Detroit News: Ilitch School alumna named to 2020 Michiganians of the Year
Every year, The Detroit News honors a small group of individuals who give of themselves to make Michigan a better place to live. These are people committed to finding solutions, willing to invest their time, energy and money for the greater good of Michigan. This year's class includes two-time Mike Ilitch School of Business alumna Sandra Pierce (B.A. '80, M.B.A. '87).
After growing up the youngest of 10 children in a flat above her parents' bar in Detroit, Sandra Pierce became the first in her family to graduate from college thanks to support from her parents and older siblings.
Pierce, now a senior executive vice president and chair of Michigan for Huntington Bancshares, has carried that experience with her through her decades in the banking industry and in civic and philanthropic life in Metro Detroit.
"It's just become part of my DNA," she said. "I feel personally responsible and accountable to do as much as I can. My company feels the same way."
Most recently, Pierce has acted on this by helping to orchestrate a new $20 billion, five-year lending initiative across Huntington's seven-state footprint. The bank's 2020 community plan will bring $5 billion in philanthropy, lending and investments to Michigan, where it has more than 280 bank branches.
