By , Special to JTNews
Nearly 350 people gave back-to-back standing ovations at a American Jewish Committee salute to John Rindlaub, president of Bank of America, Northwest Region, on Nov. 10, at the Four Seasons in Seattle.
Business and community leaders turned out to honor Rindlaub, who received the AJC’s 2001 Institute of Human Relations Award. Alaska Airline CEO John Kelly was emcee. Herb Bridge of Ben Bridge Jeweler led the Pledge of Allegiance. A highlight of the evening was a humorous video chronicling a day-in-the-life of Rindlaub, including everything from shaving in the morning to a ride with Bridge on his motorcycle.
A “very warm, nice event” is how Debra Rosen, president of the AJC, reported on the organization’s annual dinner.
Rindlaub is president of Bank of America, Northwest Region, responsible for consumer and commercial banking activities in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. In addition, he is responsible for the bank’s retail and commercial banking business in Hong Kong and Macau.
Rindlaub joined Bank of America in 1989 as manager of Asia Division. Based in Hong Kong, he was responsible for the bank’s wholesale, investment banking and trading activities throughout Asia and Australia. He moved to Seattle in 1993 to head the Northwest Region.
His volunteer accomplishments are numerous. Rindlaub is a director of Alaska Airlines, Washington Roundtable, Pacific Science Center, Children’s Hospital, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Federal Reserve, Pacific Rim Bankers Program and Washington State China Relations Council. He also is a member of the Washington State University Foundation Board of Trustees.
Founded in 1906, the American Jewish Committee is the oldest human rights organization in the nation. Recognizing that the best way to preserve freedom for any one group is to guarantee it for all groups, the AJC established the Institute of Human Relations. The Institute promotes inter-group and inter-religious cooperation, opposes all forms of discrimination, and works to advance human rights everywhere.
The Institute of Human Relations Award is presented to leaders of the business and civic community throughout the country who, through their skills, influence and dedication, have demonstrated their profound commitment to preserving the nation’s democratic heritage. In closing his acceptance speech, Rindlaub said, “For me to be honored by all of you tonight; I’m not used to it. But thank you so much.”