Meet Todd Warren, Bay Bank's New Baltimore Market President

05/09/2016| Amanda Winters

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Meet Todd Warren, Bay Bank's New Baltimore Market President

05/09/2016 | Amanda Winters

Bay Bank wants to help grow Baltimore's next generation of entrepreneurs. To reach that goal, the company must expand its reach in the Baltimore regionand that's where Todd Warren comes in.

Warren was recently named Bay Bank's new Baltimore Market President and Senior Vice President.Hejoins the companyafter nearly 20 years in the banking industry, including leadership and lending roles at Sandy Spring Bank, Susquehanna Bank, and Bank of America.

"Todd's deep knowledge of the Baltimore market, his innovative approach to solving problems and his professional commitment to ensure customer success make him a perfect fit for Bay Bank," said Joe Thomas, Bay Bank President and CEO.

Todd Warren sat down with MDBizNews to answer a few questions about Bay Bank's expansion and his plans for the Baltimore community.

What was your first experience with the banking industry? How did that shape your impression of banks?
I started my banking career as a platform banker at Nations Bank in Hampden nearly 20 years ago. Even though Nations Bank was a large bank, I felt deeply connected to the Hampden residential and business community. I was appreciative of the way bankers were respected in that community, and it was rewarding to see how much of a difference I could make in people's lives. When I speak about banking, I often say that I have the greatest job because I make people's dreams come true, whether the dream is buying a first home or starting a business.

What made you decide to join the industry?
I was given the opportunity to interview with a local banking legend, Joe Borkowicz, at a job fair. I had just moved to the Baltimore area from Erie, PA and was exploring a career move into pharmaceutical and industrial sales. I remember Joe saying during the interview that my mom would be so proud of her son, the banker. That moment influenced my decision to begin transitioning my career to banking.

In your new position, you will be working with the Baltimore market. What plans do you have for the region?
Baltimore is a dynamic market with a lot going for it. In 2015 it was included in Greatist's "20 Best Cities for 20-Somethings" and was named a "Hot Startup U.S. City" by Entrepreneur. The Port of Baltimore is one of the fastest growing ports on the East Coast and is one of the few ports capable of accommodating new, larger ships that travel through the expanded Panama Canal. The Port Covington project, the home of the new Under Armour headquarters, will create a new business center for Baltimore. In addition, Baltimore's world-class healthcare industry is bringing development in the form of new biotech centers and other medical research and development.

I have inherited a great team, and I plan to expand it to concentrate on growing our business in four areas: healthcare, transportation, cybersecurity and government contracting. Bay Bank has made several exciting announcements in recent months, including the acquisition of Hopkins Federal Savings Bank and we plan to grow our Baltimore loan portfolio by over $50 million in 2016.

With a focus on the strong entrepreneurial spirit present in Baltimore and surrounding counties, Bay Bank wants to be the bank to help the city's young entrepreneurs become the Under Armour of tomorrow.

How has your experience at other Maryland banks prepared you for this transition?
Working in this industry for almost 20 years, I have been able to form relationships with a large number of community leaders as well as some strong bankers. I believe my experience in the market will allow me to not only develop new customer relationships but also recruit talented employees so we can continue to provide the excellence, professionalism and high standards that Bay Bank is known for.

As a community bank, how can Bay Bank work closer with local businesses?
As the bank built by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, we know what it takes to build and grow a company. With a high lending capacity, we have the ability to meet the needs of the market. We have local decision makers to help business owners with their financial needs, and we also help them make connections with other business leaders in the Baltimore region. Ultimately, we're much more than a bankwe're a business partner to our customers and a committed member of the business community.

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