IF YOU COULD SIT DOWN WITH YOUR BANK’S CEO AND ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR CAREER JOURNEY, THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BANKING INDUSTRY OR EVEN WHAT THEY DO IN THEIR SPARE TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU ASK? IN THIS NEW FEATURE, NEW JERSEY BANKER WILL ASK THE QUESTIONS FOR YOU!
FOR THIS INAUGURAL COLUMN, WE ASKED CHRISTOPHER MAHER, CHAIR AND CEO, OCEANFIRST BANK AND CURRENT NJBANKERS CHAIR SOME QUESTIONS. CHRIS, THANK YOU FOR LAUNCHING THE NEW FEATURE FOR US!
How did you get started in banking?
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the management training program at Chemical Bank. The program at Chemical was very competitive and a wonderful foundation. Although, technically, my first job in banking was as a clerk at Fulton Bank typing commercial loan officer call reports. I have always appreciated that I had the chance to learn about all aspects of banking early in my career. And, I grasped early on that banks
What’s something you’ve learned over your career that you’ve carried with you?
This might not be what people would expect as a response from a banker, but I believe communication skills are critical. I learned early in life that words matter, messages matter. It is so important that communication be clear, concise and focused for everyone you deal with: customers, co-workers, investors, regulators, board members, the community and even competitors. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of taking the time to craft your message both verbal and written. I believe communication is the foundation to success and people spend far too little time thinking about the impact it has. It’s particularly true for your team, an entire team can come together and accomplish big things when we communicate quickly and definitively.
What advice do you have for young bankers starting their career?
Being successful will require understanding and knowledge of a broad range of areas, while developing a strong expertise with a particular focus. Prioritize what is important to you and balance that with an understanding that spans industry and economic factors. Your job will likely change multiple times during your career, but your adaptability will be determined based on your knowledge and your ability to have a broader scope.
Why do you feel that it’s important for banks like OceanFirst to be associated with NJBankers?
No community can thrive without the support of a wide variety of resources. Every community must have an ecosystem in order to flourish — banks, businesses, doctors, schools, etc. For our industry to remain a vibrant resource in our communities, we need the assistance of a common organization, like NJBankers, where we have a forum to collaborate and learn and therefore make a better industry for the benefit of our communities.
What would be the name of your autobiography?
“Look Forward, Give Back.” That’s because I believe those of us who have had the good luck to have supportive families, a solid education and a chance to succeed have a responsibility to share their good fortune with the community.
What’s something people don’t know about you?
I don’t follow sports and watch almost no television, so I can spend my time doing other things. I enjoy spending my free time restoring or building things. I’m currently working on a project to restore 100-year-old windows in my house. Besides that, I love a challenge; I go camping in extreme conditions and recently added Spartan competitions to my weekend activities.
