OREANDA-NEWS. April 12, 2016. Colleen Campbell, Vice Chair, BMO Capital Markets, has been named Private Sector Woman of the Year by the Financial Women's Association (FWA), recognizing a career passion for diversity and inclusion.

The New York-based FWA has been championing women in the workplace since 1956, when eight Wall Street women joined to form the association. Each spring the association, now numbering more than 1,000 members, honors women in the public and private sectors for their achievements, leadership and professionalism.

Ms. Campbell, based in Toronto, joined BMO Capital Markets in 1997 and spent 15 years in Debt Capital Markets - ultimately as Global Head. She was appointed Vice Chair in 2012 and sits on the Canadian Loan Commitments Committee. Colleen is also Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee, which provides oversight on the BMO Capital Markets Diversity and Inclusion agenda.

"The women selected for this award represent the hopes and dreams of all of the members of the FWA," said FWA President Katrin Dambrot. "The winners are proof that the glass ceiling is crackable and the C-suite is achievable."

"We are very proud of the diverse group of leaders we have at BMO Capital Markets, and are very happy for Colleen for this well-deserved honor," said Darryl White, CEO & Group Head, BMO Capital Markets. "I've had the pleasure of working with Colleen for over nineteen years, and I know firsthand that her devotion to diversity and inclusion is matched only by her exceptional business acumen and leadership."

Ms. Campbell will receive the award on Tuesday, April 12 at the FWA's 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner, which will also honor founding members and past presidents of the FWA.

"The FWA is an outstanding organization that fosters leadership and the success of women across the financial community," said Ms. Campbell. "Past winners are pioneers in their field and provide hope for future generations of women. I am honored to be among them."

About BMO Capital Markets

BMO Capital Markets is a leading, full-service North American financial services provider. With more than 2,300 employees operating in 29 locations, including 16 in North America, BMO Capital Markets offers corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of investment and corporate banking products and services. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE:BMO)(TSX:BMO), one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America, with total assets of CDN \\$699 billion as of January 31, 2016, and close to 47,000 employees.