American Banker has released its annual Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance listing and named Synovus Chief Strategy Officer Liz Dukes one of the 25 Women to Watch for 2015. This annual ranking recognizes women for their impact on their company, industry, and community at large as well as for their leadership skills and innovation in the face of professional challenges. Dukes is the only banker from Georgia on the Women to Watch list this year.
 
As chief strategy officer, Dukes works with all of Synovus’ business lines, as well as the executive and finance teams, to develop and implement the company’s strategic plan; identify and assess growth and business development opportunities; partner with business unit leaders to quantify return on investment of recommended business development projects; and monitor ongoing profitability.
 
Dukes began her banking career with Synovus in 2003 as director of accounting and financial analysis. She was promoted to senior director of banking in 2011, and to chief strategy officer in 2014.
 
“All of the women in our rankings are truly exceptional leaders,” said Bonnie McGeer, who is executive editor of American Banker Magazine and the chair of American Banker’s Women in Banking Editorial Committee. “We are proud to include Liz Dukes as a recipient of one of the banking industry’s highest honors.”
 
“Liz’s long-term perspective and her ability to drive crisp execution of our company’s strategic plan are keys to her rapid success in the role of our company’s chief strategy officer,” said Kessel Stelling, Synovus Chairman and CEO. “We are proud she is being recognized for her many accomplishments and appreciate everything Liz has done and continues to do for our company.”
 
The complete rankings can be viewed at American Banker’s website, and are featured in the October issue of American Banker Magazine. The honorees will be celebrated at a dinner and awards ceremony on October 8 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, hosted by American Banker and parent company SourceMedia. Speakers at the event, including honorees, will share their experiences and discuss the implications of growing female influence in the industry. It will include a special focus on the impact these women have on society at large.