Exec Vice President And Manager, Energy Banking; Comerica Bank
Fuqua completed his BS/Business Administration degree with a finance concentration at UT Dallas when undergrads had been on the UTD campus a mere four years. “The night program at UTD allowed me to complete my undergraduate degree while working full time for a bank,” Fuqua recalls. “Immediately after receiving the degree, I got a job offer to join NorthPark Bank’s energy lending department during the late ‘70s oil and gas industry boom.” Once working, he decided to pursue an MBA at SMU. “I’m sure the education I received at UT Dallas helped me get into the graduate program and allowed me to compete effectively in the very competitive energy banking field,” he says. He now manages the energy banking department (exploration and production, and midstream) at Comerica. Fuqua is a member of the Jindal School Energy Management advisory committee.
What do you enjoy about your current position/profession?
My fourth grade teacher was one of the best teachers I ever had. She predicted the careers of every student and she said I would be a banker! I love the opportunity to lend money to companies to help them be successful, while balancing that service with protecting the bank’s shareholders (and my job!). I like the technical and specialty nature of oil and gas lending.
What is a professional highlight of your career, either where you currently work or in the past?
Surviving the ups and downs in the industry cycles while building one of the largest energy lending platforms in U.S. banking.
What characteristics do you look for when hiring people into your workplace?
Communication skills, maturity and intellectual curiosity are my main focus. I love candidates who answer my questions on point and follow up with thoughtful questions to me, particularly if the question or answer reveals interview preparation.
What advice do you have for college students hoping to succeed professionally?
Be opportunistic and flexible. I thought I wanted to be an attorney but my work and family life fit better with banking.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Playing golf, reading, playing bridge and cooking.
