2026 9NEWS For-Profit Leader of the Year Finalist Raju Patel
Leading Colorado honors leaders who are shaping the future of our state through innovation, service, and impact across every sector. This year, we are proud to recognize finalists across three categories: For-Profit Leader of the Year, Nonprofit Leader of the Year, and Public Sector Leader of the Year.
The For-Profit Leader of the Year recognizes executives and entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional leadership, ethical business practices, and a deep commitment to Colorado’s economic and civic vitality.
Raju Patel is the Market Executive for Global Commercial Banking (Retired), Bank of America in the Colorado Market. He leads a team of commercial bankers who partner across the bank to deliver the full suite of services including investment banking, credit, treasury solutions, investment management, and personal banking to middle market companies and institutions with annual revenues of $50 million to $2 billion.
Raju joined Bank of America in 1985 and has held roles in strategic planning, finance, credit products, and relationship management. Raju earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Illinois and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from DePaul University. He is a FINRA registered Principal and holds Series 7, 24, and 63 securities licenses.
Raju is a Board Member and recent Chair of the Downtown Denver Partnership Management Group. He is also a Board Member of The Food Bank of the Rockies, and Board Member of the Denver Art Museum Foundation. In 2021, Raju was recognized as a Most Admired CEO by the Denver Business Journal.
Raju and his wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of three adult children and currently reside in lower downtown Denver, CO.
