Pulitzer Prize winner joins Tampa Bay area bank’s leadership team

ST. PETERSBURG — Sheryl WuDunn, a former New York Times reporter who became the first Asian American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize, has joined the board of directors at BayFirst Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: BAFN), the parent company of St. Petersburg-based First Home Bank.

WuDunn, according to a press release, brings a wealth of business experience to her new role. In addition to working in the Times’ newsroom, she also held executive management roles at the paper. She’s also a former Goldman Sachs vice president.

Currently, the release states, WuDunn leads FullSky Partners, a consulting firm that she co-founded. In that role, she advises socially driven technology and health care companies.

“Sheryl’s proven leadership, senior-level banking experience and tech investment expertise will add great depth to our board,” BayFirst Board Chairman Anthony Saravanos states in the release. “As we continue to seek ways to lead the way in innovation and adapt to the evolving competitive and technological landscape, Sheryl is uniquely positioned to advance our efforts and identify future opportunities.” 

WuDunn, the release states, is the co-author of five books that examine social and economic challenges affecting women, girls and underprivileged people around the world, including "Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope," a New York Times best-seller. She and her husband, Times journalist Nicholas Kristof, won the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1990 for their coverage of the Tiananmen Square protests in China.

“Sheryl’s appointment strengthens our diversity at the most senior level, and her leadership will undoubtedly improve our organization overall,” BayFirst CEO Anthony Leo states in the release. “In addition to her business acumen, she brings vital perspective and a proven commitment to sustainable social impact that will aid in addressing important issues affecting our organization, customers and community.”