Inforum Names Jacqueline Wiggins to New Chief Operating Officer Position

DETROIT, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Inforum today announced the appointment of Jacqueline Wiggins to the newly created position of chief operating officer.

Based in Detroit, Wiggins oversees the implementation of Inforum's strategic plan, including statewide programming, affinity groups, industry groups, membership strategy, brand integration and marketing and communications.

"The past two years have been very exciting and challenging for Inforum," said Terry Barclay, president and CEO of Inforum and Inforum Center for Leadership. "Among other things, we've expanded into five regions across Michigan and implemented new programming designed to reach emerging leaders, ready women executives for corporate board positions, and make Michigan the Midwest leader in developing high-growth women entrepreneurs. Because of this, we saw the need to expand our senior team by adding an experienced executive with top-notch managerial and communications skills. We found that with Jacque and I am pleased to add her to our team."

Before joining Inforum, Wiggins spent 25 years in the banking industry, starting her career at National Bank of Detroit. She has held a variety of roles with increasing responsibility across consumer and commercial lines of business and support functions, including process reengineering, program management, marketing, and corporate affairs.

Most recently, Wiggins was director of executive communications and engagement at Citizens Financial Group, a $136 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. Its subsidiary RBS Citizens, N.A. operates under the Charter One brand in Michigan. Wiggins remained in Michigan and traveled extensively, providing strategic communications counsel to the CEO with an emphasis on brand integration, executive positioning and messaging, and internal communication.

From 2005 to 2010, Wiggins served as public affairs director for Charter One in Michigan. In this role, she was responsible for the bank's charitable giving and community outreach strategy, as well as media and government relations, marketing sponsorships, and executive outreach. Wiggins directed the launch of several signature initiatives that bolstered the bank's brand, including Champions in Action®, the Job Creation Loan Program, and the company's extensive involvement in the North American International Auto Show and The Parade Company.

Wiggins has a bachelor's degree in economics from Wayne State University and a master's degree in financial economics from Walsh College.

She serves as member of the board of trustees of the Michigan Colleges Foundation and chairs the Women's Committee of the Belle Isle Conservancy. She and her husband Tom have two children and reside in Rochester Hills.

About Inforum
Inforum is the leading professional organization focused on creating strategic connections and accelerating careers for women throughout Michigan and the Midwest. Inforum serves professional women at all stages of their careers – from emerging leaders, to high-potential executives, entrepreneurs and corporate board leaders. Inforum has offices in Detroit and Grand Rapids with operations in Kalamazoo and Lansing. For more, visit www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

SOURCE Inforum