NEW HAVEN, CT - First Niagara today announced it has named John K. Jepson Jr. as Vice President of Commercial Lending for Northern Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. Jepson will develop and manage commercial relationships throughout the region, serving businesses with annual revenues ranging from $2 million to $25 million. He will support the bank’s existing commercial relationships and will be responsible for generating new commercial banking opportunities by growing commercial loans and deposit relationships with area businesses. Jepson will report to First Vice President, Joseph Shaw, who manages the business banking teams in Greater Hartford, Greater Manchester, and Western Massachusetts.
“John is an accomplished lending professional with a proven track record of serving businesses in a wide range of industries,” Senior Vice President and Market Executive - Commercial Banking, James Bzdyra said. “John’s experience working with middle market companies and his knowledge of the local market made him a great fit for this position, and we are thrilled to have him on our team at First Niagara.”
Jepson joins First Niagara from Farmington Bank where he served since 2004, most recently as Senior Vice President/Team Leader – Commercial Lending. Prior to Farmington Bank, Jepson was a commercial lender with UPS Capital Business Credit.
“First Niagara’s commitment to the community and desire to help expand the operations of local businesses were major factors in my decision to join the company,” said Jepson. “I have worked in banking for over 20 years and look forward to using my experience to assist area businesses in their growth and success.”
Jepson earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Boston University and received his M.B.A. from the University of Hartford. He resides in Hebron, Connecticut with his wife and three daughters. Jepson serves as Board Member and was former President for the Hebron Soccer Association, and is also currently a soccer coach in Hebron. Previously he served as a Board Member for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation and Corporate Co-Chair for the organization’s Promise Ball.
Jepson will serve clients from First Niagara’s Manchester office, located at 923 Main Street, Manchester, and First Niagara’s Windsor office, located at 2133 Poquonock Avenue.
