Kawanza Humphrey

Kawanza Humphrey serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for VyStar Credit Union. In her role she is responsible for leading the credit union’s human resources efforts, including diversity, equity and inclusion, talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits, compensation, organizational performance, and development.

Kawanza has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Most recently, she served as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility for the Eastern Region of KeyBank. Prior to joining KeyBank, upon completion of HSBC’s Executive Development Program, she held several positions, including Retail Management.

She is passionate about community and economic development. In addition to her professional experience, Humphrey has volunteered with several nonprofit organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Sisters Hospital Foundation and the Ralph C Wilson Foundation’s Program Committee. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and The Links, Inc. She was recently named to Buffalo Business First’s Power 200 Women and has been recognized as a Woman of Influence, A 40-under-40 recipient and a Black Achiever in Industry.

Kawanza earned a bachelor’s degree in English/African American Studies from the University at Buffalo and a master’s degree in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen College. She is a Phi Beta Kappa.