At the Academy of Reality Television Awards in Hollywood last November, Michael Cyr cheered on his colleagues when they accepted the award for “Best Feel Good Show.” Their independently produced series Opportunity Knocks airs on PBS and shows real families working with coaches to overcome financial struggles. Opportunity Knocks was an underdog triumph, beating major network hits The Voice, Shark Tank, and American Ninja Warrior.
“When I started in banking, I never thought I would wind up working on economic mobility issues,” Cyr said. “I certainly never expected to work for an organization with a reality show.”
From L to R: Michael Cyr, executive director, The Opportunity Initiative; Angie Hughes, chief operating officer, Opportunity Knocks; Jamie Strayer, creator and executive producer, Opportunity Knocks; Jenn George Hunter, executive producer, Opportunity Knocks; Jamie Chandler, chief program officer, The Opportunity Initiative; Brian Spoor. executive producer and director, Opportunity Knocks
Cyr’s background in the banking industry set the stage for his current work as executive director of the Opportunity Initiative, the economic mobility and financial health-focused nonprofit featured in Opportunity Knocks. The series not only showcases the services the organization offers—resources for and help with training for a job, buying a house, securing a first mortgage, starting a business, or getting out from under payday loans—but also builds trust and credibility.
Many years of managerial, sales, and marketing positions at various financial institutions eventually led the Boston area native to relocate to Birmingham for a unique role at Regions Bank in 2013. As underserved consumer product manager, Cyr worked with historically overlooked, often low-income customers.
“I spent the first 20 years of my career helping rich people borrow money, then began making an actual impact,” he said.
Cyr led financial inclusion and financial health customer strategy at Regions for more than a decade, bringing people earlier in their fiscal journey into the mainstream. He found his purpose helping people navigate their financial health.
Cyr leverages his business strategy skills every day; he built that knowledge after moving from Birmingham to Atlanta in 2002 for a marketing role at BBVA Compass (formerly Compass Bank). In 2006, he decided to further his education and enrolled in Robinson’s MBA program.
During his final semester, Cyr completed a capstone course on corporate strategy.
“It was probably the most academically rigorous class I took,” he said.
After graduating in 2007 and moving back to Alabama, Cyr landed roles with strategy in the title.
“Putting some of the processes I learned to work right away felt very rewarding,” he said. “Sometimes you wonder whether there is a difference between what you learn academically and what you do professionally. The MBA was instrumental in my moving into those jobs and being successful.”
Cyr recently celebrated his one-year anniversary at the Opportunity Initiative, where he oversees partnerships with companies like the Wells Fargo Foundation, and builds relationships with sponsors who might have a story to highlight on the show.
“I sort of stumbled into my career,” he said. “I’m grateful to have found something I feel passionate about, and to do work that feels meaningful and impactful.”