Yasmin T. Bates began her banking career in 1976 when she joined Harris N.A. as a Commercial Banking Trainee. Within three years, Yasmin was elected a banking officer and promoted to Team Leader of the Cash Management Sales and Consulting staff. In 1981, as a result of her numerous accomplishments in this area, she received the designation of Assistant Vice President and was promoted to Section Manager of Sales and Consulting.

In 1984, Yasmin created Harris' Neighborhood Lending Program -- one of the first programs of its type in the country. This program soon became the model from which other major banks would build their inner-city lending programs. Under her effective leadership thousands of housing units, small businesses and special purpose projects received rehabilitation funding.

In May of 1991, Yasmin was promoted to Vice President and Division Administrator of the newly created Metropolitan Banking Division. Her responsibilities expanded to include new business development and relationship management of small businesses with annual revenues of less than $5 million. This increased focus on small business generated significant growth in both conventional and Small Business Association loans.

Yasmin was promoted to President of Harris Chicago Community Bank (HCCB) in 1994. In this role she was charged with the task of growing the bank's small business, community development and consumer loans and services throughout Chicagoland.

In 1998, she was appointed President of Harris Bank's City Region. Her responsibilities expanded to include strategically integrating the management of business segments across Chicago.

In 2003, Yasmin was appointed Executive Vice President, Chicagoland - South Division. This division encompasses the City, Southwest, Southeast, Central and Far Southwest (Joliet) regions. Among her myriad responsibilities, Yasmin oversees the development and implementation of the south division's growth strategies. These strategies include increasing market share, share of wallet and customer loyalty.

Yasmin is a board member of the Chicago Equity Fund (CEF), Community Investment Corporation (CIC), Glenwood School for Boys and The Network of Real Estate Professionals (NREP). She is a member of the University of Illinois Business Advisory Council, the University of Chicago's Visiting Forum, and Urban Bankers Forum of Chicago. She also served on the Special Allocations Committee of the United Way of Chicago. Yasmin was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley to serve on the first Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) committee for the City of Chicago. Additionally, she served on the Fannie Mae National Advisory Board and the American Bankers Association (ABA) Community Development Committee.

A graduate of the University of Illinois, Yasmin holds a B.S. in Business Administration.