Thomas J. Shara, President & CEO

Lakeland Bank

On Feb 1, 2018

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Lakeland Bank was formed in 1969 by a group of local businessmen who had the entrepreneurial vision to establish a community-oriented bank governed by the philosophy that success comes from conducting business clearly and honestly.

Today, as we near our 50^th anniversary, the Bank stands at $5.4 billion in assets and has expanded its market footprint from the Hudson Valley region in New York State southward to Ocean County in New Jersey. Lakeland is large enough to compete across the financial services sector, while continuing to provide a banking experience that customers expect from their local community bank. This growth is a direct result of the commitment from our colleagues who persistently strive to embrace the vision and philosophy of our founding fathers as we all work together to fulfill our Bank’s promise to simplify banking for our customers.

As a community bank, being a responsible corporate citizen is very important to us. Lakeland participates in countless community events throughout the year, and supports many charities through corporate contributions and colleague volunteerism. This year, Lakeland Bank was honored to be recognized for its Annual Scholarship Golf Outing, which provided scholarships to students from 50 local high schools in 2016. The Bank has hosted the Scholarship Golf Outing for 44 years to raise funds to support those who need help to pursue a higher education. Through this event, over $1 million has been distributed to local students who have demonstrated academic success and need financial assistance to attend college. As a responsible corporate citizen, Lakeland Bank believes in building strong, healthy and vibrant neighborhoods, because our colleagues live, work and play in these communities too.

Lakeland Bank continues to make strides toward its vision to be the leading community bank in the markets we serve while adapting to an ever-changing banking environment. We are focused on enhancing customized experiences across all service channels with an increased emphasis on technologies that have a positive impact on the customer experience. The Bank’s future success will be measured by our commitment to be a trusted partner for our customers, to delivering value for our shareholders, and to providing an inspiring workplace for our colleagues.

VITAL STATS

Education

Master’s degree in business administration from Fairleigh
Dickinson University

Years with Company

Awards

America’s 50 Most Trustworthy Financial Companies – 2014, 2016 (Forbes)
New Jersey’s Fastest Growing Companies – 2017 (NJBiz)
Sandler O’Neill Sm-All Stars Class of 2017 (Sandler O’Neill)
Champions of Good Works – 2015, 2017 (CIANJ & Commerce Magazine)
Voted Best Bank Sussex County for 12 consecutive years

Affiliations

Director, New Jersey Bankers Association
Director, Commerce and Industry Association of NJ
Vice-Chairman, Chilton Medical Center Foundation
Board of Trustees, Boys and Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic
American Bankers Association

Contact Info

250 Oak Ridge Road
Oak Ridge, NJ 07438

Phone: 973-697-2000
Website: LakelandBank.com

Facebook: @LakelandBank
LinkedIn: Lakeland Bank