Why bank branch managers matter

In this weekend's edition of Bank Vault, we're showcasing our series on branch managers, the front-line employees who keep banks' branch-network strategies alive.

Sign up here ?to receive American Banker's complete Daily Briefing newsletter — delivered to your inbox every morning.

'Quintessential community bankers' make branches valuable assets: Lisa Rickert and Ruth McCord, who manage branches for Nicolet National Bank , share a passion for connecting with their customers and supporting their communities.

For Julie Celozzi at Cogent Bank, a boutique experience is the goal: The two branches Julie Celozzi oversees for the Orlando, Florida-based Cogent Bank amassed $400 million of deposits in three years. Such production is often a steppingstone to bigger things, but Celozzi — who began as a part-time teller in high school — says she is "hooked" on branch banking.

From Caracas to Miami: One branch manager's banking journey: Born in Venezuela, Lolita Peroza initially came to the U.S. to further her education and improve her English. Now 20 years into her banking career, she serves as a branch manager for Amerant Bank in Florida and is described by her boss as "always looking for additional opportunities to give back to the community."

Making the American dream happen for herself and her community: Grace Law , a Hong Kong native, seized an opportunity to work in a Chase branch in New York City more than 30 years ago. Today, at Abacus Federal Savings Bank , she seeks ways to ensure her community — immigrants who are frequently overlooked by banks — has access to financial services.

Read more on branch banking: Why banks are closing so many branches

Is your fintech one of the Best Fintechs to Work For??Nominate your company for our annual ranking before October 6.? ?To see who won last year,?check out the 2023 list .