Kawanza Humphrey serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for VyStar Credit Union. In her role she is responsible for leading the credit union’s human resources efforts, including talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits, compensation, organizational performance and development, and diversity, inclusion, culture, and engagement.
Since joining VyStar in 2021, Kawanza and her team have prioritized their efforts around talent acquisition, compensation and benefits offerings, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She has helped lead the growth of over 10 employee resource groups, called VyStar Resource Groups (VRGs). These efforts display Kawanza’s passion for creating positive change in the work environment and in the community.
In addition to her role at VyStar, Kawanza is passionate about volunteerism and economic development. She is a member of the Board of Directors for READ USA, Inc., and the University of North Florida’s Foundation Board. She has volunteered with several nonprofit organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Sisters Hospital Foundation and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation’s Program Committee. She is a member of the Jacksonville (FL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Bold City (FL) Chapter of The Links, Inc. Kawanza was named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 200 Women and has been recognized as a Woman of Influence, a 40 under 40 recipient, and a Black Achiever in Industry.
Kawanza has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Most recently, she served as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility for the Eastern Region of KeyBank. Prior to joining KeyBank, Kawanza held several leadership positions at HSBC Bank USA, including Retail Management, after completing the organization’s Executive Development Program.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in English/African American Studies from the University at Buffalo and a master’s degree in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen University. She is a Phi Beta Kappa.
