Meet Matt Clarke, Regional President, Chesterfield
Matt Clarke has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and is a leader skilled in building commercial client relationships primarily in Virginia.
Active in the Chesterfield community, Matt is the immediate past chair of the YMCA of Greater Richmond and currently serves as the VP of Operations on the board of the Chesterfield Education Foundation. Matt received his MBA from George Mason University in Finance and Marketing and his bachelor's degree in Economics from The College of William and Mary.
We sat down with Matt and asked him a few questions about his career, his role at TowneBank and the new Chesterfield location:
Q: What got you interested in the financial services industry?
A: I became interested in the financial services industry back in college. I had an economics professor that encouraged me to continue learning about monetary policy and the banking industry. Right after college I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to lead a team. It was then that I realized that leading team members to provide services to meet the financial needs of our customers was my passion.
Q: What differentiates TowneBank from some of the other banks you've worked for?
A: TowneBank is different in that it is all about people banking with people. A lot of other banks are going to models that are all about systems and processes banking with people. It's the human element that differentiates TowneBank.
Q: How do you think the events of 2020 will impact banking?
A: In 2020 you will see larger banks continue to consolidate into larger metro areas and rely on call centers and online systems to manage their clients in the smaller markets with individuals that have limited knowledge of their communities. TowneBank fills the niche in markets where businesses and individuals want to bank with a local banker.
Q: Can you tell me about some of the people who are on your team?
A: The new Chesterfield Financial Center will have local commercial bankers, private bankers, consumer bankers, and mortgage bankers. The bankers on the team all have more than 15 years of experience and are already engaged in Chesterfield. Some of them grew up in the area.
Q: What excites you the most about the new Chesterfield Financial Center?
A: Having a bank that is dedicated and engaged in a market because our bankers live, work, and are invested in that local market excites me most. Our goal at TowneBank is to become a true asset to the entire Chesterfield community.
Q: How do you see TowneBank positively impacting the Chesterfield area?
A: TowneBank has been in the Richmond area for the past five years. Focusing on the Chesterfield community specifically, allows us to engage and stay connected on a local level—to know what is needed in the community. We will have a local advisory board that will help keep us informed and engaged. And we will work closely with local nonprofits to make sure we are helping members in Chesterfield. TowneBank will be a valued partner to Chesterfield businesses and residents.
