Kathy Hazelwood
About Kathy Hazelwood
Kathy Hazelwood serves as the VP and Senior Community Development Manager at Synovus, focusing on community development loans and investments across several states. With extensive experience in community development and banking, she actively mentors high school students and values empathy and kindness in her interactions.
Work at Synovus
Kathy Hazelwood serves as the Vice President and Senior Community Development Manager at Synovus, a role she has held since 2019. In this position, she focuses on sourcing community development loans, investments, and services across multiple states, including Central and South Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee. Her work involves identifying opportunities for community enhancement and ensuring that financial resources are allocated effectively to support local initiatives.
Previous Experience in Community Development
Prior to her current role at Synovus, Kathy Hazelwood held various positions that contributed to her expertise in community development. She worked at IBERIABANK Mortgage as a CRA/Affordable Housing Mortgage Loan Officer from 2017 to 2019. Before that, she was a VP and Community Development Officer at Mercantile Bank from 2005 to 2007 and served as a VP and Business Banking Officer at BB&T from 2007 to 2011. Her extensive background in community-focused roles has equipped her with the skills necessary to foster economic growth in underserved areas.
Education and Expertise
Kathy Hazelwood earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communication from Rollins College, where she studied from 2000 to 2005. Her educational background supports her professional focus on community development and engagement. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in community reinvestment and affordable housing, which she applies in her current role at Synovus.
Community Involvement and Mentoring
Kathy Hazelwood actively engages in community involvement, particularly through mentoring high school students. This commitment reflects her dedication to fostering the next generation's growth and development. Her efforts in mentoring demonstrate her belief in the importance of giving back to the community and supporting youth in their educational and personal journeys.
Career Progression and Leadership Roles
Kathy Hazelwood has held various leadership roles throughout her career in the banking and finance sector. She worked at Bank of America in multiple capacities from 1990 to 1999, including Sales and Service Manager and Banking Center Manager. Later, she served as VP of Regional Multicultural Markets Officer at BB&T from 2011 to 2016 and as Vice President at the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council from 2016 to 2017. This diverse experience has shaped her approach to community development and financial services.