Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Lori L. Czekaj-Thompson
Open To Work

Lori L. Czekaj-Thompson

Director, Western Pennsylvania Region
Fairview,PA

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Open to discussion

Desired Job Title

Director, Western Pennsylvania RegionVice President, Relationship Manager II - Commercial LendingBusiness BankingFiscal CoordinatorBusiness Development Officer II

Work Type

Full TimeContract WorkConsulting

Location Preference

RemoteHybrid
Location: Fairview, PA
Open to relocation: Yes

Salary Range

165000/yr - 200000/yr

Summary

Dynamic leader with extensive experience in business development and relationship management at Bridgeway Capital, Inc. Proven track record in driving loan origination and community development, leveraging strong financial analysis skills to exceed goals. Adept at fostering partnerships and enhancing profitability while championing economic opportunities in underserved areas.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Development Officer II

PNC Bank
01.2011 - 01.2013
  • drives company growth by sourcing new business opportunities, fostering client relationships, and implementing strategic sales plans. They analyze market trends, generate leads through networking, and often collaborate with marketing teams to increase profitability and market share. Common tasks include pitching services, negotiating contracts, and enhancing company revenue.

Market Area Manager and Vice President of Business Banking

First Commonwealth Bank
01.2008 - 01.2013
  • As Market Area Manager, I oversee operations, sales, and staff across multiple locations within a specific region, aiming to maximize profitability and ensure consistent company standards. Responsibilities include driving sales, mentoring managers, analyzing performance data, and implementing company strategies.

Business Development Officer II

First National Bank
Pittsburgh, Erie, PA
08.2014 - 12.2020
  • Oversaw new business development, cross-selling, and portfolio management in commercial lending, processing transactions from $750K to $4M across branches in Pittsburgh and Erie Metro.
  • Duties included structuring, pricing, underwriting, exception documentation, and business services promotion.
  • Ranked Top BDO in lending and referrals (2015-2016).
  • Awarded BDO of the Quarter and Star Power Award in 2017 for exceeding goals by 150%.
  • Managed largest business deposit: $55M in core deposits, $150K+ revenue, $14.5M loan production.
  • Named BDO of the Year in 2017 among 65 peers across six states.
  • Consistently top three in Business Development (2018-2020); four-time BDO of the Quarter; built partnerships with school districts, manufacturers, and private schools in Pittsburgh.

Director, Western Pennsylvania Region

Bridgeway Capital, Inc.
03.2025 - 02.2026
  • As Director of the region, I originate small business and commercial real estate loans, build relationships with lending partners, generate leads, and assess loan applicants through financial analysis.
  • I also conduct pre-screen credit reviews and manage the loan portfolio in line with Bridgeway Capital's mission.
  • Bridgeway Capital, a nonprofit CDFI, I work to advance economic opportunities in underserved communities by financing small businesses, nonprofits, and real estate projects, as well as offering business support and fostering community development.

Vice President, Relationship Manager II - Commercial Lending

Ameriserv Financial
08.2020 - 04.2024
  • Expanded market presence in Northern Pittsburgh, Erie, Ohio, and New York through networking and referrals.
  • Drove remote client growth and met annual deposit, loan, and fee income goals by promoting commercial lending in regions lacking local branches or advertising.
  • Managed client data, resolved issues, and prepared credit presentations.
  • Closed $4.78M in loans within three months of joining (2020), earning a 5% salary increase.
  • Exceeded 2021 goal by closing $14.3M in loans, including an equipment financier portfolio buy-out.
  • Led legal negotiations, documentation, and servicing agreements.
  • Promoted to Senior Manager in 2022 to oversee a $9.4M loan portfolio, collaborating with audit and legal teams and enhancing expertise in credit policy and compliance.

Fiscal Coordinator

University of Pittsburgh
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • manages an organization’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, payroll, and auditing, ensuring compliance with regulations. They prepare financial reports, track expenditures, and reconcile accounts, often acting as a liaison with funding sources.

Education

Commercial Lending and Risk Assessment - Financial Analysis

ACCAS
Remote
05-2025

MBA - International Finance

Point Park University
Pittsburgh
06-2000

BS - Business Finance & Psychology

University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
08-1999

Doctoral Studies - Finance

Robert Morris University
Moon Twp. PA

Skills

  • Business development
  • Time management
  • Relationship management
  • Financial sales
  • Credit risk analysis
  • Loan underwriting
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Presentation skills
  • Independent work
  • Team collaboration
  • Nonprofit engagement
  • Community development

Timeline

Director, Western Pennsylvania Region

Bridgeway Capital, Inc.
03.2025 - 02.2026

Vice President, Relationship Manager II - Commercial Lending

Ameriserv Financial
08.2020 - 04.2024

Business Development Officer II

First National Bank
08.2014 - 12.2020

Fiscal Coordinator

University of Pittsburgh
01.2013 - 01.2014

Business Development Officer II

PNC Bank
01.2011 - 01.2013

Market Area Manager and Vice President of Business Banking

First Commonwealth Bank
01.2008 - 01.2013

Commercial Lending and Risk Assessment - Financial Analysis

ACCAS

MBA - International Finance

Point Park University

BS - Business Finance & Psychology

University of Pittsburgh

Doctoral Studies - Finance

Robert Morris University
Lori L. Czekaj-ThompsonDirector, Western Pennsylvania Region