Comerica Inc. Adds 2 Dallas Leaders to its Board of Directors

Derek Kerr and Jennifer Sampson have been appointed to Dallas-based Comerica Inc.’s board of directors.

Kerr is vice chair and strategic advisor of Fort Worth-based American Airlines Group Inc., and the president of American Eagle.

Sampson is the McDermott-Templeton President and CEO of the not-for-profit United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Kerr will serve as a member of the board’s Audit Committee, and Sampson will serve as a member of the board’s Enterprise Risk Committee.

“Both Derek and Jennifer will bring specific skills, experiences and areas of knowledge to our Board,” Curt Farmer, chairman, president and CEO of Comerica Inc., said in a statement. “I look forward to working closely with them to represent Comerica and those we serve, including our shareholders, customers, communities and colleagues.”

Overseeing airline’s regional operations

Kerr heads up American’s regional and cargo teams and serves as a strategic advisor to the company. As president of American Eagle, he is responsible for more than half of American’s departures, with oversight of the airline’s regional operations.

From 2013 until 2022, Kerr was EVP and CFO of American Airlines Group and its wholly-owned subsidiary, American Airlines Inc., overseeing global corporate risk, corporate development, and corporate financial functions, including treasury, accounting, financial planning, labor and fleet analysis, tax, strategic planning, investor relations and purchasing.

Previously, Kerr was executive vice president and CFO for US Airways, a role that he began in 2009. Before that, he was senior vice president and CFO of America West, a role he began in 2002.

Leading largest nonprofit in North Texas

Sampson leads United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, the largest social change organization focused on improving access to education, income, and health in North Texas.

Since becoming CEO and president of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas in 2011, Sampson has built community confidence in its mission and impact priorities and has achieved unprecedented results in resource development.

Previously, she was senior vice president and chief operating officer from 2004 to 2011, and senior vice president and CFO from 2001 to 2004 for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.