ABA Releases New Book to Help Banks Enhance DEI Programs

Rapidly changing demographics and social and cultural trends have made diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace vital to business success. As part of its ongoing commitment to DEI, the American Bankers Association today released DEI Foundations: Practices to Accelerate Your Bank’s DEI Journey, a new book by Dr. Naomi Mercer, ABA’s senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, detailing ways for banks and other businesses to expand and enhance their DEI initiatives. The book was unveiled today at ABA’s 2022 Annual Convention in Austin, Texas, and is available free of charge to ABA members. 

“As U.S. population demographics continue to evolve, diversity, equity and inclusion are critical for organizations seeking both return on investment and workforce retention,” Mercer said. “This book will provide everyone from bank CEOs and HR leaders to chief DEI officers, managers and frontline employees with the tools they need to prioritize their DEI needs and begin integrating DEI into every part of their organization.”

DEI Foundations is intended as a reference guide for organizations getting started with DEI programs, offering ways to incorporate equitable practices and increase retention through inclusion. The book is divided into three broad sections: DEI Basics, DEI Framework and Incorporating Equity.  

“This book is another example of ABA’s commitment to help banks of all sizes most effectively foster a diverse and inclusive environment at their institutions,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “Pulling from her DEI experience in the military and her work with banks across the country, Naomi has assembled practical guidance that can help any bank looking to demonstrate their commitment to DEI.”

As ABA’s diversity, equity and inclusion lead within the Office of Member Engagement, Mercer is responsible for providing guidance and thought leadership, developing resources and tools, and helping ABA’s member banks with their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Mercer came to ABA after she transitioned from a military career where she served as an assistant professor in the department of English and philosophy at the United States Military Academy, and in the Pentagon running the Army’s gender integration and religious accommodation programs. Her educational background includes a doctorate in literary studies with a minor in gender and women’s studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an Executive Certificate in Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Management from Georgetown University’s Institute for Transformational Leadership. She is the author of the academic monograph, Toward Utopia (2015). 

ABA is committed to helping banks of all sizes take the next steps in their DEI journey. The association provides industry-leading DEI training to every member bank through its Frontline Compliance Training suite, and it co-hosts an annual DEI Summit with the Virginia Bankers Association and the Maryland Bankers Association to highlight industry-leading DEI programs and to discuss ongoing challenges. 

DEI Foundations is a must-read resource for decision makers and bankers at all levels. To learn more visit aba.com/DEIBook.