Sarah Knakmuhs Joins M&T Bank as CCO

M&T Bank has hired Sarah Knakmuhs as Chief Communications Officer in Washington, D.C. The hire comes as M&T evolves its communications platforms, and enhances its profile and strengthens its relationship with shareholders.

In her new role, she will report to M&T Bank Senior Communications Director Frank Lentini.

Knakmuhs added:

“One reason I chose this role at M&T Bank is the organization’s recognition of communications as a strategic partner to drive growth, build and preserve trust and strengthen our customer- and community-focused culture.”

Knakmuhs brings more than two decades of experience to her new role, having recently served as a senior counselor at the global advisory group H/Advisors Abernathy, where she was also Managing Director and Head of the Washington, D.C., office.

Before that, she worked at Altria for 15 years, where she held various roles, including Senior Manager for Tax Policy and Legislative Affairs, VP for Investor Relations and Altria Client Services and VP for Government Affairs and Public Policy.

She also briefed Chamber management and member companies, researched and analyzed corporate tax legislation, and wrote articles on tax issues as a Tax Counsel at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She also held the post of Manager, Washington National Tax Practice at KPMG.

Knakmuhs has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Miami University and a degree in law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, as per her LinkedIn.

M&T Bank is a multi-state community-focused bank headquartered in Buffalo, NY, serving New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. 

Founded in 1856, M&T provides banking, investment, insurance and mortgage financial services to more than 3.6 million consumer, business and government clients with $200 billion AUM.