Leslie E. Bains (Vice Chair for Nominations), Vice Chairman, Modern Bank, N.A., New York, N.Y.

Bains is vice chairman of Modern Bank, N.A. and CEO of Modern Asset Management, a newly established private bank and asset management company. Prior to joining Modern Bank, Bains was president of AFS Intercultural Programs, one of the world’s largest non-profit, community-based volunteer organizations dedicated to building a more just and peaceful world through intercultural exchange.

She retired at the end of 2003 as senior executive vice president of HSBC North America, where she was the highest-ranking woman and member of the senior management committee. Prior to HSBC’s acquisition of Republic National Bank, Bains was executive vice president responsible for private banking and investments. She also held executive posts with JP Morgan/Chase and Citibank. She has served on the boards of universities and numerous nonprofit organizations, including Commonfund; Duke University Medical Center, as chair of the board of visitors; American University, as chair of the board of trustees; the Roundabout Theatre; and the Jewish Museum. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Bains holds a bachelor’s degree from American University in Washington D.C. She is married to Harrison M. Bains, Jr. They are Duke parents (Harrison “Tripp,” BS ’97, and Tawney, AB ’00).