Provident Expands Lending Team in Lehigh Valley

BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA (October 10, 2019): Provident Bank is pleased to announce that James Fereno has joined the bank as Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager with the Lehigh Valley Commercial Lending Team.  Fereno will be based in the bank’s Bethlehem, Pa. regional office and will be responsible for working with local businesses to grow the bank’s commercial loan portfolio by offering a variety of deposit and lending solutions.  In addition, he will manage a portfolio of business customers based in the Lehigh Valley.  He will also work closely with accounting firms, law firms, intermediaries, and trade associations to source new business.

Fereno has more than 25 years’ experience in commercial lending, and most recently served as Senior Relationship Manager with Fulton Bank.  He has held similar positions with M&T Bank, KNBT Bank, PNC Bank, and Mellon Bank.  Fereno holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Mathematics from Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pa. 

“Jim brings solid lending experience and extensive knowledge of the Lehigh Valley market to the team,” said James Higgins, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Team Leader.  “His business development and client management skills, combined with his ability to understand the credit needs of businesses will greatly enhance our efforts to grow Provident’s commercial loan portfolio,” added Higgins.

About Provident Bank

Provident Bank, a community-oriented bank offering “Commitment you can count on” since 1839, is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $9.84 billion as of June 30, 2019. With $6.87 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 and eastern Pennsylvania. The Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company.  For more information on Provident Bank, visit www.provident.bank or join the conversations on Facebook (ProvidentBank) and Twitter (@ProvidentBank).