylor’s own as its president and CEO.

As of May 1, Thasunda Brown Duckett (MBA ’01) now calls the shots for one of the nation’s largest providers of secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions. She is just the fourth Black woman in history to serve as a Fortune 500 CEO, and of just two doing so currently.

“I am extraordinarily grateful for the opportunity to lead a company that has helped millions of people retire with ‘enough’ to live in dignity, and excited about the opportunity to help TIAA chart its next 100 years,” said Duckett when the news was announced.

Prior to her role at TIAA, Duckett was the CEO of Chase Consumer Banking, where she led a banking network with more than $600 billion in deposits, 4,900 branches and over 40,000 employees. She also launched initiatives to help improve customers’ financial literacy and established her commitment to building local communities by providing more jobs, neighborhood resources, and access to financial services. During her tenure at Chase, Duckett was named as one of Fortune’s 50 most powerful women.

Outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and CNN have noted that Duckett is a tireless and purpose-driven champion for change, especially when addressing the racial wealth divide and empowering women. Throughout her career, Duckett has been dedicated to helping Black Americans close historical achievement gaps in wealth creation, educational outcomes and career success.

Sic ’em, Thasunda!