Shannon Lazare has been named M&T Bank’s New Jersey Regional President, succeeding Tom Comisky in the role.
Lazare, who joined M&T in 2013 as a senior relationship manager with business banking, has held the role of regional manager since 2019. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, having previously worked with J.P. Morgan Chase, Wachovia and Valley National Bank.
In her new role, Lazere will lead M&T’s team in the Garden State, ensuring that the bank continues to serve its communities and customers. She will oversee all aspects of the bank’s involvement in community engagement, economic development, and charitable initiatives for M&T in New Jersey along with her current duties as business banking regional manager.
Lazare succeeds Comiskey, who, after serving as M&T’s New Jersey regional president for nine years, was elevated last year to an area executive in its commercial bank.
Comiskey applauded the announcement.
“Shannon is a proven leader, and her experience growing up and working in New Jersey has given her a deep understanding of the market and a strong commitment to community engagement,” he said.
“Shannon’s extensive banking experience and dedication to fostering economic development align perfectly with M&T’s mission to support growth and create opportunities in New Jersey.”
Lazare is known for her commitment to fostering meaningful connections within the communities she serves. She is an active member of the M&T’s New Jersey Charitable Foundation Committee, which awarded $2.7 million to more than 175 local nonprofits in 2023.
Lazare serves as a board member of the Bergen County Workforce Development Board, Pursuit CDC, and Pony Power Therapies, and is the honorary commander for the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington County.
She said she is eager to serve the community for M&T.
“I am honored to step into the role of Regional President and lead a team that is deeply committed to New Jersey’s growth and prosperity,” she said. “Together, we’ll keep building on M&T Bank’s longstanding tradition of making a difference for the communities we serve. I am especially determined to ensure M&T Bank meets the needs of local businesses and supports their efforts to create economic opportunities for our neighbors.”
M&T Bank, headquartered in Buffalo, has a strong presence in New Jersey with 64 branches and has been among the top 10 SBA lenders for the past 10 years. The bank’s local engagement model ensures that decisions about community activities, grants, and lending are made locally, allowing for a more personalized approach to meeting the needs of the community.