With money matters on everyone’s minds as high inflation and other financial hardships persisted throughout the year, having trusted, knowledgeable and experienced banking professionals in your corner goes an especially long way in securing some peace of mind in these challenging times. Fortunately, South Jersey is served by a wealth of industry experts, like the individuals you’ll find in this year’s Who’s Who in Banking.
Maria Mayshura
EVP/Chief Risk Officer, First Bank
Mayshura joined First Bank in 2016 as a vice president/internal auditor. She has been an internal auditor for over 40 years, and has been responsible for compliance regulations, Sarbanes Oxley and COSO implementation, BSA, information security and fraud, and currently performs audits for all bank departments. Mayshura has been an active member of the New Jersey Banking Association and the Institute of Internal Auditors since 1993, serving as chair for the internal audit and compliance committees. She is also a board member of ABA’s RCC Advisory council.
Her predictions for the next decade of banking…
Bankers will continue to find innovative ways to process transactions and offer new products. … It will be the only way to provide the new, easy, streamlined technology the customers are looking for and still be able to compete. This change will force banks to become more sophisticated in their fraud process as well, because it will get more difficult to detect and/or prevent frauds.
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Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 13, Issue 12 (December 2023).
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Michael P. Affuso, Esq.
President & CEO, New Jersey Bankers Association
In his roles at New Jersey Bankers Association, Affuso represents 66 banks and more than 200 service providers before state and federal government, and regulatory authorities. Previously, he was executive vice president and director of government relations, providing legal opinions and analysis of proposed and pending legislation affecting the New Jersey banking industry. He also managed relationships with both federal and state legislatures for the NJBankers. Before joining the association, Affuso’s roles include serving as deputy district director and general counsel for Congressman Albio Sires.
The best part of his job…
Helping people: NJBankers’ mission is to support the New Jersey banking industry and the communities it serves. In this important role, we foster growth for both our members and their communities through educational programs, advocacy at both the state and national level, philanthropic efforts and career development opportunities. Seeing both our industry and their communities thrive is why I come to work every day.
Mark Kelty
Senior Vice President/Chief Commercial Lending Officer, Franklin Bank
Kelty’s banking career began in 1991, and he currently serves as the board of trustees’ treasurer for Stand up for Salem. He is active in several chambers of commerce, including Salem and Gloucester counties’ and Southern New Jersey’s. Kelty has been appointed to the Southern NJ Chapter of the American Red Cross board of trustees, president of both the Rotary Club of Woodstown and Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District board of education, and Woodstown Lacrosse Club treasurer.
The importance of a banking team’s strong community ties…
I consider it a blessing to live and work in the same town where I grew up. Franklin Bank has served our community for over 162 years as a public trust. This trust goes beyond helping our neighbors finance a home purchase, save for their children’s education or grow their small business: It includes actively participating in community service outside the bank, and being present and available.
John Zimmerman
Regional Banking President, Greater Philadelphia team, Wells Fargo
Banking executive Zimmerman has over 23 years’ industry experience and, in his current role, oversees 119 banking branches and a team of over 800 employees. Previously, he served as a region bank president in multiple markets, and held leadership roles in Florida. Zimmerman also serves on the executive board of Cooper’s Ferry Partnership in Camden. He has also been a mentor for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Sarasota and a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota board of directors, where he was named board member of the year.
His predictions for the next decade of banking…
Our customers are increasingly turning to mobile and online channels, but it doesn’t mean all customers want digital-only engagement. We have an opportunity to create a blend of digital and human interaction and a seamless experience across all channels so we can be there for customers when, where and how they choose.
Divya T. Basu
VP, Business Banking, PNC Bank
Basu is responsible for business development and relationship management supporting a wide range of companies with revenue between $1-$10 million. She joined PNC in 1995 as a part-time branch banking professional, and has earned a bachelor of science from Kolkata University, India; a master’s in performing arts from Allahabad University, India; and has completed PNC’s advanced business banking credit training.
The importance of a banking team’s strong community ties…
It’s important for a banking team to have both a strong community presence and deep local ties because we each have our own part to play. The community’s success is our success. To be able to work with businesses from the ground up and navigate through a variety of cultural practices, I get a chance to financially guide and develop a strong and diverse community. We’re a part of a mosaic in which our role is to form trusted partnerships to help develop holistic financial well-being.
Steve McWilliams
EVP - Chief Lending Officer, Republic Bank
McWilliams has over 30 years in the banking industry. He previously served as Republic Bank’s Philadelphia Metro market president and senior lender, was responsible for growing the bank’s New York City presence and has been an integral part of its commercial loan growth since his arrival in 2009. Prior to joining Republic Bank, McWilliams worked as a regional vice president in various Commerce Bank markets for eight years. He is a lifelong Philadelphian, and has also contributed to the community with his leadership on the boards of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Main Line Chamber of Commerce and John Hallahan High School, as well as supporting the Montgomery Township Police Pension Fund.
