Provident Bank promoted Walter Sierotko to executive vice president, chief lending officer.

Sierotko, who is based in Iselin, NJ, will be responsible for the strategic direction of the commercial lending function of the bank and will oversee the management and development of the bank’s commercial lending lines of business. In addition, as a member of the bank’s executive management team, he will work closely with senior leaders to focus on the strategic growth of lending and deposit relationships.

“I’m confident in Walt’s ability to strengthen and lead our overall commercial lending efforts. Since joining Provident in November 2015, his leadership has contributed to the steady growth and profitability of the bank’s commercial real estate lending portfolio,” Chris Martin, chairman, president and CEO of Provident Bank, said. “Walt’s expertise and commitment to our lending strategy firmly positions us for the continued growth of our commercial lending business.”

Sierotko has more than 30 years of banking experience in commercial real estate lending and credit administration. He previously served as executive vice president, director of real estate lending for Provident. Sierotko also has held senior leadership positions with Bank of New York, HSBC and Wells Fargo.

Provident Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, which reported assets of $9.81 billion as of December 31, 2019. With $7.10 billion in deposits, Provident Bank has a network of branches throughout northern and central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.