Sharon M. Walsh
Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications
Sharon leads Washington Trust’s Marketing team, overseeing all aspects of advertising, public relations, community relations, and communications for the Bank. She is responsible for the development and implementation of brand and product marketing strategies, leveraging advertising, media planning, PR and storytelling, community engagement, and data analytics to strengthen Washington Trust’s presence, reputation, and customer experience.
Sharon brings more than 35 years of expertise in brand strategy, marketing, communications and media strategy. Her early career in advertising PR provided a foundation for her future role as marketing manager, as she fostered a team that integrated in-house and external expertise to meet the needs of the Company. Since joining Washington Trust in 1996, she has played an instrumental role in shaping the Bank’s marketing vision, driving growth, and building brand awareness through innovative, data-driven strategies, creative execution and community partnerships.
Sharon holds a bachelor’s degree from the St. Anselm College, a Marketing Analytics Certificate from Cornell University and is a graduate of the American Bankers’ Association School of Bank Marketing. A Rhode Island resident, Sharon is active in the communities that Washington Trust serves. She previously served as President of the Exeter West Greenwich PTA, a Board Member for Boy and Girls Clubs of Warwick, was on Amenity Aid’s annual fundraiser committee, and served as a mentor for Exeter Greenwich High School’s Senior Capstone program. Sharon also serves as co-executive sponsor of Washington Trust’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative.