Charon D. Darris
Vice President/Senior Relationship Manager Business Banking
Key Bank
New York City
Age: 35
Charon D. Darris only recently became vice president and senior business banker at Key Bank, with responsibility for the bank’s New York City branches, and he is ready to make his mark. “My goal is to make New York City the fastest-growing business banking group in all of Key Bank within twelve months,” he declares. Previously in a similar role at M&T Bank, Darris is used to pushing himself hard. “I’ve always been driven. I had a number of goals I wanted to accomplish by thirty regarding officer title, salary, nonprofit board service, education and personal relationships,” he reveals. “The last two are a little bit behind schedule.”
He has many people to thank for the goals he has already achieved. Kweku Forstall, executive director at Year Up Atlanta, helped him secure funding to attend Morehouse College, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing; Taur Orange, director of the Educational Opportunity Program at Fashion Institute of Technology; and his late father, Walter Darris, who taught him the value of working hard. “I learned early on in my career that perception is reality. As a result, there are three critical qualities I attempt to have all associates recognize about me: I want you to know that I am smart, organized and resourceful,” says Darris, who has also worked at Bank of America, Fleet National Bank and JPMorgan Chase.
A native of Harlem, New York City, Darris also completed the Corporate Finance Analyst Training Program at Chase Manhattan Bank and will obtain an executive MBA from Columbia University in 2013. He makes time for community work. “The little free time I have is spent providing board service and fundraising for Achieving Leadership’s Purpose Inc., Morehouse College and Fordham Preparatory School,” notes Darris, who is an alumnus of all three.
Fun Facts
Favorite comedian: Robin Williams
Favorite singer: D’Angelo
Sport you play best: Bowling
