Losing her mother at a young age, Jodi Rolland had to grow up fast. Raised by her three sisters, she realized college would be her ticket to a better life – but, a financial scam that wiped out her savings nearly derailed her plans. Undeterred, those experiences have shaped Rolland’s career and how she makes an impact in the community.

“I knew early on there had to be honest people out there to help others with their money – I wanted to be that person,” she said.

Rolland was persistent in pursuing a job at Merrill Lynch and eventually worked her way up over 25 years as one of only a few women in the various roles she held. Today she serves as the Colorado State and Denver Market President for Bank of America and Market Executive for Global Commercial Banking for the Colorado market with Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

A finalist for the 2018 9NEWS Leader of the Year award, Rolland’s impact can be seen in the ways she advocates for equality and encourages others to increase their community impact.

See the 9NEWS Leader of the Year announced LIVE at the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation’s Leading Colorado presented by Southwest on March 8.

Mentoring and advocating for women is Rolland’s number one passion – something she’s done her entire career. Over the years, Rolland has worked with several nonprofits dedicated to women’s advocacy and adamantly supports the Bank of America Women’s Exchange, which empowers women in the financial industry.

“The leadership bench is wider and deeper with both sexes on it. It isn’t about male versus female – it’s about the diversity of thought, of perspective, of culture that you can bring to the table,” Rolland said.

She has also dedicated much of her life to promoting financial literacy. From advising divorced women on their finances to her involvement with Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc., she believes women and young people, especially, should have the tools they need to find financial success. And, she still finds time to serve on boards for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement−Rocky Mountain, Inc., Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver and others.

In 2016, Rolland was named the Warren Village Corporate Leader Honoree of the Year for her commitment and strategic counsel in helping the organization launch its College to Career Program. She is also active with the National Leadership Academy at the University of Denver, a program to engage high school students in leadership training, service learning and civic engagement. And she stays connected to the leadership community with the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation’s Leadership Exchange – which takes leaders to the source of innovative leadership happening around the world.

In her own words: “I know I can be much more effective at changing lives as a leader who inspires others.”

 

Snapshot: Jodi Rolland

Quote: “It isn’t about male versus female.  It’s about the diversity of thought, of perspective, of culture.”

Success in Business

  • Named Colorado State and Denver Market President for Bank of America in 2013
  • Served as Division Executive from 2011-2015 for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in the 12-state Heartland Division leading more than 870 financial advisors with $110 billion in client asset and just under $1 billion in revenues
  • Holds a bachelor’s degree in financial management from the University of North Dakota

Awards, Accolades and Community Investment

  • Warren Village Corporate Leader of the Year 2016
  • Denver Business Journal Power Book 2014
  • Leadership Investment Woman of Vision Award 2014
  • 2007 OC Metro Business Magazine “Hot 25” Honoree for her forward-thinking in business
  • Board leadership positions: Colorado Bankers Association, Colorado Succeeds, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc. and University of North Dakota Alumni Foundation.