Lynette Bell

Lynette Bell is a visionary leader and head of Philanthropy and president of Truist Foundation, an organization deeply committed to empowering communities and creating lasting change. With a passion for philanthropy and more than three decades of experience in the financial services sector, Bell spearheads strategic philanthropy investments that inspire and build better lives and communities nationwide.

Bell is dedicated to building strong partnerships with a wide variety of innovative nonprofit organizations, with a focus on supporting small businesses and fostering economic mobility. In 2023, she introduced the organization’s first multi-year signature initiative, Where It Starts-a $22 million collaborative project aimed at creating long-term change for entrepreneurs and job seekers. Bell also pioneered the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards, a celebration of bold technology and big ideas. Previously, Bell served as enterprise community reinvestment act officer for Truist predecessor SunTrust, leading the bank’s community development program to support low- to moderate-income communities. In her more than 30-year career with SunTrust, she held leadership positions in operations, regulatory affairs, bank examinations and compliance. Bell’s passion for creating positive change has been recognized through various accolades, including earning the Trailblazer Purpose Award from the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals and Spirit of Philanthropy Award from Usher’s New Look, being named a Woman of Influence by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and receiving the Presidential Award- Unsung Heroine issued by The Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter.

Beyond her contributions to Truist Foundation, Bell serves on the board of directors for Living Cities and Purpose Built Communities. Her dedication to service shines through her roles as a founding member of the Carolinas Asset Funders Network and an active member of the American Bankers Association, International Women’s Forum Carolinas and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She’s served as a social impact speaker for numerous conferences and events including Milken Institute, Social Innovation Summit, Council on Foundations, The Funders Network and the FDIC, among others. Bell received her bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University.