The best part of his job…
The best part of my job is working with my teammates and customers to help the bank and our customers achieve their financial goals while building the local community.
Donald Mindiak
President/Chief Executive Officer, First Commerce Bank
Mindiak leads a team of more than 160 employees and brings almost 40 years of financial leadership. Since beginning his career in 1984 with a Bayonne community bank, he has held several senior positions, including the first president and CEO of BCB Community Bank in and director of internal audit for Investors Bank. Mindiak has served on the Bayonne Medical Center Foundation and Hudson County Mental Health boards. He received a B.A. in chemistry from Rutgers, Newark College of Arts and Sciences, and an MBA in finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
On what makes a great industry leader…
Great leaders are great listeners: As the saying goes, you can’t learn anything while you are speaking, but you can learn a great deal by being a good listener. Additionally, compassion and empathy are two qualities that seem to be in short supply these days but can prove invaluable when dealing with a personal situation that may affect worker productivity.
Amy J. Hannigan
EVP, Chief Operating Officer, William Penn Bank
Since May of 2021, Hannigan has overseen bank operations, compliance and human resources. She was previously senior vice president and corporate controller of WSFS Bank following the 2019 Beneficial Bank acquisition. At Beneficial, she was senior vice president and chief accounting officer, managing the financial reporting and accounting department, having joined the bank in 2007 following the acquisition of Farmers & Mechanics Bank, where she had served as vice president and corporate controller. Hannigan began her career with Coopers & Lybrand as audit manager in the financial services industry. She is a certified public accountant and graduated from the University of Delaware.
The best part of her job…
Working with an awesome team focused on creating a great community bank that serves the needs of our customers and the community. The knowledge and experience of our team members enable us to accomplish our goals and continue to improve the products and services we offer to our customers.
David Mills
Senior Vice President, Middle Market, WSFS Bank
Mills helps provide lending and financial services to middle-market companies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He started his career with Meridian Bank—which later merged with CoreStates, First Union and Wachovia, and M&T Bank—before joining WSFS in 2017. For over 30 years, Mills has advised business owners on strategic plans and provided senior financing to achieve their objectives. WSFS Bank is the largest locally-headquartered bank in the Greater Philadelphia area with over $20 billion in assets and 88 banking offices.
The best part of his job…
I love the variety of my job—every day is a new experience for me. I have the privilege of building relationships with business owners from all kinds of industries. As I observe the best practices from each industry, I am able to share the diversity of my experiences with business owners to help them develop strategic financing solutions to help their businesses thrive.
Camille Gadsden
Senior Vice President Controller & Asset Recovery, First Harvest Credit Union
Gadsden has been in banking for over 30 years and is dedicated to improving others’ financial well-being. She is among the founders of First Harvest’s employee-run program Charitable Journey, lends her expertise to Rowan College of South Jersey’s accounting advisory committee, and was voted an emerging leader by Cross State Credit Union Association. An impassioned breast-cancer awareness advocate, Gadsden volunteers for Pink Roses & Teal Magnolias, which raises money for breast/gynecological cancer clinical and research programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.
The best part of her job…
I find great satisfaction in making a difference and supporting my team's growth. Helping others and facing new challenges can be incredibly fulfilling. I enjoy guiding my team and exploring innovative approaches. By fostering a positive learning environment, I’m able to contribute to their personal and professional development, and the overall success of the organization.
George Destafney
President of New Jersey Region, Ocean First Bank
Destafney was promoted to regional president four years after joining OceanFirst Bank. He is responsible for all retail, commercial and business banking activity in New Jersey. He brings more than 25 years’ banking experience, having worked at TD Bank and its predecessor, Commerce Bank. Destafney is active within the community, volunteering with several non-profit organizations. He is a member of the Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation board of trustees and Saint John Vianney High School advisory board.
On what makes a great industry leader…
They should be collaborative and work well with all departments and levels. They should be innovative and embrace new tools and enhancements to stay competitive and efficient. Adaptability is important: The financial environment is a dynamic one and a great leader must focus on industry trends, adjusting to address those changes and find new strategies. The most important quality is the desire to continue learning. Financial leaders should be committed to staying informed about industry trends, regulatory changes and advancements in technology.
Melissa A. D’Alessandro
Government Banking Relationship Manager (South Jersey Market), TD Bank
D’Alessandro handles business development, portfolio profitability management, and nurturing and maintaining relationships with clients and line partners. D’Alessandro’s career in banking began as a drive-thru teller in 1993, and she has also worked as a retail market manager and treasury management sales officer. Before joining TD Bank National Association in 2001, D’Alessandro held similar commercial banking positions at PNC Bank and CoreStates Bank. She also serves on the board of trustees for the Burlington County Institute of Technology Foundation.
