With 18 years of community experience working for the United Way of Southeastern Michigan, Patricia McCann, Comerica Bank’s new national Civic Affairs manager, brings a proven track record of engaging volunteers on a mass scale to address critical needs.

McCann shares her thoughts about working with employees and the community.

What does the term “corporate responsibility” mean to you?

McCann: Corporate “social” responsibility means that companies place high emphasis on their involvement in the community. The interests of society are taken into account in the way they operate and they take responsibility for the communities in which they do business. This is when a company voluntarily and proactively works to improve the quality of life for their employees, the local community and society in general.

Is getting employees to participate in company volunteer programs a tough or easy sell?

McCann: It can be both. If the message is clear that participating in company volunteer programs is beneficial to the employee, that the company supports the issues that are relevant and important to the employees, and that there are no strings attached, employees generally find this to be a fun and beneficial perk to their employment. The difficulty can be in getting those who have not traditionally participated involved. I firmly believe that once you try it, you’ll like it.

When you develop volunteer outreach programs, what factors do you consider?

McCann: I factor in impact: The impact on the community, what will be gained from a particular program from a company perspective and the impact on the volunteers.

What has been your proudest career moment?

McCann: In September 2002, I was asked by Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s office to develop and lead a local memorial project for the one-year anniversary of 9/11. What started out as a small memorial ceremony in Hart Plaza to be followed by a few service projects turned into a memorial of over 1,000 individuals with representatives from local and state government, tri-county law enforcement, fire departments, representatives from American Airlines and United Airlines. We even had a member of President Bush’s cabinet come to Detroit to be a part of our celebration; he actually asked if he could come. We released 16 white doves in memorial for the known 16 Michiganders who lost their lives. We even had a flyover by the Screamin’ Eagles and wrapped up the day by conducting service projects throughout metro Detroit, from clean-up projects to building a handicap access ramp for a young girl.

We made local and national news. It was the most beautiful, meaningful and emotional event that I think I have ever been a part of, and our CEO indicated that it was our organization’s finest moment. While that was my proudest past career moment, I have every confidence that if you ask me that again in a few years, I will have another outstanding story to tell from my work at Comerica.

What excites you most about your new position at Comerica?

McCann: I am excited to utilize the skills I have developed in volunteer mobilization and management as well as program development. I enjoy learning new skills and expect to learn a great deal from Comerica. I love that Comerica is proactive in community involvement and understands the positive impact of investing human capitol through its employees. I am excited about the growth potential, the opportunity to give my best to the company and the community.