Derrick R.
Key Private Bank Market Leader
Interview
At Key, we celebrate the diverse backgrounds and perspectives that make our teammates unique! One of our colleagues, Derrick Ransom, made the leap from playing professional football for seven seasons to an executive at Key, and shares a few valuable insights he’s learned along the way.
What drew you to Key?
It was a 12-year journey between when I retired from the NFL to when I joined Key. During that journey, I relied on establishing great relationships, preparing myself, and making sure I worked extremely hard at my craft—all of which helped me get noticed by KeyBank.
What appealed to me about Key was career development and the opportunity to lead. It starts with the people—the colleagues who I have engaged with are selfless and are about team; and they want to be with us, and they want success for everyone. This is what makes Key different, and I have experienced it while working in two markets over the past three years.
What skills from the NFL do you use in your current position?
I have played for several great coaches on and off the field. They taught me how to respect your opponent and respect others, while being a professional. I also learned about the value of teamwork. To win on the field, you must blend different skill sets. It’s about working together with others to accomplish something greater than what you would accomplish alone. I have carried these lessons with me to my role at Key, and I try to give back to my team in the same way my coaches helped me.
What do you like most about Key’s culture?
Like football, Key employees are team players and encouraged to raise their hand to be part of a solution. Also, Key is known for its philanthropic work, and I feel supported to help my community thrive. I have served as a board member for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio and Greater Akron, Akron Community Foundation, the United Way, and Akron Art Museum. I also enjoyed being a volunteer football coach for a local high school and past director for a local youth football and cheerleading program.
Key is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.