Norman A. Bliss: Three Decades of Pioneering Progress
With an illustrious career spanning three decades, Norman A. Bliss has been at the forefront of transformative changes in community reinvestment. His expertise in the complexities of community reinvestment strategy has established him as a leading authority in the field,
Norman’s career journey is a testament to consistent excellence, with his mastery over community reinvestment initiatives positioning him as a trailblazer among industry innovators.
Leading Transformation in Banking
At the helm of the Community Reinvestment Group at Bank of the West (BOTW), Norman's insights and strategic acumen played a pivotal role in securing the bank's inaugural "Outstanding" CRA rating from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in November 2020. This milestone accomplishment merely echoes his consistent track record of achievement. Throughout his career, Norman has been instrumental in obtaining a total of four "Outstanding" CRA ratings, showcasing not just consistency but an ability to reproduce success across diverse market segments.
Preceding his tenure at BOTW, Norman spearheaded KeyBank’s community reinvestment efforts as the Senior Vice President and Director of Community Development. Under his leadership, the bank celebrated its ninth consecutive "Outstanding" CRA rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in 2018. Norman’s development and execution of KeyBank's landmark $16.5 billion National Community Benefits Plan and subsequent work on BMO/BOTW $40 billion Community Benefits Plan underscores his ability to lead and execute large-scale community benefit strategies.
Bridging Communities and Banking
Norman's influence goes beyond his corporate accomplishments. His profound insight and decades-long experience have resonated through prominent industry conferences and seminars such as CRA and Fair Lending Colloquium, the American Bankers Association Conference, the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank Policy Summit, and the Mortgage Bankers Association's Conference. Norman’s public engagements have enlightened countless professionals and paved the way for forward-thinking in community development.
Service, for Norman, transcends professional duty – it's a deeply ingrained personal calling. Beyond his corporate role, he’s invested his time and talents (energy) into various industry trade associations, including the Consumer Bankers Association CRA Committee, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition Bankers Collaborative Council, and the American Bankers Association CRA Working Group. This dedication spills over into community service, where Norman has served on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations and community development initiatives, advocating for affordable housing, sustainable community growth, and economic empowerment.
A Foundation of Excellence
Norman's foundation in economics, courtesy of a Bachelor of Arts from Howard University, has been pivotal in shaping his professional journey. However, it's not just the knowledge, but the blend of his experience, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to community betterment that sets him apart.
In a rapidly evolving banking landscape, Norman Bliss continues to stand as a beacon of expertise and progress. A driving force championing innovative strategies and forward-thinking advancements in community reinvestment.