“We are very excited to have someone of Rick’s experience, stature and strong reputation join the Bank,” said Chief Operating Officer Ron Feldman. “We know he will make great contributions to the Bank, the Federal Reserve System and the community at large.”
Thornton brings more than two decades of leadership experience in law enforcement to the Bank, having recently served as special agent in charge over 450 employees at the FBI’s Minneapolis field office that services Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Prior to that, Thornton served as a section chief for the FBI in Washington, D.C., overseeing the bureau’s domestic and worldwide physical surveillance and aviation programs.
In his new role, Thornton will oversee the Bank’s law enforcement department and operations, including all security operations at both the Minneapolis and Helena, Mont., locations. Thornton will report to Duane Carter, senior vice president of operations and Central Bank services.
Thornton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and is a Certified Protection Professional.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is one of 12 regional Reserve Banks that, with the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., make up the Federal Reserve System, the nation’s central bank. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is responsible for the Ninth Federal Reserve District, which includes Montana, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, northwestern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis participates in setting national monetary policy, supervises numerous banking organizations, and provides a variety of payments services to financial institutions and the U.S. government.