Cost:

FWA Members: $10  |  Non-Members: $15

Registration closes at 11:59 pm EST on June 12, 2024.

 

Description: 

Join the Financial Women’s Association for a robust virtual discussion with senior regional and community banking leaders on the dynamics of their industry and the issues it has faced over the last several years. The regional banking sector is navigating many challenges, including changing regulation, commercial lending competition, and rapid advances in technology. There are new opportunities with AI but also even more sophisticated threats from scammers. These leaders will also discuss how the Community Reinvestment Act is impacting their communities.The important changes in the workplace environment have also created dramatic changes in the real estate market and the role of local branches. Hear from our panel on how these institutions are addressing the issues the sector faces in the region and also nationally. This will be a truly interactive opportunity to get a fresh view of this important part of the financial industry and ask questions of the panelists.

Panelists:

Samantha Plotino, Executive Director, Provident Bank Foundation                     

Jacqueline Breslauer, EVP and Chief Audit Executive, Valley Bank                    

Robin Lefkowitz, EVP, Chief Branch Administration, Deposit Operations and Business Development Officer, Northfield Bank                    

Silvia Merino-Topley, 1st VP, Chief Compliance Officer, Kearny Bank                    

Moderator:

Arminda Youse-Warde, Director, Lender Finance, Texas Capital Bank 

 

Bios: 

Samantha Plotino

Executive Director, Provident Bank Foundation       

A respected leader and visionary in philanthropy and nonprofit funding, Samantha Plotino serves as the Executive Director of The Provident Bank Foundation. In this role, Samantha manages the Foundation’s grant programs, and is responsible for the implementation of the Foundation’s vision and strategies, focusing on supporting nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania communities served by Provident Bank.
Samantha’s career has spanned the nonprofit sector, from social service to higher education. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2017, Samantha worked as the Mission Based Manager for YWCA Northern New Jersey where she was responsible for coordinating programs focused on women’s empowerment, youth leadership development, and racial justice and civil rights. Previously, she worked for Fairleigh Dickinson University in the School of Administrative Science and the International School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. In 2021, she returned to FDU as a parttime adjunct instructor in the School of Public and Global Affairs.

Samantha is an alumna of AmeriCorps, serving for two years in communications and development at Extra Special People, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Watkinsville, GA, that provides opportunities for children and young adults with developmental disabilities to thrive.

Samantha earned her bachelor’s degree from the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia, and her master’s degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Samantha has also obtained executive certificates in Non-Profit Executive Leadership, Non-Profit Essentials, and Strategic Frameworks for Nonprofit Organizations from Rutgers University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the Harvard Kennedy School, respectively.
Samantha is a Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey Woman of Achievement, having received the Elinor J. Ferdon Young Woman of Promise Award in 2023. In 2022, she was inducted into the NJBIZ Forty Under 40 class, recognized for her notable successes and demonstrations of strong leadership in the state.

Samantha’s pragmatic spirit and creativity, combined with her passion to serve others, makes her an invaluable partner and colleague in the nonprofit sector. A believer in the power of giving back, Samantha is thrilled about continuing to impact nonprofit organizations by investing in worthy programs that educate, enrich communities, promote health, and empower youth and families.
Samantha currently resides in Milltown, NJ with her husband and son.

Jacqueline Breslauer

Executive Vice President, Chief Audit Executive, Valley Bank              

Jacqueline Breslauer is Chief Audit Executive of Valley Bank. Jacqueline joined the Bank in 2019 and brought extensive experience in influencing the progressive evolution of internal auditing, in a collaborative and balanced based risk approach to supporting stakeholders’ strategic objectives. Her expertise lies in Internal Audit, Banking, Risk Management, and Regulatory Compliance, including Regulatory Relations. Jacqueline received her Masters of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickson University as well as CIA, CFSA and CCSA certifications. Jacqueline is Chair of the North Jersey Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors and First Vice President and Strategic Committee Chair for Family Connections Inc., a non-profit that provides specialized counseling and prevention services to children, adults, and families in New Jersey.

Robin Lefkowitz, Northfield Bank’s Executive Vice President, Chief Branch Administration, Deposit Operations and Business Development Officer, has 35 years of banking and financial experience.  Specializing in customer relationships and growth of the bank’s overall branch system, Robin’s wealth of experience spans throughout the Northfield Bank network, located in Staten Island, New Jersey and Brooklyn.
       

Prior to her 18+ years with Northfield, Robin was Vice President, Business Development, for Independence Community Bank, where she was responsible for developing customer and account growth throughout the Brooklyn marketplace.  She joined Independence in April 2004 following its merger with Staten Island Savings Bank.  With SI Bank, Robin was Vice President, Trust and Investment Development, where she held that position for over four years.  Prior to SI Bank, Robin worked for GreenPoint Bank, ultimately holding the position of Branch Manager, throughout the Brooklyn, Long Island and Manhattan marketplace.

Robin holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics, from Brooklyn College and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Wagner College.  

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Robin and her husband Danny moved to Staten Island in 1988.  As a long-time, active community member, Robin’s involvement includes holding the positions of Board Member for each, Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) Foundation, Eden II Foundation and Integration Charter Schools Foundation.  Robin also serves as a Director of the Woodbridge Township Economic Development Corporation, a Board Member for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC), and a newly elected Staten Island Board of Realtors (SIBOR) Board Member.  Robin is a founding member of the Executive Women’s Council (EWC), under the direction of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, where, in addition to her role on their Board of Directors, she hosts the SIEDC’s Community Television production of “Beyond the Ferry”. Additionally, Robin along with Christine Dehart, owner/broker, from Salmon Real Estate, cohost “Locally Grown,” a social media historical program, focused on Staten Island’s historical locations, developed and produced by SI Live.

When she is not working or involved in community activities, Robin enjoys traveling and dining out with her husband Danny, and spending time with their family, especially their new, grandson, Henry, and with their amazing friends.    

Silvia Merino-Topley, 1st VP, Chief Compliance Officer, Kearny Bank        

Silvia Merino-Topley - who joined Kearny Bank in 2020 - is responsible for managing all aspects of the company's compliance department, which includes reporting on compliance issues and evaluating compliance risk. She holds a bachelor's degree in international business and marketing from Montclair State University and has earned American Banking Association certificates in lending compliance, deposit compliance, and BSA/AML compliance. She is a member of two New Jersey Bankers Association groups - the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council and the Women in Banking Committee.