From a college teller job to executive leadership, Heidi Huynh Racherla ’95 has built a successful career at Bank of America. Now a senior leader in her hometown, she leads strategy in Silicon Valley while staying rooted in community impact—and in her Saint Mary’s beginnings.
Heidi Racherla ’95 Named Silicon Valley Market Executive at Bank of America
It started as a part-time teller job during college. Without knowing it, Heidi Huynh Racherla ’95 had stepped onto the path of a lasting career.
Today, 24 years later, Racherla has been named Silicon Valley Market Executive at Bank of America—furthering a journey that began behind the counter of a local branch.
A senior leader in one of the world’s most innovative regions, Racherla now leads strategy for client relationships, community partnerships, and employee engagement.
Her work spans industries and audiences—from helping local teammates deliver the full breadth of the bank’s capabilities for clients of all sizes to affordable housing initiatives across the Bay Area to collaborations with nonprofits, elected officials, and iconic partners like the San Francisco Giants.
“I love what I do,” she says, “especially in the community where I grew up and now get to serve.”
The San Jose native credits Saint Mary’s with helping her find her voice and shape her leadership style.
“Seminar taught me how to listen and lead with purpose. Jan Term sparked a love of connecting ideas to the world around me,” she reflects. “Those lessons shaped the kind of leader I became.”
A proud Gael and English major, Racherla remains closely connected to her alma mater—mentoring students each spring, serving as chairperson of the School of Liberal Arts Dean's Advisory Board and on the Board of Regents, as well as donating to initiatives supporting career-readiness and internships.
“It’s incredibly joyful and satisfying to help even one student in a mock interview or career conversation,” she says.
Returning to campus is personal. “My husband and I were married at Saint Mary’s. Being here reminds me of how it all started.”
Racherla calls her new role both a milestone and a responsibility.
“I’ve had the chance to grow through four or five different careers within the Bank,” she says. “But no matter the role, it’s always been about relationships—building something meaningful, for the community and for the future.”
