Marcus A. Jackson serves as the Vice President, Community and Economic Development Manager for the Western Michigan Region. He is responsible for overseeing the bank’s regional compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act; cultivating and leading community partnerships; and executing community development and social responsibility strategies.
Marcus joined Fifth Third Bank in 2021 and has over 10 years of experience in the banking industry that includes formal credit training, business banking, community development, financial education, and community outreach. Marcus was instrumental in establishing the Community Development Organization in Southeastern Michigan for his previous organization, helping them achieve an outstanding rating.
Education
Marcus earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University – Haworth College of Business in 2012. He is currently working on his MBA from Wayne State University – Mike Ilitch School of Business.
Professional and Civic
Active in the community, Marcus has been involved with several professional organizations over the years. He is currently serving on the Mary Free Bed Foundation Board, University of Michigan Health – West impACT Board, Grand Rapids Community College Foundation, Aqume Foundation Board, and Better Business Bureau of West Michigan.
What led you down your professional path—from childhood interests to choices in educational focus and beginning your career? What were the key turning points for you?
My father and mother instilled a good work ethic in both my sister and I at an early age. When I was 14, I asked my dad for a cell phone he said “No, go get a job” and two weeks later I got job. About a month after that I bought my first cell phone. I was so proud I went to him and showed him my blue Nokia Tracfone saying “Look dad, I got a phone!” His response was “Great! Now you can pay for the minutes!”
At the time, I thought I was showing him I could get what I wanted. What I didn’t realize then, is that he was teaching me responsibility and showing me that you must work hard to get what you want. This lesson has stayed with me. It carried me through undergrad at WMU, in my career now, as well as in my graduate studies at Wayne State University where I’m working toward my MBA.
As a marketing major, I never thought I’d be in banking. But I was curious. And after graduating, I enrolled in a bank management training program. It was a steep learning curve, particularly because I was the only non-finance major in my cohort and it was a whole new world. I worked hard, stayed focused—I was disciplined, and through that I found a love for banking and the world of finance.
I later found, through my work in banking, that making an impact is not only my passion, but my purpose.
What have you learned in your leadership role and what advice would you give to others in a new leadership role?
Since being in this role, I’ve learned that representation matters. As a leader it’s important to lead, but also to remember who you are leading, why you are leading, and to listen. The listening part goes for your team, your clients, and the communities you serve. Leaders have a responsibility to be the voice for those who are not at the table. It’s important to empower others. No matter your title or rank, anyone can be a leader.
In terms of advice, I think it’s important to lead by example and stay true to your word. When I think back to past managers that I’ve had, the ones who left the greatest impact on me did just that. These things show your team that you are in it together. A man’s word is his bond. That is something that that my parents always said to me growing up, and it stuck. I strive to be a leader of integrity, so while I expect and hold others accountable for what they say and do, I ask them to do the same for me.
Who are the people who have had a profound influence on you and your leadership style?
My parents; my former manager, Jason Paulateer; my former colleague, Sheila Marable; and host of others—too many to name. I would not be the man, nor leader, I am today if weren’t for all these people.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing my father’s work ethic in leading our family and as an executive for a Fortune-100 company. I’ve also been blessed to watch my mother lead in church and as an entrepreneur. I am grateful to her for showing me how to follow my passion.
I’ve known Jason my entire banking career. He’s been a mentor, friend, and now former manager. All the things he’s taught and shown me in the last 10+ years have been instrumental to my career. His leadership style is the one I strive for. A leader who is dependable, empathic, kind, and known to always get the job done. Sheila was my Treasury Management Officer when I first started in banking. She was the mentor and big sister I didn’t know I needed after graduating the bank credit training program. I’m a better banker because of her.
While those four individuals have absolutely influenced me and my leadership style there are so many more. My success is their success, and I would not be where I am today without all of them. For that I am eternally grateful.
Talk to us about company culture. What are some values that you and your team live by?
One Bank. At Fifth Third Bank believe we are stronger together. It’s not uncommon to see multiple departments coming together for the good of a client. We want all clients to receive exemplary service and have all their banking needs met.
Another value is Strengthening Our Communities. At Fifth Third Bank we know we have a responsibility to be good corporate citizens and give back to the communities we serve. This is accomplished not only with philanthropic dollars, but also through volunteerism and working with our partners to meet the needs of the community. Every community is different, so we don’t take a blanket approach in meeting community needs. Only by working together can we truly strengthen our communities.
What is a book that you’ve read or an influencer that you’ve listened to recently that has made you a better leader?
I love audio books. The last audio book I listened to was “Who Moved My Cheese?”. A mentor of mine suggested the book when I started my current role and it’s a great book!
Change is inevitable. As a leader, you need to be able to pivot quickly. The book is a great reminder that there is no growth in comfort.
Can you share why it is a priority for you to invest in economic development?
Economic development is about more than a single individual or entity, it’s about building a community that’s better for everyone.
As a resident of West Michigan, I want to be a part of that growth. So, it is important to me to be part of initiatives that invest in communities that make a difference and improve the quality of life for others. Doing this work allows me and others to show the next generation the importance of giving to your community. I believe investing in our communities’ economic development helps West Michigan and the entire State of Michigan thrive.