Remembering Erin Piacenti: The Bank of America VP Killed in Times Square

Piacenti had been with the firm’s Americas Business Selection and Conflicts group for 18 months, quickly establishing herself as a cornerstone of the 20-person team. Hallie Ziesmer, her manager, recalled needing only three minutes during the initial interview to recognize Piacenti’s talent. Beyond her legal acumen in navigating complex M&A disclosures, Piacenti was known as a dedicated mentor who frequently stayed late to guide junior staff through their work. Her influence extended well past professional tasks; colleagues remember her as a resourceful teammate who brought a sense of community to the office, from hosting holiday cookie parties to sharing stories about her husband, Frank, and newborn daughter, Madison.

The attack, carried out by 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros, also left another individual injured before police fatally shot the assailant at the scene. In the wake of the tragedy, the financial community has rallied to support Piacenti’s family, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $800,000. For those who worked alongside her, the focus remains on her legacy of mentorship and kindness. Ziesmer and her team have already committed to an annual tradition of bringing cookies to the office to honor the colleague who, in a short tenure, became a vital presence in their professional and personal lives.