Meet Shareema Williams, Commercial Banking Officer

Shareema uses her 14 years of business development and analytical experience to meet, retain, and grow member relationships with a core focus on commercial and industrial borrowers. She assesses the best financial solutions to enhance her members' business model to aid them to meet their financial goals, ensuring a symbiotic relationship with her members along the way.

Q: What exactly is commercial banking? 

A: Commercial banking focuses on providing products and services that are specifically designed for a business and its varying needs. It is not a “one size fits all” model. Instead, we are challenged to think outside of the box, since what works for one business may not work for another. 

Q: How does what you do at TowneBank help our members?  

A: Our job is to help business members achieve their growth and profitability goals. Commercial banking is centralized on the old saying “it takes money to make money.” Think about a business that you frequent – for example a beauty spa. Now, think about what it took for that location to open, or for the business to expand to another location or introduce a new product line. Most businesses don’t have the capital needed to sustain continued growth. As commercial bankers, we help bridge the gap between what the owner can fund and what is needed to execute a project. 

Q: What differentiates TowneBank from other banks?

A: Our commitment to community service and community investment is unparalleled. We are renowned for our charitable contributions. In my experience meeting with prospects and members, the TowneBank commitment to the community matters. 

Q: If someone were debating between banking at TowneBank and another bank, why should they choose TowneBank?

A: TowneBank offers what I call “personal capital” – basically, the people that make up the Towne Family. Our high touch personal approach to serving our members allows us to offer concierge level service with a hometown feel. TowneBank isn’t a small bank, but we serve our members like we are. 

Q: What is your favorite thing about what you do?

A: The variability in the work that we do keeps things fresh and exciting. One day, I’m looking at an acquisition, and the next day a real estate investment or a business plan for a manufacturer or a distributor. My job allows me to learn about a lot of different industries and requires that I stay up to date on my specialty and how I can best help each member. 

Q: What are three traits that define TowneBank?

A: Community involvement, integrity, and sophisticated. 

Q: Where do you see changes coming in commercial banking in the next 2-3 years?

A: I think there is a bit of uncertainty about the economy. I think people are interested to see what that could mean for banking systems as it relates to the regulatory landscape.