As the SEVP, chief operating officer of Manasquan Bank, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible, positive impact that young professionals have on our organization and throughout the banking industry. At Manasquan Bank, we have created a culture that fosters personal and professional growth, and we recognize that our young professionals are essential to our continued success.
One of the key elements to our success is the commitment to continually invest in the growth and development of our young professionals. We believe that by providing them with the tools, resources and support they need to succeed, we are not only developing our organization but also helping to shape the future of the industry.
Our focus on personal and professional growth is evident in virtually everything we do at Manasquan Bank. We offer a range of training and development opportunities to our colleagues, from formal classroom training to on-the-job learning experiences. We also encourage our colleagues to pursue industry certifications and higher education degrees to further their knowledge and skills. We provide financial support to our employees with both our education reimbursement and student loan repayment programs.
Our young professionals are encouraged to participate in our robust mentoring program. Team leaders work closely with our mentees to provide guidance, feedback and support as they navigate their careers and further define aspirations. This program has been incredibly effective, and many of our young professionals have credited their mentors with helping them achieve success.
At Manasquan Bank, we also believe in promoting a healthy work-life balance. We offer a range of benefits and wellness programs to our colleagues, including flexible schedules, in-person wellness sessions and a generous paid time-off policy. We recognize that our colleagues have lives outside of work, and we want to support them in achieving their personal and professional goals.
Our commitment to our colleagues has not gone unnoticed. For the fifth consecutive year, Manasquan Bank has been recognized by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For” in 2023, coming in at #19 nationally and #1 in New Jersey. Additionally, we have been recognized by NJ Advance Media as the #2 Top Workplace, making the list of Top Workplaces for the fourth consecutive year. These recognitions, along with many others, continue to be a testament to our commitment to creating a culture that supports the growth of our colleagues.
We further support our young professionals by fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. We recognize that our young bankers bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to our organization, and we encourage them to share their ideas and take calculated risks. We have several employee resource committees, including our newly formed Women Inspired Leadership Development (W-I-L-D) committee and our New Wave Innovation Panel (NWIP). W-I-L-D is our women-led affinity committee with the primary purpose of supporting Manasquan Bank’s ongoing commitment to empowering our female colleagues, which provides support and mentorship to help our colleagues advance. I am a proud member of the inaugural W-I-L-D committee. Meanwhile, the NWIP plays a key role in the development of our optimal banking generational model by tapping into the insights
and expectations of our clients and bank colleagues. By leveraging the expertise and perspectives of our colleagues through these resource groups, we are better able to meet the needs of our clients and remain extraordinarily relevant in an ever-changing industry.
At Manasquan Bank, we also encourage our colleagues to get involved in the community and to use their skills and knowledge to make a positive impact through our CREW Cares program. We believe that by giving back to the community, we are not only making a difference in the lives of others but also strengthening our organization and the industry.
We believe in the power of young bankers to shape the future of our organization. Our culture of personal and professional growth, innovation, creativity and community involvement has helped us create a supportive atmosphere that nurtures the talent and potential of our young professionals. We are committed to investing in their development by providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. Being nationally recognized as both a Top Workplace and one of the
Best Banks to Work For is a testament to our commitment to creating a workplace that attracts,
retains and empowers top talent. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the role that our young professionals will play in shaping the future of the banking industry.Catherine Franzoni has been executive vice president and chief operating officer of Manasquan Bank since May 2018. Previously, she was vice president and treasurer of First Savings Bank, Woodbridge from December 1998 thru January 2004 and vice president and treasurer and president of Pulse Bancorp from 1988 thru 2004. Ms. Franzoni is a trustee on Manasquan Bank’s Charitable Foundation. She volunteers at various events for local charities, including the Coastal Habitat for Humanity builds and Food Bank of Ocean and Monmouth Counties. Ms. Franzoni received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Montclair University.
