Retired Bank of America executive Charles Bowman is bringing his expertise to UNC Charlotte as an executive-in-residence.
In this role, Bowman — who retired from BofA in April 2022 after more than 25 years — will help to further connect the University in the Charlotte region.
“As this region’s public research university, UNC Charlotte looks forward to tapping into Charles’ knowledge, expertise and connections, not only in the Charlotte region but also across North Carolina,” said UNC Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “We are incredibly fortunate to welcome him as an executive-in-residence and expect he will have a significant impact throughout his term.”
In alignment with the University’s strategic plan, Shaping What’s Next, Bowman will provide counsel as the University develops and implements strategies to drive progress and power the future for the region through applied and community research, and community-based programs and activities.
A native of North Carolina, Bowman joined BoA in 1996, first serving as associate general counsel and global compliance executive. He served as market president for North Carolina and Charlotte for more than 13 years.
Previously, he served as associate attorney and partner for Smith Helms Mulliss Moore, which was one of North Carolina’s largest law firms. He also served as the associate director of the John Motley Morehead Foundation in Chapel Hill.
Active in community affairs, Bowman has served on the boards of many organizations in the Charlotte region and statewide, including the United Way, the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Project L.I.F.T., the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the Mint Museum, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation. He also served on the board for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, co-chairing the library’s $142 million fundraising campaign.
He currently serves as chair of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte Board of Directors, on the Atrium Health Executive Committee and on the North Carolina Railroad Board of Directors.
Bowman earned his bachelor’s degree with honors in American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated in 1978 and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In 1982, he received both a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina Law School and a master’s degree in public policy analysis from Duke University.
Bowman’s initial appointment began in January and will continue through June 2024. He reports to Chancellor Gaber and will work closely with the Office of External Relations and Partnerships, under the leadership of Betty Doster.
“UNC Charlotte is a growing research powerhouse and one of our city’s biggest success stories,” Bowman said. “I look forward to partnering with Chancellor Gaber and University leadership, faculty and staff to identify opportunities to enhance partnerships and continue to advance positive growth for our region.”
Bowman follows in the footsteps of several community visionaries who have served in similar advisory roles at UNC Charlotte, including Dennis Rash, former BoA executive; Krista Tillman, former president of North Carolina operations for BellSouth; and Curt Walton, former Charlotte city manager.