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KeyBank’s WNY Chief Moving to Maine

Kozlowski to take charge of operations in state

By Jonathan D. Epstein
 
February 09, 2010

 KeyBank’s Western New York district president is leaving to take a higher position as president of the bank’s operations in the State of Maine.

Sterling Kozlowski, who has been head of the bank’s Buffalo region since 2006 but has been in the area for more than a decade, will become Maine District president for KeyBank as of next Tuesday. The 50-year-old Syracuse native replaces Dick Lucas, who is retiring.

In his new role, he will oversee a statewide network of 62 branches and 100 ATMs in 15 of the state’s 16 counties, stretching from the northern border with Canada to the upscale beach resort areas just north of Boston. The bank has about $3.3 billion in assets in Maine.

“It’s a wicked exciting opportunity,” Kozlowski said, borrowing a common New England phrase. “It’s very exciting but a little bittersweet. I hate to leave Western New York. I just love it here. It’s tough to leave, but this opportunity was just compelling.”

The 25-year banking veteran cited the size of the new region and the complexity of the operation as being “enticing,” with “its own opportunities and challenges.” And, he added, “I love the New England region. It’s so beautiful there.”

The bank has launched an internal and possibly external search for his successor in Buffalo, but Kozlowski will split his time between Maine and Western New York in the interim. He and his family will relocate to Portland.

“I am confident that Sterling’s track record of strong leadership and his community focus will ensure his success as president of the Maine District,” said Hugh Donlon, president of Key’s Northeast Region, including New York, Vermont, Maine and Florida. “He is a proven leader who facilitates collaboration, inspires innovation and drives for results.”

This will be the first position outside of New York State for Kozlowski, a veteran small-business lender who previously worked for HSBC Bank USA both downstate and upstate.

As head of Key’s local business, he oversaw 1,000 employees, 41 branches and 50 ATMs in four counties. The district was recognized by Key Vice Chairwoman Beth Mooney for its 2009 financial performance.

Kozlowski cited that performance and the district’s profitability, as well as the bank’s community work, as among his accomplishments since taking charge.

Originally from Syracuse but raised in Rochester, Kozlowski spent nearly 23 years with HSBC, working in the Rochester and Albany areas but also in New York City and Westchester County. He came to Buffalo 11 years ago, capping his career at HSBC as the bank’s senior vice president for national small-business banking before moving over to head Key’s local operations.

jepstein@buffnews.com