Bill Fink, a veteran of more than 30 years in commercial banking and credit administration, has been named chief lending officer at Provident Bank.
In this role, Fink will lead the commercial bank and the commercial lending growth strategy, directing the bank’s commercial lending strategies, including new business development, loan portfolio management and policy management for all commercial business lines, including C&I, commercial real estate, treasury management and specialty lines.
His expertise in structuring complex credit transactions and developing innovative approaches will help expand the bank’s loan portfolio and drive sustainable growth consistent with the bank’s risk appetite.
In addition to overseeing lending initiatives, Fink will serve as a strategic advisor, collaborating closely with Provident’s executive leadership team.
Provident CEO Anthony Labozzetta applauded the announcement.
“Bill is an exceptional leader, bringing broad expertise in commercial banking with a vision for driving growth and innovation,” he said. “I am thrilled to welcome him to our team as we enhance our commercial lending capabilities, deepen customer relationships, and position our bank for long-term success.”
Fink, who will work out of Provident locations in Iselin and Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, will oversee a $16B loan portfolio and lead a team of eight direct reports and a total team of 250 employees based in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. And he will do so at a time when Provident has an even greater presence, thanks to the final approval of its acquisition of Lakeland Bank.
“The merger was clearly one of the reasons I was attracted to join,” he said. “As I evaluated the opportunity, what was attractive to me is the opportunity to continue to facilitate the growth of now a combined Provident-Lakeland bank.”
“When I look at the market penetration that we now have in New Jersey and the opportunities we have in Pennsylvania and New York – when you look at that market opportunity intersecting with our product set – it was just something I couldn’t pass up.”
Fink also will oversee portfolio management and credit risk, ensuring the bank’s lending strategies align with market opportunities and long-term objectives. He will contribute to enhancing credit policies, introducing new lending products, and optimizing the portfolio mix to ensure the bank is providing the best solution for customers. Additionally, he will represent the bank at industry events and public engagements, strengthening relationships with customers and partners, while reinforcing Provident’s market presence.
Fink brings two decades of leadership experience at TD Bank, where he held key senior roles across regional and national markets. Most recently, he served as EVP and head of U.S. middle market banking, leading TD’s nationwide expansion strategy for middle market and asset-based lending and overseeing a $24 billion portfolio.
Fink holds an MBA in management and finance and a B.S. in marketing from St. Joseph’s University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant.
In addition, he completed the advanced finance postgraduate program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he also serves as a member of the executive education board of directors.
