Recently retired, Andre is a proven dynamic and exceptional leader. Being the first African-American First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of a Regional Bank in the history of the Federal Reserve System, his record of sustained excellence across numerous complex and demanding roles is unmatched. He is a savvy and tested C-suite executive skilled at building culture and high performing workplaces while serving as a trusted advisor to the President on all matters.
As the COO of one of the largest Regional Reserve Banks, Andre was responsible for all aspects of the bank including the Head office and Branch Boards of Directors, Bank supervision, and 24/7 Payment and Building Operations. Having eleven direct reports, covering five remote branches, with employees in thirty-two states, showcased his ability to lead, organize, and direct an incredibly complex organization. The banks budget exceeds $530 million with approximately 1,800 employees.
His illustrious career spans over 40 years across multiple distinct functions, including payment operations (P/L responsibilities), bank supervision and compliance, and serving as the Bank’s alternate representative for the Federal Open Market Committee. During his tenure he also served as a senior officer at the Board of Governors overseeing the Reserve Banks as well as representing the Federal Reserve System internationally. His list of key accomplishments rivals any executive in the Federal Reserve System.
He currently serves on the Board of the Atlanta Police Foundation (audit/finance committee), the Midtown Alliance and the Midtown Improvement District (City of Atlanta appointee), and the Atlanta Beltline Partnership. He earned an undergraduate degree in Corporate Finance from the University of Alabama and completed the Executive Development Program at Cornell University.
Reverend Dr. Thomas L. Wilder, Jr. is the senior pastor of the Historic Bethel Baptist Church (Collegeville) in Birmingham, Alabama. He has served in that capacity for over 35 years. Under his leadership, Dr. Wilder has worked to immortalize the Church’s rich Civil Rights history while keeping the ministry for today. The Church has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark, National Historic Treasure and has been nominated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organizational (UNESCO). He has launched a community preservation organization that has renovated more than 15 homes and purchased more than 30 lots for future construction. The Church also houses a summer reading and math camp for children performing below grade level.
While working as the senior Pastor, he was also employed in the corporate arena for 34 years. He held numerous managerial roles mostly related to Human Resources, Customer Service, and Marketing/ Community Relations. He spent his entire career at two companies, Alagasco (now Spire Energy) and BE&K, Incorporated, both of whom were listed among the 100 Best Places to Work in America. He retired from the corporate arena in 2013 as Multi Family Marketing Manger to devote full time to his ministry, continuing his education and writing.
Thomas has served on numerous boards including Birmingham Theological Seminary, advisory board for Beeson Theological Seminary, Girls Inc. of Central Alabama, United Way of Central Alabama, Shelby County Department of Human Resources, United Cerebral Palsy (now United Ability), The University of Alabama’s President’s Cabinet, Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, Addiction Prevention Coalition, and the American Association of Blacks in Energy.
He is listed among Who’s Who in Historical Societies, Who’s Who in Birmingham, Birmingham’s Top 40 under 40, Birmingham’s Top Fifty over Fifty, Leadership Birmingham, Leadership Shelby County, he is certified for life as a Senior Professional in Human Resources by the Society for Human Resources Management, and he was featured in Fortune Magazine,, .
Thomas received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in Commerce and Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. He holds two master’s degrees: a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Master of Ministry Degree from Birmingham Theological Seminary. He has an earned Doctorate from Beeson Divinity School and an honorary doctorate from Faith Grant College.
He is married to the former Mechelle Sippial for over 40 years. Together they have four grown children, three sons-in-law and four grandchildren.