Executive Messaging

Dawn Blackman Sweeney

Executive Communication

Aligning Teams Around New Priorities During Change

Context: This internal executive message reflects leadership communication during a period

of significant organizational change following a major financial services merger and the

onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The message is written from the perspective of a Senior

Vice President and is intended to demonstrate tone, judgment, and alignment during

uncertainty.

The past several months have brought more change than many of us expected, and certainly

more than anyone would have chosen. A merger, a global pandemic, shifts in how we

operate, and difficult workforce decisions have created uncertainty across teams that have

spent years building trust in familiar ways of working.

Many of our colleagues have dedicated decades to this organization. They built careers in a

culture that valued consistency, discipline, and measured decision-making. Those values do

not disappear because our structure has changed. They remain a strength, and they matter

as we move forward.

At the same time, our new organization brings different perspectives, processes, and

expectations. Integrating those approaches is not simple. It requires patience, clarity, and a

shared understanding of what we are working toward together.

As we align around new priorities, three principles guide our path forward.

First, our purpose has not changed. We are here to serve our clients responsibly, protect the

strength of the institution, and support one another as professionals. Every decision should

connect back to that purpose.

Second, how we work may continue to evolve, but we will not lose sight of the values that

have earned trust over time. Discipline, accountability, and integrity remain foundational.

New tools and partners are meant to support those values, not replace them.

Third, transparency matters, especially when decisions are difficult. We will communicate

what we know, when we know it. When answers are not yet available, we will say so plainly.

Clarity builds confidence.

Change fatigue is real. So is concern about what comes next. The expectation is not

immediate comfort. The expectation is that we move forward together withprofessionalism, respect, and a commitment to doing what is right for our clients and our

teams.

Thank you for the work you continue to do under challenging circumstances. Your

experience, judgment, and dedication are essential as we shape the next chapter of this

organization.