In the midst of expansion: Joan Brigante likes watching her chapter and her bank grow

RMA Journal, The, May, 2002 by Carol McGinn

Suffolk County National Bank in Riverhead, New York, has experienced tremendous growth in the past several years. In fact, by regulatory definition, the bank is no longer considered a community bank but a regional bank. And, as vice president in charge of credit and loan administration, Long Island Chapter President Joan Brigante has been in the midst of that expansion for six years.

"With the bank's loan portfolio growing as fast as it has and with the number of branches increasing, I've seen my department expand as well," she says. "I manage the Credit Department and am responsible for the analysis of commercial loan requests, credit policy, loan portfolio management, and several other duties. It has been challenging and exciting."

Brigante says that, given the myriad responsibilities, it's important to remain flexible. "The ability to adapt to any situation and to handle multiple tasks is crucial to my job," she says. "My communication skills have also become much more important over the past few years. I need to be able to communicate clearly what's necessary to get the job done."

Although not often emphasized, Brigante says written communication skills are equally as important as verbal ones. "You need to be able to tie research ideas together and get the thought across. Being able to write clearly and concisely is paramount for any banker in my position."

The changes that have taken place in Brigante's department since the bank has grown have been "transparent" to customers, she says, due in part to technology. "Technology has affected us in several areas, such as our information management systems, and has enhanced our ability to obtain current and pertinent industry and credit risk information. It enables us to continue to provide our customers with excellent service and expedient responses to loan requests."

Brigante has been a member of RMA for about 10 years and has served on the Long Island Chapter board for five years. She is nearing completion of her second term as chapter president. She says that, thanks to an active and experienced board, she has been able to preside over a growing chapter that has sponsored some excellent programs and events.

On a personal level, Brigante says she cannot measure what she has gotten out of this chapter, both on a professional and personal level. "Being president has enabled me to enhance my skill set outside of my job and has afforded me the opportunity to acquire such new skills as program development.

"I've also found RMA and the membership to be a valuable resource for both myself and the bank. It's great to be able to pick up the phone and call another banker with questions on a particular industry that perhaps is not your area of expertise. You know your fellow RMA member is always willing to help."

Brigante has formed some of those professional and personal friendships not only from her involvement at the chapter level but also from attending the annual Leadership Conferences. "There's nothing like being able to share ideas and exchange information at these conferences. They're invaluable.

"And my being able to exchange information and ideas benefits my bank as well. It's a win-win situation."

[c] 2002 by RMA. McGinn is a Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania-based freelance writer and desktop publisher specializing in financial and business topics.