John Headley, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager, New Jersey Market, WSFS Bank

In an interview with Invest:, John Headley, senior vice president and regional manager for the New Jersey market of WSFS Bank, discussed how the organization is navigating economic volatility while staying true to its legacy of client-centric service and community empowerment.  “WSFS Bank has been serving the Delaware Valley since 1832, making it the oldest and largest locally headquartered bank in the area. We’ve been successful through the years because of our dedication to service, meeting our clients’ financial needs and boosting the communities where we live and work.”

Over the past year, what major changes or milestones have had the biggest impact on your bank?

WSFS is no stranger to market changes, with nearly 200 years of history, we have stayed true to our mission of service through world wars, economic hardships, and leadership shifts. In July, we announced another “A-” outlook from the Kroll Bond Agency, a rating agency, which looks at our earnings, liquidity, capital, and diversified revenue across WSFS Financial Corporation. 

Over the past year, the bank welcomed new leadership into key positions, pulling in talent from across the industry and promoting from within. Allan Matyger, our new executive vice president and chief innovation officer, is a great example of this. He started his career as an intern and worked his way into this exciting role in our leadership team. 

Understanding that the banking landscape in New Jersey is broad and competitive, what differentiates WSFS?

WSFS Bank has been serving the Delaware Valley since 1832, making it the oldest and largest locally headquartered bank in the area. We’ve been successful through the years because of our dedication to service —meeting our clients’ financial needs and boosting the communities where we live and work.

Our mission to service also extends into our philanthropic arm, the WSFS Cares Foundation, which champions nonprofits in the community that focus on community investment, affordable housing, revitalization, business and economic empowerment, education and leadership development, and services for those in need. In 2024, our foundation gave grants to more than 300 community organizations totaling $2.7 million. We don’t just contribute money to make a difference. Last year, our associates volunteered more than 33,000 hours throughout our communities.

Our service mindset extends to our relationships with our clients. Whether they’re opening their first checking account, planning for retirement or starting a business, we partner alongside our clients to offer sound advice and a full range of services to help them reach their financial goals.  

What recent success stories have been especially notable and impactful for your organization?

In May, we partnered with Fox 29 Philadelphia to feature five of our small business clients on different broadcast segments with Bob Kelly. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and it was great to see them showcase their different stories and claims to fame during National Small Business Month. We also leveraged our partnership with the Philadelphia Union and provided these small businesses with tickets to Union games. 

It’s beyond rewarding to see how we can positively affect our surrounding communities through the small businesses we work with. 

What opportunities does your bank see in community banking, not just for small businesses but also for entrepreneurs and innovation?

At WSFS, “We Stand for Service” is more than a catchphrase; it’s integrated into everything that we do. Each associate, whether client-facing or not, is trained to provide excellent service, and it’s reflected in our net promoter score, where our service is in the top quintile. Our associates support our clients beyond just lending and banking. Our leaders and decision-makers live in the communities that we serve – that’s our differentiator. We develop strong relationships with our clients built on trust and a true understanding of their unique financial needs. 

Which industries in New Jersey are showing the strongest demand for commercial banking services?

This region is home to diverse, established and growing industries in healthcare, biotech and logistics. Our associates continue to meet the needs of these organizations through our full range of products, services, and advice.

How have interest rate fluctuations and economic uncertainty affected your clients and your approach to serving them?

Economic uncertainty allows for both opportunities and moments of reflection. 

Across WSFS, we are seeing clients who are taking strategic steps to expand and grow and some who are waiting 30, 60 or 90 days to get better visibility on the economic outlook. Ultimately, as the outlook becomes clearer, we see both our bank and clients benefiting in the long run.

The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA is one of the country’s largest and most robust, proving resilient through past and current uncertainties. WSFS continues to find opportunities through our full range of products and services, from deposits to mortgages and business loans. We have what everyone needs; we just need to meet them where they are. 

With AI and fintech innovation accelerating, how are you using technology to improve decision-making and make client service more efficient?

Similar to the rest of our industry, we continue to evaluate technological advancements and leverage them in ways aligned with our strategy. 

How are you balancing in-person service with the growing demand for digital banking, especially among younger generations?

We believe in providing the right balance of online and mobile banking tools and in-person banking experiences for our clients. Despite becoming a more digital-first society, we still see clients who value in-person interactions from our associates located within our nearly 90 banking offices across the region. While many banking transactions can be done online or through our mobile app, our clients value our relationship banking style and visit our banking offices when they need in-depth financial advice. 

How are you promoting financial literacy among entrepreneurs and younger generations?

We frequently visit schools to provide financial literacy presentations covering everything from banking fundamentals to retirement savings. Recognizing the rise in fraud, particularly targeting the elderly, we also conduct fraud prevention presentations at senior citizen centers. Earlier this year, we partnered with Greenlight, a family fintech company offering innovative banking solutions for kids, teens and families. This complimentary WSFS service provides a fun way for clients to teach children about saving and banking, fostering money management skills for lifelong financial success

What is the outlook for WSFS Bank in New Jersey over the next two to three years?

At WSFS Bank, we are deeply committed to the communities we serve, including the diverse businesses and residents of New Jersey. Our focus continues to be on delivering personalized financial solutions while supporting economic growth throughout the state. 

New Jersey represents a vital part of our footprint, and we see tremendous opportunities to deepen our relationships in the region. Whether it’s through our tailored services for small businesses, mortgage solutions for families, or community-focused initiatives, WSFS Bank strives to make a positive impact. 

We remain optimistic about New Jersey’s promising economic outlook and are committed to being a reliable and innovative financial partner to its residents and businesses.