M&T Bank names Lazare as new regional president for New Jersey

Shannon Lazare has been named regional president of M&T Bank for New Jersey, succeeding Tom Comisky, ROI-NJ has learned.

Lazare, who joined M&T in 2013 as a senior relationship manager in business banking, has been regional manager since 2019. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, having previously worked at JP Morgan Chase, Wachovia and Valley National Bank.

In her new role, Lazere will lead M&T’s Garden State team and ensure the bank continues to serve its communities and customers. She will oversee all aspects of the bank’s commitment to community engagement, economic development and charitable initiatives for M&T in New Jersey, in addition to her current responsibilities as regional manager of commercial banking.

Lazare succeeds Comiskey, who was named area manager of M&T’s commercial bank last year after nine years as M&T’s New Jersey regional president.

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 commitment to promoting economic development align perfectly with M&T’s mission to support growth and create opportunity in New Jersey.”

Lazare is known for her commitment to fostering meaningful connections within the communities she serves. She is an active member of M&T’s New Jersey Charitable Foundation Committee, which awarded $2.7 million to more than 175 local nonprofits in 2023.

Lazare is a board member of the Bergen County Workforce Development Board, Pursuit CDC and Pony Power Therapies and is an honorary commander of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington County.

She said she is committed to serving the community for M&T.

“I am honored to assume the role of regional president and lead a team that is deeply committed to the growth and prosperity of New Jersey,” she said. “Together, we will continue to build on M&T Bank’s longstanding tradition of making a difference in the communities we serve. I am particularly committed to ensuring that M&T Bank meets the needs of local businesses and supports their efforts to create economic opportunities for our neighbors.”

Headquartered in Buffalo, M&T Bank has a strong presence in New Jersey with 64 branches and has been a top 10 SBA lender for 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 community needs.