On what makes a great industry leader…
Empathy is arguably the greatest quality of any leader. With respect to leadership within the financial industry, a primary focus on listening coupled with a multifaceted background within the financial services sector allows one to comprehend and thus facilitate the process of problem-solving resulting in positive outcomes for our clients. Of course, the absence of a world-class support team working in tandem makes this impossible to achieve!
Carol Franklin
Senior Vice President, Operations Group Manager, Truist
Franklin has served in various operations leadership roles for Truist and its predecessor BB&T since 2016. She oversees operations for 130 branches in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and is responsible for the growth and development of nine operations managers. Prior to joining Truist, Franklin was an executive vice president for National Penn, and she has served as an advisor for the American Bankers Association, Stonier Graduate School of Banking, for the past 15 years.
On what makes a great industry leader…
Throughout my career, I have met several great leaders who have shared common qualities I believe are found in most great leaders across any industry, not just in financial services: They understand the significant importance of building relationships with both clients and teammates. They lead with empathy and care. They have an endless desire to learn. They understand that failures do not define a person or a career. They show great resilience. And they treat everyone with respect.
Dominique Goss
Executive Director of M&T Charitable Foundation, M&T Bank
Goss’s passion and commitment to equity and underserved communities of human diversity is demonstrated in her work. Her commitment to improving the quality of life for M&T’s customers, colleagues and communities is evident in her broad understanding of business principles, which serves her well when collaborating with other business leaders to align shared values. She was named and invited to attend Forbes’ “Queens of Culture: Legends of Business” event honoring 40 impactful women of color. Goss is board member for Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates and Greater Philadelphia Philanthropy Network, and is a 2019-2020 Connecting Leaders Fellow with the Association for Black Foundation Executives.
The best part of her job…
I enjoy engaging with people, fostering collaboration and empowering communities, but also contributing to M&T’s core purpose of making a difference in people’s lives. The added dimension of aligning philanthropic goals with business objectives further enhances the meaningful impact of the work.
Leandra Acetti
Regional VP, Cornerstone Bank
Acetti joined Cornerstone Bank in 2021 and has 24 years of experience in the banking industry throughout the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey regions. She has held various credit, commercial and healthcare lending, and leadership roles at large and regional banks. Acetti currently leads a team of commercial lenders and is responsible for expanding the bank’s brand in the community, as well as developing client relationships by providing concierge service, customized financing and treasury solutions. She is a board member of Gateway Community Action Partnership and treasurer of Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce.
On what makes a great industry leader…
A great leader exhibits confidence, shares their vision with the team, communicates on a regular basis, accepts feedback to improve the process and create efficiencies, leads by example, takes accountability, inspires confidence, supports their team and expresses gratitude. I have found these qualities create a positive influence and motivate a team to achieve success.
Lou Lombardi
Commercial Market Executive, Fulton Bank
Lombardi joined Fulton Bank in 1997, and is responsible for leading its commercial banking efforts within New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia. He is a Heritage Conservancy board member, where he also co-chairs the finance and investment committees. He and Fulton Bank are members of The Satell Institute. Previously, Lombardi chaired the Bucks County Children’s Museum, was a member of the Greater Philadelphia Y Honors Committee, and was both a board member of the Lower Bucks American Red Cross and chairperson of its audit committee.
His predictions for the next decade of banking…
Technology can’t replace the human element of banking—making relevant connections for entrepreneurs to help grow their business, providing insights as a trusted advisor. That said, anything that can be automated without detracting from the client experience will be. AI is just entering financial services, with the benefits to the industry and our clients yet to be realized. Banks will be leveraging technology to deliver deeper insights and a frictionless experience.
Bruce K. Foulke
President & CEO, American Heritage Credit Union
Since 1979, Foulke has led the credit union through membership expansions, over 50 mergers, and added local hospitals and employee groups to its more than 300,000 members. When Foulke assumed his duties, American Heritage had assets of $4 million; today, it has reached over $4.6 billion in assets and is among the country’s 75 largest credit unions by membership. Foulke embodies the credit union movement’s mantra of “people helping people” through his local and national leadership. In 1996, he launched the Kids-N-Hope Foundation, which helped raise over $3.1 million to fund music therapy and other pediatric health and life service organizations.
On witnessing major changes in the banking industry…
The ability to adapt and pivot based on the demands of our member base is key. We began implementing our PAT (personal automated teller) machines in 2010 and evolved our virtual offerings with VANA (Video Advisor Network Associate). Members video-chat with a live representative and our team members can provide immediate support—meeting members where they are is now table stakes in our industry!