FAMU alum named EVP at Northern Trust

FAMU alumnus Shundrawn Thomas has been named an executive vice president at Northern Trust Corporation.

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, as well as banking solutions to corporations, institutions and individuals.

Northern Trust Chairman and CEO Rick Waddell announced Thomas’ promotion last week and applauded him for “consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership and a strong commitment to accelerating our company's performance and to our enduring principles: service, expertise and integrity.”

“[Shundrawn’s] hard work, exceptional performance and ability to inspire others continue to have a significant impact on the success of our company,” Waddell said.

Thomas will also continue to serve in his capacity as global head of Northern Trust’s Exchange Traded Funds Group. He previously served as president and chief executive of Northern Trust Securities, Inc., a subsidiary of Northern Trust.

According to Vice President for University Advancement Thomas Haynes, Thomas’ work has not only advanced the mission of Northern Trust, but has also been a great asset to the university.

“Shundrawn Thomas has served as an ambassador to FAMU in Corporate America. His continued success and support of the university has served as a beacon of light to young minority men and women. His accomplishments show them that the path to success can begin at an HBCU, and that there is room for them to excel whether it is in Downtown Chicago or on Wall Street,” said Haynes, noting that Thomas is the fourth African-American male to be promoted to executive vice president in Northern’s history.

Thomas currently serves on the FAMU Foundation Board of Directors. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from FAMU in 1995 and his master’s from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 1999.

"My education at FAMU was a vital contributor to my personal and professional development. The role FAMU has played in my career advancement is best captured in the university's motto of 'excellence with caring,'" Thomas said. "My broad experience at FAMU enabled the competence and the confidence needed to contribute and flourish in any professional environment."

In 2011, Thomas was recognized by Black Enterprise as one of the “75 Most Powerful Blacks on Wall Street.” He is also listed as one of Diversity MBA’s “Top 50 Executives Under 50.” He is the author of the groundbreaking book "Ridiculous Faith."