Mark R. Smith joined the Sterling National Bank Commercial Banking Team as managing director. He will be based in Paramus, NJ and will be responsible for expanding Sterling’s presence with middle market companies throughout the state.

Smith brings broad commercial banking experience with a focus on the middle market, corporate banking and capital markets, as well as expertise in new business development, strategic planning and client relationship management.

Smith was formerly executive vice president and head of Capital Markets at Capital One Bank, where he was responsible for establishing and leading the Capital Markets business within the commercial banking division. Prior to joining Capital One, he worked in the commercial banking division of Wachovia Bank, where he led a team of middle market specialists across the Mid-Atlantic region.

“We are really excited to have Mark join our commercial banking team at Sterling,” said Vincent DeLucia, president of Sterling National Bank’s New York/New Jersey regional market. “He has a deep understanding of the commercial banking sector, and years of experience in serving the needs of middle market clients.”