Five Questions With: Erin Mallo

Erin Mallo was recently named vice president and branch sales manager for BankNewport’s new branch in the Wayland Square neighborhood on the East Side of Providence. The branch at 5 Angell St. opened on Nov. 14, and the bank hosted a two-day open house event on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

The Middletown-based bank hasn’t revealed the cost of the building renovation to create the new branch. Mallo is part of a seven-member staff there, including residential and business banking representatives, as well as a representative from the bank’s subsidiary, OceanPoint Insurance. Mallo is responsible for branch operations, business development and staff development.

A resident of East Providence, Mallo came to BankNewport from Bank of America Corp., where she served as assistant vice president and financial center manager for the bank’s Providence office. Before getting into banking, Mallo earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Rhode Island College.

 

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PBN: You have an education degree. So how did you get into banking?

MALLO: I had wanted to be a teacher as long as I could probably talk … well, a teacher and a mother! While pursuing my degree in early education at Rhode Island College, I worked in a temporary position at Bank of America. As my graduation date approached, I realized how much I enjoyed banking. After I completed my degree, I received a promotion and realized that banking was my new career of choice.

PBN: Why did you choose to join BankNewport?

MALLO: As soon as I was introduced to BankNewport, I realized that my personal values were aligned with the bank’s core values, which focus on commitment to our customers, investment in our communities, empowering our team and celebrating the individuality of every one of us.

Transitioning from a large national bank to a community bank presented an exciting opportunity to directly serve and impact customers and our communities. We have large bank offerings combined with high-touch interaction. Our decisions are made locally, right here in Rhode Island. So regardless of what our customers’ needs are, they receive personalized service, a hallmark that has made BankNewport a true community bank for 200 years.

PBN: In your new role, what sort of things will you be responsible for?

MALLO: As branch sales manager, and with a great opportunity to be part of a new branch opening, my primary focus will be business development, community involvement, networking and developing our new team of bankers, who are excited to provide their banking expertise to our new East Side neighbors.

PBN: The new branch is in the center of what’s considered Providence’s most affluent neighborhood. How will the bank’s services and products align with this certain market?

MALLO: Our products and services meet the needs of all Rhode Islanders, regardless of what neighborhood they live in. We’re excited that the footprint of this office allows us to have space dedicated to our subsidiary, OceanPoint Insurance, providing the best of one-stop shopping.

My South Angell team is well-versed in all aspects of the bank’s products – and they live and work in the community. We know so many customers and neighbors by name – and we encourage them to call or email us directly any time. We are available to assist.

PBN: What challenges have you been dealing with in heading a new branch?

MALLO: One of my biggest goals is to get to know our neighbors and introduce them to BankNewport. The bank has served generations of families and businesses for 200 years. My team and I look forward to continuing BankNewport’s role as a true community partner and neighbor, so you’ll see our team actively engaged in our community – whether it be sharing our expertise through financial-education workshops or rolling up our sleeves to have direct impact on our communities where we all live and work.

Scott Blake is PBN staff writer. Email him at Blake@PBN.com.