Who’s Who in Banking 2024
While digital services continue to offer customers convenience and 24/7 solutions on their own schedules, the area’s leaders in the banking and credit-union space have seen time and again just how important it is to nurture trusting relationships with the people and businesses relying on their advice to navigate tricky scenarios. We’d like you to meet this year’s Who’s Who in Banking honorees, who understand that modern tech is paving the way for the future but nothing beats the classic connection of human interaction.
Mary Kay Shea, Executive Vice President and CFO, 1st Colonial Community Bank
A Boston College graduate, Shea has more than 30 years in the banking industry. From 2008 to 2017, she was with Royal Bank America, serving as controller before rising to chief accounting officer. Joining 1st Colonial in 2017, Shea has served as senior vice president and chief financial officer before being appointed to her current roles in June 2020. She currently is president of the board of trustees for Mainstage Center for the Arts. When she’s not working, Shea enjoys time with her family, traveling to her son’s hockey games and attending theater performances.
On tackling banking’s challenges…
Article continues below
advertisement
Three main concerns come to mind: fraud, fees and service. Scams are more commonplace and more advanced, so our fraud department works hard to educate clients and flag suspicious activity. Our customers also need to cut costs wherever possible, so we try to help avoid unnecessary fees. Finally, our clients want dedicated, helpful service, so we are committed to offering that personal touch whenever they contact us with a question or an issue.
advertisement
Three main concerns come to mind: fraud, fees and service. Scams are more commonplace and more advanced, so our fraud department works hard to educate clients and flag suspicious activity. Our customers also need to cut costs wherever possible, so we try to help avoid unnecessary fees. Finally, our clients want dedicated, helpful service, so we are committed to offering that personal touch whenever they contact us with a question or an issue.
Justin Hendrickson, EVP & Chief Member Experience Officer, First Harvest Credit Union
Hendrickson began his financial services career in 2000. In addition to his current role, career highlights include his work as SVP of lending and collections at Member Support Services (CUSO), and leading the lending operations turnaround at Municipal Credit during its NCUA conservatorship.
On strong community ties…
Local financial institutions are the lifeblood of local communities: Even in an increasingly “digital-first” environment, credit unions are a people-first movement. We take great pride in knowing that we exist because of our members living and working both for companies and in communities we serve.
Local financial institutions are the lifeblood of local communities: Even in an increasingly “digital-first” environment, credit unions are a people-first movement. We take great pride in knowing that we exist because of our members living and working both for companies and in communities we serve.
Predictions for banking’s next decade …
Local credit unions will ultimately persevere through an environment of disruptive change by focusing on local members—meeting them when and where they are, being efficient and responsive, and understanding desired outcomes. We need to focus on member experience, speed and accuracy, nimbleness, information security and outcomes. We need to solve the right problems and anticipate the questions our members will ask us next month, next year and long into the future.
Local credit unions will ultimately persevere through an environment of disruptive change by focusing on local members—meeting them when and where they are, being efficient and responsive, and understanding desired outcomes. We need to focus on member experience, speed and accuracy, nimbleness, information security and outcomes. We need to solve the right problems and anticipate the questions our members will ask us next month, next year and long into the future.
Angela Snyder, President, Fulton Financial Corporation and Fulton Bank
Snyder joined Fulton in 2002 as president of Woodstown National Bank, then served as chairwoman, president and CEO of Fulton Bank of New Jersey until 2019, when Fulton Financial consolidated it into Fulton Bank, N.A. She served as head of consumer banking and chief banking officer prior to becoming president in 2024. Today, the corporation is a $32 billion bank holding company, while Fulton Bank operates over 200 Mid-Atlantic banking offices. She is also a board member of Crown Holdings, Inc., and is past chairwoman and board member of both New Jersey Bankers Association and Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey.
What makes a great financial leader…
Given the fast pace of change, a leader must be a continuous learner. You need to leverage your knowledge and experience to establish a vision, with goals and a path to achieve them, and motivate those around you to make that vision a reality. They also need to show genuine care for customers, the employee team delivering for those customers and the community.
Given the fast pace of change, a leader must be a continuous learner. You need to leverage your knowledge and experience to establish a vision, with goals and a path to achieve them, and motivate those around you to make that vision a reality. They also need to show genuine care for customers, the employee team delivering for those customers and the community.
David Burg, EVP, CFO, WSFS
Burg leads financial operations and strategy, including financial planning and analysis, accounting and financial reporting, treasury, and investor relations. He previously spent nearly 17 years at Citigroup, most recently as head of strategy and execution for legacy franchises, as well as CFO for the entire Latin America region and CFO of Citigroup’s Treasury & Trade Solutions business. Burg also held roles at McKinsey & Company and General Electric earlier in his career. He has an MBA in finance from Columbia Business School, a master’s degree in materials science and engineering from Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in applied science and engineering from Rutgers University
Why brick-and-mortar locations will always remain relevant…
Finances are personal. Banking offices build trust and relationships through face-to-face interaction. Whether it’s a friendly visit, an urgent concern or a major life milestone, banking in person creates confidence in the transaction and the institution. The convenience of digital options can enhance the customer experience, but they don’t fit all needs. For local businesses, customers who prefer personal banking, and others, physical locations remain relevant.
