Valley National Bank opens first Staten Island branch: Here’s what we know about the financial institution

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Valley National Bank, a regional financial institution with over 230 branch locations across six states, has introduced its services to Staten Island, opening a full-service branch at 1731 Victory Blvd. in Castleton Corners.

“We already have approximately 3,000 clients who live on Staten Island and who have selected Valley as their bank,” noted Mark Beausoleil, Valley’s head of retail banking. “And since customers are the center of our business model, we decided it was important to open a branch here in the borough.”

Offering a full range of both personal and business banking services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards and investment management, plus digital banking options, Valley celebrated its Staten Island launch on April 28.

“We offer the same products and services that larger banks do, but have the heart and soul of a small-town bank,” noted Gail Castellano, senior vice president and division head of Valley’s Staten Island branch. “We are different than larger banks, because we really know our customers. We are able to have a relationship with each one of our clients because of our size.”

Castellano, who was hired to lead the bank’s expansion into Staten Island, has a long history in the banking industry: Prior to joining Valley, she enjoyed a 30-year career at Flagstar/New York Community Bank. Dedicated to the Staten Island community, she serves on the Executive Board of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island and is a director for the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the St. George Theatre. She is also a member of the Wagner College DaVinci Society Executive Committee and the co-chair of the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp Walk.

And that kind of community outreach is an important part of Valley’s mission.

“Valley has an intense commitment to community,” Beausoleil said. “We are very actively involved, not just by attending galas or events, but through giving back as well. We are aiming to be a community partner, and that is a big reason why Valley chose Gail to lead the Staten Island expansion. She is the epitome of a relationship banker. Everyone knows Gail, and she knows everyone too.”

Also joining the Valley team on Staten Island are three other veteran bankers: Rita Pirrone as vice president and market manager, Narmada Tissera as vice president and retail business development officer, and Mark Giacalone as vice president, business banker II.

According to a press release provided by Valley, Pirrone has over 35 years of banking experience and is responsible for business development, deposit growth, customer relations, recruiting, and overseeing the overall operations of Valley’s first retail branch in the Staten Island market. Tissera, who has more than 20 years of banking experience, is responsible for business development, community engagement and cultivating strong customer relationships. And Giacalone, who has more than a decade in private and business banking, is responsible for delivering tailored financial solutions to high-net-worth clients and business owners, helping them navigate challenges and plan for long-term success.

“They each have the same passion I have for helping clients,” Castellano said of her team. “We answer our cell phones 24/7 and are directly available to anyone who needs us.”

Founded in 1927 as the Passaic Park Trust Company, the bank changed its name in the mid 1930s to the Bank of Passaic and Trust Company. In 1956, the Bank acquired the Bank of Allwood located in Clifton, New Jersey, and changed its name again to The Bank of Passaic and Clifton. The acquisition of the Bank of Wayne in 1976 created a need for a new identity, and the name Valley National Bank was chosen.

Today, the financial institution has over $62 billion in assets, operates predominantly in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Alabama, California, and Illinois, and has more than 3,800 employees.

The goal on Staten Island is to create a more personalized banking experience, even at a time when many other national banks are closing branches and moving toward digital services.

“Digital services are no doubt a part of our client experience, but we also recognize the importance of geography,” Beausoleil said. “If you have financial needs and want to talk about it — eye to eye with someone you trust — that’s what we’re here for. It doesn’t mean you won’t use digital for other things, but there is always a reason to work with a banker one-on-one, in-person.”

There are plans to celebrate the branch’s official grand opening sometime in the fall, and then the bank will focus on exploring additional expansion options.

“We’re going to monitor our operations closely and look to see if there is demand for additional branches — we have our finger on the pulse,” Beausoleil concluded. “The neighborhood is happy that we are here, and if it’s feasible to expand that reach into more Staten Island communities, we will consider it.”