Bank of America, the second largest bank in the US in terms of assets, has appointed Brett Bernard as state president for Michigan.

Bernard has worked for Merrill Lynch for more than 27 years, initially as a financial advisor and then moving on to assume key leadership roles. He currently serves as market executive for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in the Mideast, overseeing 2,300 staff. He retains this position in addition to his new role.  

As state president, Brett Bernard will help integrate BofA's business lines in the state, as well as oversee corporate social responsibility activities, including philanthropic giving and employee volunteerism. In 2010, BofA employees in Michigan volunteered more than 21,100 hours to local nonprofits, the bank said.

The Michigan office offers all business lines under Bank of America, including global commercial banking, global wealth and investment management and global corporate and investment banking. Its consumer banking unit is represented by 215 banking centers throughout the state.