Wendi Boyen has dedicated more than three decades to shaping communities through banking, leadership, and service.

Today, as Executive Vice President of Community Development Lending & Investments at Regions Bank, she leads with both professional expertise and a personal sense of purpose.

Her career reflects a consistent theme: using financial tools not just to drive economic success, but to create opportunities that improve lives.

A journey guided by purpose

Boyen’s banking career began 32 years ago when she joined AmSouth, which later became part of Regions. “I was excited to be part of the commercial bank where I could apply the skills I gained in college and graduate school,” she recalls.

“I was drawn to the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment while doing meaningful work. From the beginning, I found it incredibly rewarding to play even a small role in our clients’ success.”

Her path quickly evolved as she embraced opportunities to innovate and lead. About a decade into her career, Boyen was asked to launch a new niche that eventually grew into a full business line–Government & Institutional Banking.

“I built a team dedicated to supporting nonprofits, schools, and governmental entities,” she explains. “Together, we delivered financial solutions that empower these organizations to provide essential services, infrastructure, and care to communities.”

Those early leadership experiences laid the foundation for her long-term vision of banking as a force for good. Four years ago, Boyen moved to Regions’ Community Engagement team, where she shifted her focus entirely to work that directly influences communities.

“I truly believe God has guided my journey and surrounded me with incredible teammates,” she says. “Together, we’ve been able to make a meaningful difference.”

Her faith, paired with her commitment to collaboration, has consistently shaped the way she approaches her work.

Driving change through community development

In 2024, Boyen took on a pivotal role as leader of Regions’ Community Development Lending & Investments team.

It’s work that combines her passion for service with her professional experience. “My focus has been on developing and implementing strategies to grow the bank’s community development loans and investments,” she explains.

Those efforts are broad-reaching, reflecting the multitude of ways a financial institution can use its services for good. She emphasizes the tangible results these initiatives have on communities.

“Our work centers on creating opportunities that support affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, small-business growth, job creation, and other community-strengthening initiatives,” she says. “I’ve been able to leverage my past experiences and relationships to advance our mission of Making Life Better–and that’s something I’m deeply passionate about.”

Under her leadership, the team also prioritizes partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which are critical in serving underserved communities. By providing loans, deposits, and technical assistance, Boyen ensures these organizations can maximize their impact.

“We see where our resources can be combined with their local relationships to amplify their missions in serving their communities,” she says, “and in doing so, we help strengthen the very fabric of Alabama neighborhoods.”

Boyen’s approach is holistic: she sees economic development as inseparable from social impact.

By supporting small businesses, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating pathways to affordable housing, she and her team are not just lending funds—they are cultivating opportunity. Every investment is designed to ripple outward, creating jobs, stabilizing communities, and improving quality of life for families across the region.

Inspired by strong women

Boyen credits the women in her life with shaping her leadership style and drive to serve. At the top of that list is her mother.

“She made a meaningful impact on countless lives–serving as a Brownie leader, youth choir director, and a leader in the women’s charity league,” Boyen reflects. “She also became the executive director of a newly formed nonprofit focused on preventing child abuse and neglect. She consistently makes time for others and does so with a joyous spirit that continues to inspire me.”

Boyen also draws strength from friendships built through service. During the early days of COVID, she volunteered with Meals on Wheels and met Gail, whose resilience left a lasting impression. “Gail had a successful career in financial services until serious health issues led to her losing both her job and her home,” Boyen recalls.

“Despite these challenges, she remains incredibly positive, leaning on her faith, family, and friends. Women like Gail–strong, courageous, and full of grace–motivate me to do everything I can to improve the lives of others.”

These women represent more than role models; they embody the values Boyen applies in her professional life: persistence, compassion, and a commitment to lifting others. Their influence reminds her that real impact is measured not in titles or accolades, but in the lives you touch.

Building a stronger Alabama

Boyen’s work at Regions allows her to help strengthen communities across the bank’s footprint while focusing deeply on Alabama. Her initiatives support children, families, and local economies alike.

“Our team is proud to support initiatives like Junior Achievement of Alabama’s new Economic Education Center, which will positively impact children across the state,” she says.

Through her leadership, Regions also works to expand financial education, access, and opportunity in communities that historically have been underserved. This commitment reflects the bank’s broader philosophy that strong communities are essential to economic stability and growth.

Boyen explains, “Using my skills and experience to help build stronger communities has been incredibly fulfilling.”

Her influence extends beyond her day-to-day work.

She has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations throughout Alabama, providing strategic insight, guidance, and support to programs that address education, economic development, and social services. Boyen emphasizes the importance of leveraging expertise where it can do the most good.

Ultimately, she believes progress is collective. “I believe Alabama can thrive when we all commit to doing the work needed to help every Alabamian reach their full potential,” she emphasizes. By combining financial acumen with compassion and strategic vision, Boyen and her team demonstrate how banking can be a true catalyst for community growth.

Leadership with lasting impact

For Boyen, her decades-long career is defined not by personal accolades, but by the impact she helps create. Every loan made, every investment deployed, and every program supported is a step toward building more resilient communities. She approaches her work with humility, collaboration, and a focus on long-term outcomes.

“Every day, I’m reminded that our work is about more than numbers,” she reflects. “It’s about people–families, businesses, and communities. It’s about making life better, and that’s what keeps me motivated.”

Through her leadership, Wendi Boyen has proven that business expertise and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive–they are most powerful when combined.

Her vision for community development banking continues to shape Alabama’s neighborhoods, strengthen small businesses, and create opportunities for generations to come.

Yellowhammer News is proud to name Wendi Boyen as a 2025 Woman of Impact.