Finances are personal. Banking offices build trust and relationships through face-to-face interaction. Whether it’s a friendly visit, an urgent concern or a major life milestone, banking in person creates confidence in the transaction and the institution. The convenience of digital options can enhance the customer experience, but they don’t fit all needs. For local businesses, customers who prefer personal banking, and others, physical locations remain relevant.
Ralph “Guy” Gallo, EVP/Chief Operating Officer, Parke Bank
Gallo joined Parke Bank in 2010, where he is responsible for branch operations, IT, HR, loan workout and internal audit. He has more than 40 years of banking experience, primarily in banking operations and customer relationship management. As a vice president at Mellon Bank, he managed lockbox, research and adjustments, and international operations supporting commercial banking customers. As a vice president at Image Remit, he managed a private label multistate lockbox operation supporting regional banks in the Northeast United States.
On business and commercial-banking clients’ biggest recent concerns…
Business clients are concerned with the speed of technology, and whether that technology is helping them or hurting them. Payments can be made faster but that requires doing increased due diligence for both the client and the bank. Each day, articles are published that tell the story of another fraud event and the money lost due to that fraud: Clients want to know that their accounts are protected and their banking information is secure.
Business clients are concerned with the speed of technology, and whether that technology is helping them or hurting them. Payments can be made faster but that requires doing increased due diligence for both the client and the bank. Each day, articles are published that tell the story of another fraud event and the money lost due to that fraud: Clients want to know that their accounts are protected and their banking information is secure.
Sharon Hammel, Executive Vice President - Managing Director, Community Banking, Firstrust Bank
Hammel leads strategic initiatives to both enhance customers’ experience and drive business growth at Firstrust Bank. With more than 40 years of leadership in financial services, she specializes in innovation, operational excellence and fostering a customer-centric culture. Passionate about empowering teams, she exemplifies Firstrust’s commitment to community impact and long-term success.
Why brick-and-mortar locations will always remain relevant…
They provide something technology can’t replicate: human connection. Digital banking is incredibly convenient, but there are moments when customers want face-to-face interactions for complex financial decisions, personalized attention or the reassurance of speaking with someone who truly understands their needs. Additionally, financial inclusion plays a crucial role in maintaining these physical spaces. Not all populations have equal access to, or comfort with, technology—whether due to a lack of reliable internet, limited digital literacy, or personal preference. Brick-and-mortar locations ensure that everyone, regardless of their technological proficiency or resources, has access to essential financial services and support. They act as a bridge to close the digital divide and foster inclusivity in the communities they serve.
They provide something technology can’t replicate: human connection. Digital banking is incredibly convenient, but there are moments when customers want face-to-face interactions for complex financial decisions, personalized attention or the reassurance of speaking with someone who truly understands their needs. Additionally, financial inclusion plays a crucial role in maintaining these physical spaces. Not all populations have equal access to, or comfort with, technology—whether due to a lack of reliable internet, limited digital literacy, or personal preference. Brick-and-mortar locations ensure that everyone, regardless of their technological proficiency or resources, has access to essential financial services and support. They act as a bridge to close the digital divide and foster inclusivity in the communities they serve.
Thomas Kemly, President and CEO, Columbia Bank
Since assuming his current roles in 2012, Kemly has promoted a steady growth trajectory by spearheading organic growth, Columbia Financial, Inc.’s IPO and strategic acquisitions. Throughout his four-decade career, he has advanced housing opportunities for families of all incomes, accelerated local development and increased charitable efforts.
Predictions for banking’s next decade…
We expect a stronger integration of human touch and technology. We don’t view technology as a means of replacing humans; rather, a tool enhancing our service. We’ll continue to invest in new payment tools, fraud prevention and initiatives enhancing clients’ experience. Our goal is to streamline tasks so our teams can spend more time with clients and exploring new competitive solutions.
We expect a stronger integration of human touch and technology. We don’t view technology as a means of replacing humans; rather, a tool enhancing our service. We’ll continue to invest in new payment tools, fraud prevention and initiatives enhancing clients’ experience. Our goal is to streamline tasks so our teams can spend more time with clients and exploring new competitive solutions.
Click here to subscribe to the free digital editions of South Jersey Biz.
To read the digital edition of South Jersey Biz, click here.
Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 14, Issue 12 (December 2024).
For more info on South Jersey Biz, click here.
To subscribe to South Jersey Biz, click here.
To advertise in South Jersey Biz, click here.
To read the digital edition of South Jersey Biz, click here.
Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 14, Issue 12 (December 2024).
For more info on South Jersey Biz, click here.
To subscribe to South Jersey Biz, click here.
To advertise in South Jersey Biz, click here.
Author: Madeleine Maccar, Carly Murray and Chelsea Valcourt
Archives
Innovations in Health Care 2024
Engineering a Stronger New Jersey
Battle at the Beach Schedules New Game
The Full Scope
Celebrating Greatness
Soaring, Flying
Flying High
Infinite Pasta-bilities
A Bright Future
Strength in Numbers
A Sensational Start
A Lasting Impression
Earning His Respect
A Strong Showing
Making a Difference
More...
