Communities across Pennsylvania are growing and thriving because their community banks care. The service and commitment demonstrated by community bank employees keeps customers faithful, and their sincerity keeps others hopeful. It is because of these employees that communities across the Commonwealth are thriving and becoming better places to live and work.
When it comes to community banking in Pennsylvania, the uniqueness, talent and attributes of the 14,000 individual community bank employees combine to make the entire industry greater than the sum of its parts.
As we travel across Pennsylvania, we meet community bank employees from many different backgrounds. Some are new to the industry, others have worked their entire careers in it. No matter how long these employees have been involved in community banking, they all share a common thread – a love for their community. They truly are the ones responsible for #KeepingTheLightsOn in their hometown.
As part of an ongoing series, each month we will be featuring brief interviews with these community bank employees, these “Hometown Champions”. Through these interviews, we hope to gain some insight into what makes the community banking industry great in Pennsylvania.
This month, we chat with the hometown champions from Brentwood Bank. Brentwood Bank has proudly served the South Hills region of Pittsburgh since 1922. Since then, they’ve maintained their local roots while growing the bank. Many things have changed over the years, but the bank’s greatest achievements are rooted in the things that haven’t. Their roots are deep and their commitment and involvement have never been greater. Brentwood Bank operates on the principle that banking is a people business offering more choices in financial products and services, with a personal touch no matter where you reside in Pittsburgh.
Mandy Albanese, CPA
Vice President, Business Development Officer
How did you get into community banking?
Mandy: My mother’s best friend worked for our local bank. A temporary position in the Accounting Department became available, and she thought it was a good opportunity for me since I was studying Accounting in college at the time. She was absolutely correct! Upon graduation, I accepted a position at the bank as its first management trainee. The knowledge I gained through that experience was instrumental in obtaining a position with a public accounting firm who specialized in the financial institutions industry. After 15 fulfilling years with the firm, my career in community banking has come full circle here at Brentwood Bank.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Mandy: For me, it is the one-on-one interaction I have with people on a daily basis. During the lending and account opening processes, you really get to know your customers. You become more than just their trusted banking advisor; you become their friend.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Mandy: A community bank is a financial institution dedicated to serving the needs of their community by offering affordable and competitive loan and deposit products. A community bank places a premium on community involvement, personal relationships and exceptional service.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Mandy: I love to sing. I began singing with various school and church groups at the age of seven. I am currently in the praise and worship band at church.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Mandy: Despite our watering efforts, our live tree died right before Christmas Day. My husband improvised with one of our houseplants!
Erin Drozda
Loan Operations Specialist, Title Agent
How did you get into community banking?
Erin: I was a middle school Spanish teacher out-of-state for 10 years. After having children, my husband and I decided we wanted to come home to Pittsburgh. I started to look for a teaching job in Pittsburgh. When I couldn’t find any openings and also learned that my certification from Virginia didn’t transfer to Pennsylvania without additional classes and testing, I decided to go back to school and get an accounting degree. After I graduated, I applied for a part-time job here at Brentwood Bank doing payroll and accounts payable. I started in January 2015 and I loved it immediately. After about a year, I moved into a fulltime position in the Loan Operations Department and have been here for four years.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Erin: I have learned so much about my community in the last five years working at Brentwood Bank. The people and businesses are the heart of everything we do. I love when I tell people I work at Brentwood Bank and they relay what a great experience they had over the “big banks.” I also love that Brentwood Bank donates money and volunteer hours to many organizations in our community.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Erin: A community bank is a bank that cares about the financial well-being and future of the people and businesses that make up our neighborhood. We know our customers and provide the tailored services they need.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Erin: I love camping – in a tent no less. I would spend every weekend camping if I could. I love sleeping and cooking outdoors. I also have a lot of fun camping gadgets I love to use!
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Erin: My fifth picture is a picture of my family at the zoo. We love to go to the zoo in the winter for Penguins on Parade. It’s so fun to watch the penguins waddle their way down the sidewalk outside of the aquarium. There is always one penguin who doesn’t want to go back inside. I don’t blame him!
Ali Niazi
VP, Regional Branch Manager
How did you get into community banking?
Ali: I’ve had the pleasure of serving customers with diverse banking needs for over 15 years. I started my career in banking with a large national bank, Bank of America, where I spent the majority of my time leading and developing high performing teams of relationship managers. I also spent some time at a regional bank, SunTrust Bank, where I had the opportunity to work more closely with customers in the local community. Empowered to do more, and really find ways to say “yes” to customers, I experienced the difference a more nimble, local organization can make. I now have the honor of leading the local area branches of Brentwood Bank in the South Hills area.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Ali: Community banking truly embodies the essence of “relationship banking.” Customers are treated with respect, and the focus is always on their individual needs. Decisions are local, human and timely!
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Ali: A community bank is “your bank.” Embedded and vested in the community, no other type of financial institution gives back and invests in their local communities as we do.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Ali: When not in my banking garb, I enjoy putting on my toolbelt and hard hat as I hammer away on home improvement projects. My wife loves to help too! It’s not Magnolia Farms, but I think we have a lot of fun together!
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Ali: My 4-year-old son loves being silly while playing at our local park here in Peters Township. I would venture to say most of the pictures on my phone are of us playing at the park, since we love being outside!
Brent Sirera
Business Systems Analyst
How did you get into community banking?
Brent: I was looking for an opportunity to work closer to my home. I had been traveling a lot at the time for my previous job and wanted to be around more for my family.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Brent: The most rewarding aspect is being able to be involved and contribute to our community.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Brent: The first thing that comes to mind is family. Always there to help in any way we can.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Brent: I love playing video games with my children.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Brent: This picture is from my son and myself looking at Pop figures at our local Best Buy.
