Community building has been the common thread throughout Keith Border’s career. As Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and Vice President of Community Development at Union & Guardian Savings Bank, Keith works closely with the bank’s industry peers, nonprofit partners, employees and other key stakeholders with a primary focus on economic and community development that promote home ownership lending opportunities. Keith is grateful to have an opportunity to work with his Bank teams, leaders and to have built strong community relationships over the years which when coupled with his background in corporate litigation management, diversity equity and inclusion, strategic planning, employment law and human resources helps to make sure that community is not just an afterthought, or nice-too-have, or to check a box, but it’s embedded in the work of the Banks.
Keith currently serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC), Ohio Bankers League Board of Directors, Central State University College of Business Advisory Council, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Alpha Delta Boule Foundation and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Lifetime Member. His previous board memberships and recognitions include the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Mayor’s Economic Inclusion Council, and Cincinnati NAACP Wright-Overstreet Award for Community Service, Cincinnati Applause Magazine’s Trailblazer Award and the Cincinnati Citizens Police Review Panel Chair. He obtained his law degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and my Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. Patrice, Keith’s wife, and he have two daughters, Candace and Camille.
In 30 seconds or less, tell us who YOU are. This is not your professional bio, but rather, your response should reflect how you are uniquely you.
I am a passionate individual. My story is that I have always embraced the spirit of intentionality and worked towards building a strong purpose-driven life that is rooted in my values, ally-ship, attitude, and behaviors that guide how I engage my life, family, work and community.
What is the primary motivation of your leadership?
Inclusiveness, Equity, Empowerment. I am a strong advocate for living the power of the saying “the whole is greater than one”. I am inspired when I’m working to strengthen and empower the economic survival of neighborhoods and communities through home ownership, financial education, generational wealth, talent pipeline growth and skill development. I’ve had the opportunity to work on initiatives that contributed towards this – for example working with Winton Hills Academy Students in experiencing life outside the classroom and with Withrow H.S. students matriculating and maybe taking the next step into college after experiencing “reverse mentoring” with a company and mentorships. I’m motivated in my work with College Students at HBCU Central State who develop career pathing skills in the Ohio Banking Industry through the Summer Banking Institute founded by Union Savings Bank.
What has been the cornerstone of your life journey that influenced your personal mission and purpose?
Mentors and Sponsors. I wanted to be the next Thurgood Marshall after seeing, hearing and learning about the former Supreme Court Justice, lawyer, General Counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Then my skill development and tutelage from and under family, friends, Community Leaders, Fraternity Brothers, Corporate Leaders at Macy’s, Luxottica and now Louis Beck at Union & Guardian Savings Bank. These folks helped me sharpen and fine tune my problem solving and focus on really having impact in my work.
Who has had an immense impact on you as a leader? How did this person (or people) impact your life?
My mother, she saw and nurtured things in me at an early age. She encouraged my oratory skills, critical thinking and started me on the path to excellence.
My relationship with Louis Beck, Owner Union & Guardian Savings Bank. Through his leadership, I have been afforded the opportunity to do a “dream” job that is impacting and changing lives. Louis walks the talk and believes in equity and inclusion. I have learned from him that wealth is great but integrity and the willingness to make a difference are critical for creating a legacy.
Together, we created a National Award-Winning Program called the Summer Banking Institute in partnership with HBCU Central State University. The program is now grown across the State of Ohio with one key objective – to Demystify Banking for upcoming talented professionals seeking a career of growth and opportunity.
What pieces of advice have you received along the way in your career or life journey that has stuck with you?
To always work hard and be prepared. Do not hesitate to ask questions and challenge the status quo.
Preparation is key. No matter how well you know the subject, it is important to take the time to do the work and adapt information/presentation for the audience that you are speaking to.
It is important that when presenting, speaking, to do the work. For me, when I speak, I always prepare and write things out on que cards and then internalized the message.
What one thing makes you most proud?
My daughters Candace and Camille, aka, Pride and Joy! They are the epitome of young, gifted, and Black. They are both Ph.D. graduate students (one at Yale and one at Princeton). My baby, Camille (Mimi) is a Rhodes Scholar. Through them I see great hope for the future.
What’s one thing you do every day (or with consistency) to be a better person?
I love to read and I pray. Additionally, self-care is crucial and for me it includes exercising, reading, time w/friends, family and all the things for which I am most grateful.
What are a few resources or behaviors you would recommend to someone looking to grow into a better leader?
Always, read and do personal development work. There are four books and tools I highly recommend: Leadership Prayers by Richard Kriegbaum, Kouzes & Posner’s The Leadership Challenge, Herrman International HBDI on Thinking Styles and Stephen Covey’s The Speed of Trust.
You can learn from every person that you interact with. Do not get hung up on titles because that can change in a second. Always be kind and respectful.
How do you define success?
Over the years, my definition of success has always involved making a difference both personally and professionally. Doing all things with excellence and gratitude. Also, knowing that the work that I do every day has generational impact. At this point in my life, I am working to ensure the future for my children and others so that they are offered the same opportunities that I experienced and have enjoyed.
Why do you choose to make the Cincinnati region home?
I appreciate the opportunities for both professional growth available in the Greater Cincinnati Area with significantly sizable Corporate H.Q.s and the wealth of experienced and insightful people in our midst. Also, the communities and neighborhood environments for raising my family.
What do you imagine for the future of the Cincinnati region?
Economic growth and greater inclusiveness. I imagine our communities and neighborhoods being even greater sources of opportunity to live and work together and to collectively solve problems and engage as model servants for good.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
My 2024 vision is for Grace, Gratitude and Margin (moving the needle a little further across and up and down my life for the benefit of others).
