February 08, 2024
SIMON WLODARSKI
MEMBER, CIVIC FEDERATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Number of years with the Federation: 8
Committees: Executive
Day job: Senior Vice President, Senior Public Policy Lead, Bank of America
Simon Wlodarski is Senior Vice President, Senior Public Policy Lead at Bank of America and is a member of the Bank's U.S. State and Local Government Relations Team, overseeing State/Local Government Relations for the company in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Colorado. In this national role with the company, Simon works on public policy issues impacting the financial services industry. In his Public Policy leadership role with the company, he engages with public officials and banking industry leaders across the country. Simon serves as the Bank’s liaison with the National Council of State Legislators.
Prior to joining Bank of America, Simon served in the Administration of Pat Quinn, Governor of Illinois. Simon began his public policy career supporting the Governor’s Office before serving as Chief of Staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs, overseeing finance, human resources, operations and legislative affairs.
Previously Simon served in the United States Marine Corps, enlisting in 1995 as an infantry Marine in Camp Pendleton. Transferring to the Reserves to attend college, Simon went on to pursue a commission in 2003, serving as an Infantry Officer during combat tours in Iraq and Africa. Simon transferred to the Illinois National Guard in 2011, serving in Afghanistan as a foreign military advisor as well as an embedded officer in the Polish Task Force. Simon most recently served in Ukraine as a Brigade advisor in Ukraine, leading a multi-National NATO team working with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Amongst his awards, Simon is most proud to have the Army’s Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Marine’s Combat Action Ribbon.
Simon completed a Baccalaureate of Science in Engineering from Iowa State University, as well as a Masters of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University.
Simon was born in Chicago, Illinois, and currently lived in Arlington Heights with his wife and two sons.
What made you want to join the Civic Federation?
I had the opportunity to become a Board member when I joined Bank of America and former Chicago president Tim Maloney asked me to take on the role for the Bank. With my background coming from the State of Illinois, I knew about the exceptional work of the Civic Federation and the key role its leaders represented in our discourse and was honored to do so.
What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Civic Federation?
The opportunity to meet as well as getting to know the other members, who are the key leaders of Chicago and other Illinois communities, is a privilege. Learning about the challenges and solutions of our state and local issues with the board is the most important public service I can be a part of since my retirement from the military.
What's your favorite Chicago hidden gem?
Bank of America’s Chicago Distance Series includes the Shamrock Shuffle, the Chicago 13.1 Half Marathon as well as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The Chicago 13.1 winds its way thru the West Side, including Garfield, Douglas and Humboldt Parks. These Parks border historic buildings and some amazing green spaces in the city. Surrounding these parks are vibrant communities that I was unaware of and engaged with until I was supporting our Marathon team. I look forward to collaborating more closely with these communities and to highlighting this significant hidden gem to the rest of Chicago.
What's a project you're working on right now?
I recently assumed a co-chair leadership position for the Bank’s Military and Veteran affinity group, to foster a network of professionals, mentorship and opportunity to promote membership as former military personnel join and navigate the Bank. Along with the other affinity groups in our organization, we want to make sure that our teammates know what resources and benefits they have access to as they pursue personal and career opportunities ensuring that Bank of America is a great place to work.
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the City's most well-known events—what's the best part of being involved as a Bank of America employee?
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is not only an economic driver but also a part of our commitment to help local communities thrive, creating a vital impact that benefits Chicago’s small businesses as well as local and international charities throughout the year. With almost 50,000 runners participating annually in the Marathon, the most satisfying part for me is working together with runners to run for a charity of their choice. The Marathon has raised more than $30 million for charities, the most for a single day event in the State of Illinois. Watching participants and athletes, including those with disabilities, complete the 26.2 miles on the streets of the greatest city in the world is an inspiration to all of us who support the race.