Tara Campbell
Vice President and Director, Place-based Small Business Strategy | Fifth Third Bank
Tara Campbell serves as vice president and director of place-based small business strategy for Fifth Third Bank, National Association. She is responsible for providing financial access to underserved communities and entrepreneurs.
In support of the Bank’s Neighborhood Program, Tara was instrumental in the launch of Fifth Third’s Capital Readiness Grant program with the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) and the Connect2Capital referral program with the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) to expand small business capital access. She also spearheaded the creation of the Fifth Third Small Business Catalyst fund, partnering with CRF to launch at $7.85 million investment aimed at empowering small businesses across Fifth Third’s footprint.
Tara has over 20 years’ experience in community development and banking. She has deployed over $65 million in various lending programs, including small business and facilities-based lending, CDFI investments and loans utilizing Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), New Market Tax Credits (NMTCs) and Historic Tax Credits. She has held roles at U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, Community Affordable Housing Equity Corporation (CAHEC), North Carolina Community Development Initiative, Illinois Facility Fund (IFF), and Finance Fund.
Education
Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and economics from Denison University. She completed the McKinsey & Company Black Management Accelerator Program, earned her certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council, and completed the Citi Leadership Program through Opportunity Finance Network.
Professional and Civic
Tara serves as a board member for the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), Homeport and YMCA of Central Ohio.