A culture rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is key to unlocking innovation and productivity in the workplace. While some companies have only just started to embrace the idea of an inclusive culture, Valley has been successfully practicing it for some time, creating pathways for diverse leadership across the bank.
“We know that organizational and individual success is only possible when everyone has access to opportunity, can have meaningful input, and can bring their best and authentic selves to work,” said Tammy Mata, Valley’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Director of Human Resources.
This notion is best embodied by this roster of leaders who have created the blueprint for their respective departments, positioning themselves and Valley as gamechangers in the industry.
Rodney Campbell, Director of Third-Party / Vendor Management, is a recognized industry leader in third-party risk management and in achieving operational success. “I’ve always sought to create a high-performing work environment that cultivates collaboration and innovation,” said Campbell.
Since joining Valley in 2020, Campbell has revamped Valley’s third-party / vendor management department by designing an enterprise-wide Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) program to meet the demands of an ever-changing risk landscape in a heavily regulated industry.
“Valley has given me the support to develop enterprise-wide programs that promote cross-collaboration,” said Campbell. “That kind of agency isn’t always guaranteed in a workplace, but Valley has always understood the value it brings.”
Thais R. Sullivan, National Director of Community Lending, has transformed Valley’s community lending program, bringing its regional footprint to a national scale.
“Growing the community lending team and taking our work to a national level has been one of my greatest accomplishments at Valley,” said Sullivan. “Our goal is to change the way we look at financing for small businesses and to help more women- and minority-owned businesses get access to the resources they need.”
The department has grown to encompass dedicated professionals that provide support in underserved communities in Florida, Alabama, New York, and New Jersey where businesses often don’t qualify for traditional lending.
“These organizations are the backbone of our communities and I’m proud to guide a team that’s committed to making financial products more accessible for them,” said Sullivan.
Since joining Valley in 2021, Jason Anderson, Head of Enterprise Loan Operations, has built the framework of Valley’s Enterprise Loan Operations division. “In the past year, our team has been able to increase operational efficiency supporting Valley’s efficiency ratio goal. We have achieved this in part, through listening to the voice of the team allowing diversity in thought to shine through translating to productive solutions that address operational challenges,” said Anderson. “We’ve been able to achieve so much and much of that is because of the workplace environment Valley has created.”
Anderson has successfully overseen the development of more than 250 loan professionals and the department’s core systems and process transformation; strategic partnerships; vendor relationships; budgets; regulatory compliance; and risk management.
“At Valley, my expertise is valued and my recommendations matter,” said Anderson. “The impact of that is evident in what we’ve been able to accomplish.”
Each of these departments and their achievements are a testament to the belief that an inclusive culture is essential for organizational success and employee growth.
“This kind of culture has been our recipe for success for quite some time,” said Mata. “A culture where employees are welcomed and listened to; where they are given the tools to succeed; and where their perspectives shape the fabric of our organization. That’s what Valley has established.”
To learn more about Valley Bank, please visit www.valley.com.
