Get to Know Lisa Frison
Meet the woman at the helm of helping Wells Fargo build meaningful relationships with African American communities and consumers
Lisa FrisonFor many, it’s a dream to have your profession align with your personal passions and values. For Lisa Frison, vice president, African American segment manager at Wells Fargo, it’s a reality she truly appreciates and does not take for granted.
When it comes to understanding the segment, Lisa is keenly informed regarding what motivates and challenges African Americans as it relates to financial management. She is a zealous student of the segment, immersing herself in research, data and other literature to deepen her awareness and sharpen her acumen – making her a sought after subject matter expert on engaging African American consumers in impactful ways.
In her role with one of the largest financial services companies in the country, Lisa is responsible for building and executing the enterprise marketing strategy for reaching the African American segment. As a thought leader, she has a vital role in shaping the company’s priorities on key initiatives to increase Wells Fargo’s brand presence among the segment. She leads these efforts by partnering with internal leaders and stakeholders across the company to deliver key knowledge and insights to ensure African American consumers are top of mind when developing business strategies, products and services. Lisa is committed to making sure that African Americans are well represented in every facet of company business.
Lisa also works in close alignment with external stakeholders to support underrepresented communities through initiatives that provide financial empowerment and guidance.
Prior to Wells Fargo, Lisa worked at Disney, holding several roles in brand and alliance development. She managed profit and loss, and successfully launched Disney’s Visa Credit Card. Her professional journey began at Xerox supervising a manufacturing product line until she eventually transitioned to finance and business strategy planner.
Financial empowerment through education
With a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University and an MBA from the University of Rochester, Lisa believes that education, combined with discipline, proper guidance and smart decision making, is the true formula for financial success. She takes responsibility for using her voice to inform and empower others, helping them to become savers, owners, investors and philanthropists.
She credits her niece Brianna as her inspiration to provide guidance for future leaders. Lisa aims to be someone she can look to for motivation as she carves her own path in life. The younger generation is one she holds near and dear as she encourages them to move from the consumer mentality and become responsible owners of their financial future.
Dedicated to leadership and service
Most recently, Lisa served as the board chair for KIPP Charlotte, a free open enrollment college preparatory school in underserved communities. As part of this commitment, she mentored students to support the school’s promise to open up a new future for youth by helping them get to and through college. She has also volunteered with Wells Fargo’s Reading First Program and tutored students at Highland Renaissance Academy in Charlotte.
In 2012, she was recognized with the Wells Fargo Black/African American Connection Trailblazer Award and now serves as program officer on the Enterprise Leadership team. Her previous philanthropic efforts have resulted in her winning an “Ears to You” Volunteer Service award and being recognized twice with the President’s National Volunteer Service Award for community service and outstanding volunteer and civic participation.
Work life balance
In order to remain grounded, Lisa makes it a priority to maintain a healthy balance between work and life. She starts her mornings with personal devotion and exercise to help set the tone for the day. Even with her busy travel schedule for work, she carves out time to have meaningful time with her husband and take weekend trips to recharge.
“I enjoy the times in my life and career when I can step up and take on something completely new,” says Lisa Frison. “I love immersing myself in learning and figuring out a way to create and add value.”
In addition to being a continuous learner, her ability to remain calm is cited as one of her greatest strengths. This characteristic allows her to navigate through difficult situations and maintain great relationships. She speaks passionately about the work she does and encourages candid conversations around topics of empowerment. You can find Lisa Frison on Twitter @Lisa_Frison.