WSFS Bank, the primary subsidiary of WSFS Financial, named James “Jim” Wechsler executive vice president, chief commercial banking officer, effective Jan. 1, 2025. In his new role, Wechsler will join the executive leadership team, reporting to Art Bacci, executive vice president and chief operating officer and oversee commercial and industrial banking, commercial real estate, treasury management, capital markets and equipment finance. Wechsler will assume the role as Steve Clark steps into a new role of senior advisor focused on business development, relationship management, and leadership support as part of WSFS’ succession planning.
“Jim is a respected leader with diverse experience in leadership roles at WSFS,” Rodger Levenson, chairman, president and CEO of WSFS, said. “His collaborative working style and leadership skills coupled with his deep industry knowledge and ability to lead the growth of our Commercial Division make him an ideal fit for this role. Jim’s promotion reflects our focus on overall talent development, having spent the majority of his career at WSFS, as well as our commitment to thoughtful and continual executive management succession planning.”
“Jim and Steve have worked closely for several years and will continue to do so to support a smooth leadership transition,” Levenson said. “We’d like to thank Steve for his 45 years, including 22 years at WSFS, of dedicated service to our industry and his clients. Steve has left an indelible mark on our company and our region’s economy, and we are all better off because of his efforts. We look forward to his continued guidance as he moves into the senior advisor role.”
Wechsler joined WSFS in 2010 and most recently held the role of chief operating officer, commercial banking. He has also held various senior roles at WSFS, including leading corporate development, strategic planning, consumer lending and small business banking. Wechsler received a B.S. in finance from University of Delaware and an MBA in finance and strategic management from Villanova University. He serves on the board of the Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation, JFCS of Greater Philadelphia and was a director of locally-based home equity lending company, Spring EQ, until its sale in 2023. He is a Delaware Valley native and resides in Newtown Square, PA with his wife and their two children.
