WSFS Financial, the parent company of WSFS Bank, appointed Bernard “Bernie” Shields as executive vice president, Pennsylvania market president. In this role, Shields will report to executive vice president, chief commercial banking officer Jim Wechsler and will be responsible for influencing growth and sales strategies across the company’s markets, enhancing and optimizing relationships with current and prospective clients, and engaging in the local communities where WSFS associates live and work. Shields’ role is part of WSFS’ ongoing succession planning, assuming Patrick “Pat” Ward’s role. Ward will transition into a new role as executive vice president, senior advisor, focused on business development, relationship management and supporting various nonprofit organizations across the company’s footprint.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bernie to the WSFS team. His reputation as a leader in the Greater Delaware Valley’s business community is exceptional, and his deep expertise in commercial banking will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business. Bernie’s client-centric approach and proven ability to build and expand relationships make him the ideal person to step into this strategic role,” Wechsler said. “We’d also like to extend our deepest gratitude to Pat for his many years of dedicated service in the role of Pennsylvania market president and his significant contributions to WSFS. He has been instrumental in our success, and we’re fortunate to have his continued guidance in his new role.”
Shields is a highly respected banking executive with nearly 30 years of experience in the industry. He joins WSFS after more than 23 years at M&T Bank, where he most recently served as regional president for the Philadelphia and South Jersey markets. Shields earned his bachelor’s degree at Saint Joseph’s University and holds a juris doctor degree from Temple University. He also sits on the board of various local nonprofit and civic institutions.
