Associate Spotlight: CJ Kelly-Fraser

Meet CJ, a creative force behind Fremont Bank’s brand and client experience. For the past three years, she’s been shaping how the Bank’s story comes to life. With a talent for turning big ideas into actionable strategies and a passion for building thoughtful, human connections, CJ brings clarity, creativity, and collaboration to everything she does. A fan of late 80s neon, early 90s grunge, and meaningful work with talented teams, CJ’s story is one of innovation, inspiration, and heart.

How long have you worked at Fremont Bank, and what’s your role? What does your day-to-day look like?

I’ve been with Fremont Bank for three years, and I currently serve as the Head of Brand Experience & Client Insights. I focus on how our brand shows up and on helping teams deliver a strong, consistent experience for our clients. My days are a mix of collaborating across the bank and with external partners, guiding brand and creative efforts, and using client insights to support thoughtful decision‑making.

What do you enjoy most about your job? What motivates you each day?

Our team is full of incredibly talented humans who are just as great to work with as they are gifted at what they do. I’m motivated by doing meaningful, creative work with people I genuinely respect — and the work is better because of them.

I also love shaping how our brand shows up, guiding the creative and the story we tell, and helping ensure everything we put in front of clients is clear, consistent, and truly reflects who we are. Thinking ahead, connecting the dots, and building experiences that feel thoughtful and human — that’s the part that fuels me each day.

What’s your greatest strength as a business professional?

My greatest strength is being able to translate needs and complex concepts into a clear, actionable direction. I’m good at taking big, sometimes messy ideas and turning them into something the team can move forward on — whether that’s strategy, creative, or client experience work. It’s where I’m most at home.

Who inspires you?

My parents — full stop. I grew up in an incredibly creative family of musicians, makers, and artists who drew inspiration from, what seemed like, as many sources as possible. My parents encouraged me to listen to diverse types of music, always-be-learning, debate with empathy, and stay engaged in the community. They continue to inspire me to breathe new life into passion projects in the years ahead.

What’s your favorite decade and why?

I’m going to break the question a little here and say late 80s/early 90s. The revival of neon and emergence of grunge — need I say more?