Provident Strengthens Retail Banking Leadership Team with Key Appointments

ISELIN, NEW JERSEY (December 3, 2020): Provident Bank, a leading New Jersey-based financial institution, announced today a number of key leadership appointments following the completion of its merger with SB One Bank. The appointments leverage the talents and expertise of several executives, while creating synergies within the newly combined company.

Vanessa Easse has been appointed to the position of Vice President and Director of Retail Operations. Ms. Easse is responsible for leading and directing all aspects of retail banking operations, and determining the operational plans and projects that best support the division’s objectives and business plan. In addition, she will develop and direct implementation of policies and procedures in support of objectives established by executive management and to ensure quality, compliance, and efficiency.

Ms. Easse has more than 20 years’ experience and previously served as Vice President and Director of Branch Operations with SB One Bank. She also held the position of Regional Operations Officer with Commerce Bank, now TD Bank.

The Bank also announced that Ana Marques has been appointed to the position Sales Administration Manager. Ms. Marques is responsible for leading the development and implementation of all retail banking sales activities to support the division’s business plan. In addition, she is responsible for overseeing the sales management process and growth initiatives for the division.

Ms. Marques previously served as Assistant Secretary of Retail Administration with SB One Bank and has more than 25 years’ experience in financial services. Prior to joining SB One Bank Ms. Marques held positions with TD Bank. 

“I am pleased to welcome Vanessa and Ana to our retail banking leadership team and look forward to working with them,” said Vito Giannola, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer. “While with SB One Bank, they were instrumental in achieving outstanding results and contributed to transforming the bank into a high-performing company,” added Mr. Giannola.

In addition, Provident Bank announced the appointment of three Regional Managers to help oversee the management of the branch network:

Samera Martinez has joined the Bank as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for the North/Metro region. Ms. Martinez previously served as Vice President, Business Development Manager with SB One Bank. She has more than 30 years’ experience and has held leadership roles with Interchange Bank, TD Bank/Hudson United and Valley National Bank. 

Maria Navedo has joined Provident as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for the Northwest region. Ms. Navedo previously served as a Vice President and Business Development Manager with SB One Bank. She has more than 20 years’ experience and has held positions with Santander, Chase, and TD Bank/Hudson United. 

Lisa H. Van Cleve has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of the Bank’s Central Shore region. Prior to that, Ms. Van Cleve was First Vice President and Market Manager for Provident’s Central Shore Region, a position she held since 2007. Ms. Van Cleve has more than 20 years’ experience and has held positions with Commerce Bank, now TD Bank.

All three will be focused on achieving branch and regional goals, as well as meeting customers' needs and implementing strategies for providing outstanding levels of customer service. In addition, they will be responsible for internal and external sales and marketing programs, branch operations, audit controls, income and expense levels, and supporting staff development and training.

“I am excited to work with Samera, Maria, and Lisa on the execution of our plans to grow deposits and our strategy to enhance the customer experience in our branch network, said Mr. Giannola. “All three possess exceptional knowledge of financial services and understand what is needed to drive results and deliver best-in-class financial services to our customers,” added Mr. Giannola.

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About Provident Bank

Provident Bank, a community-oriented financial institution offering “Commitment you can count on” since 1839, is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $12.87 billion as of September 30, 2020. With $9.56 billion in deposits, Provident Bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through its network of branches throughout northern and central New Jersey, as well as Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania and Queens County in New York.  The Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company and full service insurance agency and brokerage services through its wholly owned subsidiary, SB One Insurance Agency, Inc. For more information about Provident Bank, visit www.provident.bank or join the conversations on Facebook (ProvidentBank) and Twitter (@ProvidentBank).