Lynell M. James is a Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager in the Human Resources division at TIAA-CREF. Ms. James joined TIAA-CREF in 2005. As a Human Resources Relationship Manager, she provides strategic support to the company's business and support areas, as well as delivery of a full suite of human resources solutions, including advice, talent acquisition, professional development, performance management, talent management, and compensation management. Ms. James has more than 16 years' experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining TIAA-CREF, she held a senior vice president role at Bank of America, where she was the lead HR relationship manager for the New England Division, supporting 5,000 employees in 600 retail locations across seven states. She has also held several other senior HR roles at FleetBoston Financial, including Deputy Director of Diversity. While with FleetBoston, she designed integrated solutions to leverage internal and external HR practice areas including compensation, organizational effectiveness, recruiting and employee relations. Ms. James started her financial-services career at National Westminster Bancorp as a management trainee and served her early roles in commercial lending and community development. Ms. James is a two-time recipient of the YMCA Black Achiever Award. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Africana Studies from Cornell University and a Master’s in Human Services from Springfield College.