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Hampton University Alumna Lisa Robinson Smith Named CFO of Carver Bancorp

Hampton University Alumna Lisa Robinson Smith Named CFO of Carver Bancorp
Posted By: Roger Gates on March 23, 2026


Hampton University alumna Lisa Robinson Smith has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Carver Bancorp, Inc., continuing a remarkable career trajectory that exemplifies HBCU excellence in corporate America.

Smith, who earned her BS in Accounting from Hampton University, brings over 20 years of distinguished financial services experience to her new role at the Harlem-based community bank.



Her appointment represents the latest milestone in a career that has taken her through some of Wall Street's most prestigious institutions.

HBCU Excellence in Action: From Hampton University's accounting program to the executive suites of major financial institutions, Lisa Robinson Smith's journey demonstrates the transformative power of HBCU education and the exceptional talent our historically black colleges and universities continue to produce.

A Distinguished Career Path

After graduating from Hampton University, Smith built an impressive resume across the financial services industry:

  • Deloitte: Started her career in New York, earning her CPA license while supporting clients with assets exceeding $2 billion
  • Bear Stearns: Supported strategic initiatives for a $5 billion Managed Accounts platform
  • JPMorganChase: Directed a $100 million corporate initiative and developed pricing models for senior leadership
  • Guggenheim Investments: Served as Managing Director and Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, partnering with leadership to support over $200 billion in assets under management

Smith further enhanced her credentials by earning an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in Finance and Entrepreneurship.

Leading Financial Transformation

"Lisa's appointment as CFO reflects the continued strengthening of our leadership team as we accelerate Carver's transformation into a modern urban community bank," said Donald Felix, President and CEO of Carver Bancorp. "Since joining Carver, Lisa has demonstrated the financial acumen and strategic perspective essential to move our institution forward."

In her new role, Smith will focus on strengthening financial performance management, enhancing capital planning, and driving long-term sustainable profitability for the community development financial institution.

Empowering Communities

"I am honored to serve as Carver's Chief Financial Officer and remain laser focused on strengthening the Bank's financial performance management," Smith stated. "I look forward to applying my experience to strengthen our financial foundation and support Carver's mission of financially empowering everyday New Yorkers who are working hard to get ahead."

Carver Bancorp, founded in 1948, serves as both a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Minority Depository Institution (MDI), carrying forward a legacy of addressing financial barriers in historically under-resourced communities.

Lisa Robinson Smith's success story continues Hampton University's proud tradition of producing leaders who excel in corporate America while remaining committed to community empowerment and financial inclusion.


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