First Bank announced it has hired a veteran commercial banking executive to grow its presence in the northern New Jersey market.
Anthony DeSenzo joined First Bank as First Senior Vice President and Market Executive. DeSenzo will secure more expansion opportunities and lead the day-to-day operations of the commercial team in northern New Jersey, a market where First Bank continues to grow through added scale and community engagement.
“Banking with us is all about creating long-term, meaningful relationships, which is why we hire proven bankers and leaders like Tony,” said First Bank President and CEO Patrick L. Ryan. “With his consultative and client-centered approach to banking, Tony is a welcome addition to our expanding team and will no doubt help us cultivate more key business relationships in our northern New Jersey market.”
David DiStefano, First Bank’s Northern New Jersey Regional President, agreed.
“I am very excited to have Tony join First Bank,” DiStefano said. “His leadership and strong network within our primary markets will be a driving force for success in the years to come. There is considerable opportunity for growth in northern New Jersey, and with Tony on board, we have the added firepower to expand our book of business and deepen our connections.”
Before joining First Bank, DeSenzo was a Senior Vice President and Regional Director at Provident Bank and Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Group for SB One Bank, where he was instrumental in improving net loan and deposit growth.
DeSenzo also held senior positions as Team Leader for Commercial Real Estate at ConnectOne Bank—where he grew his personal loan and deposit portfolio by 40 percent–and as Managing Director of Commercial Real Estate for Capital One Bank in New Jersey, where he expanded the loan portfolio by $850 million over his career there.
“The chance to work with so many dynamic banking professionals is quite an honor,” DeSenzo said. “First Bank is a wonderful organization when it comes to serving and supporting local businesses, which makes them stand out among other banks in the area. I look forward to expanding our presence throughout northern New Jersey while continuing to deliver a great customer experience, just as clients expect and deserve.”
DeSenzo is a graduate of William Paterson University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and New York University, where he earned an Advanced Professional degree in Real Estate. He is a United States Air Force veteran.
With $2.51 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2021, First Bank offers products to individuals and businesses throughout the New York City to Philadelphia corridor.