Spotlight On: Susanne Svizeny, Executive Vice President & Chief C&I Banking Officer, OceanFirst Bank
July 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Susanne Svizeny, executive vice president and chief C&I banking officer of OceanFirst Bank, emphasized relationship-driven banking as a core strength and discussed the organization’s strategic focus on long-term growth amid economic uncertainty. “We support our customers to navigate the opportunities and challenges during these dynamic times,” she said.
What changes over the past year have had the most impact on the organization and in what ways?
Our business is fundamentally about building relationships with companies and providing comprehensive banking solutions. The past year was one in which we focused heavily on investment and growth for the long term. Our focus was shaped by our commitment to thinking long-term in a market that experienced some uncertainty, particularly with inflation and broader economic conditions. Despite these challenges, our organization remained steadfast in prioritizing future growth. In my role, where I oversee all commercial and industrial business from Boston to D.C., we doubled the size of our team over the last 18 months in terms of relationship managers. It was an exciting year to make these investments providing more resources and options for our clients, especially given the broader context of inflation, an election cycle, and other dynamics within the banking industry. We stayed the course, advancing our strategy and expanding our business. We have also invested in new markets. Additionally, we built a new business line at the bank called our Premier Bankers, based in Long Island, New York. This team is dedicated to delivering high-touch customer service and experience while strengthening our deposit base.
A few key accomplishments from 2024 also include receiving Moody’s A3 rating for our long-term deposits, which is investment grade. Only 1% of regional banks have achieved this distinction, making it a significant point of pride. It reinforces that we are a bank where clients feel confident investing their deposits and building long-term relationships. We were also named one of the best regional banks by Newsweek and recognized as one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report. These accolades reflect our commitment to team engagement and customer engagement at OceanFirst.
Furthermore, we acquired two companies in 2024. The first was Garden State Home Loans in August 2024, which provided us with a platform to offer direct-to-consumer mortgages on a national basis. The second was Spring Garden Capital in October 2024, a specialty finance company serving real estate investors who renovate and rent properties, such as four-unit buildings in Philadelphia. These acquisitions further expanded our capabilities and market presence providing more benefits for our clients.
What competitive advantages is OceanFirst leaning into as you expand your footprint?
Our primary competitive advantage is our people. I joined OceanFirst to lead the Philadelphia expansion because the organization wanted to grow beyond New Jersey. We applied the same strategy in New York, Boston, and now the D.C.-Northern Virginia market, where we hired a strong market president in 2024 to build a team. Our growth is organic, driven by investments in top talent who bring deep relationships. Unlike money center banks, we operate as a regional bank with a community-focused approach which we have learned from our clients. They appreciate the personal attention we deliver. We understand local markets and the businesses within them, whether serving consumers or commercial clients. This local expertise, combined with the ability to execute nimbly while offering the services of a larger institution, sets us apart.
Our customers value banking with an organization they know and trust. The Moody’s rating further reinforces this trust, as very few banks of our size have achieved it. This distinction provides additional confidence to clients as we enter new markets. It is our people and our execution that differentiate us ultimately.
How is the economic landscape impacting your strategy, and how are you ensuring resilience and continued growth?
2025 began with some uncertainty due to policy shifts under the new administration, including tariff discussions. However, our customers remain focused on growth, confident that these issues will be resolved over time. Our pipeline is the strongest it has ever been, indicating continued momentum. Our strategy remains unchanged as we aim to hire exceptional people who bring strong relationships to OceanFirst. We are particularly bullish on Philadelphia, which is poised for significant visibility with the World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the United States, both of which will showcase the region. These events, along with Philadelphia’s growing reputation as a business hub, reinforce our optimism. We see tremendous opportunity in this market, supported by international companies establishing roots here. The city’s momentum, combined with our strategic investments, positions us well for sustained growth and providing extraordinary support to our clients.
What practices have helped you build a high-performing team across different regions and to retain talent?
Talent development is a cornerstone of our strategy. We actively invest in recruiting from colleges and universities through a structured program that prepares individuals for key roles within our organization. This program provides hands-on experience in credit analysis and client engagement, ensuring a strong foundation in banking. Additionally, we attract experienced professionals by offering leadership opportunities and a compelling growth story. Internally, we prioritize career advancement, fostering a culture where employees can grow and take on new challenges. Our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which accounts for 30% of employee ownership, reinforces engagement and collaboration. Regular engagement surveys and a supportive work environment have earned us recognition as one of the best places to work. By combining organic talent development with strategic external hiring, we maintain a high-performing and motivated team.
How is technology transforming and reshaping client expectations, and what digital capabilities have most impacted your bank?
Technology has revolutionized banking by enhancing speed, accessibility, and efficiency; our focus remains providing our clients with choices for a seamless and convenient banking experience. While branches remain important for local engagement, digital tools allow us to open accounts and process transactions much faster. We offer 24/7 service through advanced platforms, including online account opening and loan applications; and also have expanded branch banking hours at many locations featuring Video Teller Machines, which connect customers with remote representatives. On the commercial side, clients benefit from streamlined treasury solutions that optimize working capital management. AI is another game-changer, enabling predictive analytics to anticipate client needs. For example, AI can identify when a business might require equipment financing, allowing us to proactively offer solutions. We also leverage tools like Copilot and ChatGPT to improve productivity while maintaining a personalized touch. The key is balancing automation with human expertise to deliver a seamless client experience.
Looking ahead, what are your top priorities for the mid-Atlantic region, and how do you envision the next few years?
My role has expanded to oversee commercial and industrial banking from Boston to Washington, D.C., and I am incredibly optimistic about the future. Over the past 18 months, we have made significant investments in talent, and those efforts are now yielding results. Our pipelines are growing, relationships are strengthening, and we are well-positioned for sustained success. This organization thrives on forward-thinking leadership and agility, allowing us to adapt quickly compared to larger institutions. We embrace fintech partnerships to stay current and competitive. The coming years will be about harvesting the seeds we have planted as we scale our operations, deepen client relationships, and continue to innovate. Banking remains dynamic, and I am excited to work alongside a talented team and engage with inspiring entrepreneurs across industries.
How do you maintain such enthusiasm after so many years in the industry?
The constant opportunity to learn and grow keeps my passion alive. In commercial banking, I interact with entrepreneurs and businesses across diverse sectors, each with unique stories and challenges. Every day brings new insights, whether it is understanding government contract lending or exploring emerging industries. The dynamic nature of banking, combined with our organization’s culture of innovation and collaboration, makes it incredibly rewarding. I have never believed in being complacent; there is always another challenge to tackle, another idea to explore, another client to help, and another success to celebrate. That is what makes this work so fulfilling.
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