Most days you’ll find Julia Anne Slom at her desk at the Washington Trust Co. reviewing real estate financing deals. The senior vice president of the bank’s commercial real estate group now has an additional hat to wear.
In May, she was elected to the board of directors of Grow Smart Rhode Island, an organization that advocates for sustainable economic growth. Slom recently took some time to discuss her new role.
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PBN: Why did you want to become involved with Grow Smart Rhode Island?
SLOM: My professional life focuses on providing sound financial solutions for commercial real estate clients while simultaneously delivering well performing profitable assets for my company and its shareholders. I am also personally committed to the premise that commercial real estate projects can evolve in today’s world to meet society’s needs while also being cognizant and respectful of our natural resources and quality of life. As an (almost) life long resident of Rhode Island, I want to see that happen. I believe that development and preservation are not mutually exclusive, and that Grow Smart is a catalyst for making that a reality.
PBN: Are there any specific initiatives you would like to spearhead while on the board?
SLOM: Spearhead? Initially, I want to understand more about the work that Grow Smart does and am open to help in any way that I can. I need to participate before I can lead!
PBN: You come at the position with a background in commercial real estate financing. What vantage point does that offer you?
SLOM: I think it offers me the ability to bring the developer’s perspective to the table, as I meet with developers regularly to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face. I believe most appreciate what we have and want to preserve it but can be frustrated by potential roadblocks such as cost and restrictions. Working with Grow Smart can help bring all sides together to formulate solutions.
PBN: How about Grow Smart itself? What do you see as the organization’s biggest challenges and opportunities in the next year or so?
SLOM: I think Grow Smart is facing the same challenges that we all see regionally and nationally. We cannot put the “grow” in “grow smart” until we have some economic reform and job growth, which will help the housing market and the overall economy. When that happens, we can think about new growth in real estate!
PBN: I understand that Washington Trust has held a seat on the Grow Smart board in the past. Why as a bank join such an organization?
SLOM: Washington Trust is a Rhode Island-based business and our employees are members of the Rhode Island community, so we have a commitment to making sure our corner of the world is vibrant and special. The only way we can do that is to be involved and take a leadership role in the organizations and activities that can truly make a difference and affect change for the positive. Grow Smart is just that type of organization and I’m honored to work with them.
