Harris Names Judy Rice Head of Community Affairs & Economic Development

CHICAGO, March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Harris today announced the appointment of Judy Rice to Senior Vice President and Head of Community Affairs & Economic Development. Rice will be responsible for overseeing the company's community affairs, government relations, and community development activities, including community development lending and community investments.

In her new role, Rice also will serve as Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) officer, accountable for the bank's compliance with regulatory requirements related to lending in underserved communities. Formerly Harris' vice president and director of Government Affairs, Rice succeeds Yasmin Bates-Brown, who will retire from Harris on March 31 after 34 years of service.

"Judy brings a rich background of experience and extensive community involvement that makes her ideally suited for this role," said Ellen Costello, President and CEO of Harris Financial Corp.  "We have clear objectives that support financial education, multicultural outreach, and economic development in the communities where we operate, and Judy is focused on extending our legacy of leadership in these areas."

"With her exceptional talent and proven expertise, Judy is clearly the right leader at the right time," said Bates-Brown. "She is equipped with the tools to take our Community Affairs and Economic Development efforts to a new level, and I can't wait to see what she and her team will accomplish."

Rice joined Harris in 2007 with a strong background in public service. Her credentials include serving as Chicago's City Treasurer as well as the first female commissioner of two of Chicago's key infrastructure agencies. She led the Department of Water from 1996 until 1999, and the Department of Transportation from 1999 until 2000.

In 1989, Rice began her tenure with the City of Chicago as Assistant Corporation Counsel, and served as Director of the Department of Revenue from 1993 until 1995. She earned her law degree from John Marshall Law School in 1988, and graduated cum laude from Loyola University Chicago in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in communication.

"Judy Rice has done a terrific job in every position she's held during her tenure in public service," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "Besides being a hard worker and a gifted administrator, she always gives generously of her time to many charitable and civic activities, which makes her an excellent choice for this position."

"Having worked with Judy, I know what a thoughtful, deliberative, and conscientious individual she is," said Mary Dempsey, Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library, where Rice serves on the board. "I'm thrilled for Judy and confident that her track record of success will continue in her new position."

Active in the community, Rice serves on the boards of the March of Dimes, the Uhlich Children's Advantage Network, The Chicago Network, the United Negro College Fund, the Harold Washington Library, Working in the Schools, and the Chicago Public Library. She has been recognized for her leadership and work supporting financial literacy by numerous organizations, including the Federal Reserve Board, the Illinois Council of Economic Education, the City Colleges of Chicago, and the Nia Foundation.

About Harris

Harris is an integrated financial service organization providing more than 1.2 million personal, business and corporate clients with banking, lending, investing and wealth management solutions. The organization is a member of the BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), which also provides corporate and investment banking services in the U.S. under the BMO Capital Markets name.

Harris® is a trade name used by various financial service subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp.  Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A., The Harris Bank, N.A. and their bank affiliates, Members FDIC.  Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC-registered investment adviser.  Insurance and annuities are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Investment banking services are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCM), a registered broker dealer and member NYSE, FINRA and SIPC.  HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are affiliated companies and are wholly owned subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp.  Products offered by HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are Not Insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by Any Bank or Bank Affiliate, May Lose Value.  The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition to any bank loan or service.  Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser.  Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc.  Investment advisory services are offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC, a SEC-registered investment adviser and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services to institutional clients are provided by Harris Investment Management (HIM), a SEC-registered investment adviser.  Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location.

SOURCE Harris