Financial Services >> CEO Interviews >> May 17, 2010
Merrill W. Sherman is President & CEO of Bancorp Rhode Island, Inc. Ms. Sherman spearheaded the 1996 creation of Bank Rhode Island, the second largest de novo bank in American history. Under her leadership, Bank Rhode Island has grown to be a leading commercial bank, with $1.6 billion in total assets, a rock-solid reputation and a lending capacity that rivals major national banks. Ms. Sherman also has overseen Bank Rhode Island's expansion in accessibility and convenience for customers, with a well-located network of 16 branches. She was recognized as one of U.S. Banker's "Top 25 Women to Watch" in banking, named Citizen of the Year by the March of Dimes and inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2008 she was recognized by Bryant University as New England Businesswoman of the Year. Ms. Sherman holds an A.B. from Mount Holyoke College, a J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law and a D.B.A. (Hon.) from Johnson & Wales University. Profile
TWST: Let's begin with a brief historical sketch of the company and a picture of how it's doing at the present time.
Ms. Sherman: We are a $1.6 billion community bank that has a commercial
