J. Melvin Watkins

Senior Lending and Banking Operations Executive | Commercial and Real Estate Lending | Regional Sales Leader

Role: Senior Vice President Group Manager Commercial Banking at M&T Bank
Location: Richmond, VA, US
LinkedIn followers: 500 followers

Finance & AccountingView LinkedIn profile

About J. Melvin Watkins

Seasoned banking executive with 25+ years leading commercial and real estate lending teams across community-focused markets. Known for building strong, high-performing teams and mentoring lenders in a customer-first, relationship-driven sales culture. Proven success in developing lending strategies, overseeing credit policy, and ensuring compliance while driving portfolio growth. A collaborative leader who connects people, process, and purpose to deliver results and strengthen community impact. • Strategic Lending Oversight• Sales Leadership• People & Team Development• Credit Risk & Policy Management• Regulatory Compliance• Business Development• Product Innovation• Program Development & Management• Customer & Relationship Development• Portfolio Management

Experience

Senior Vice President Group Manager Commercial Banking
M&T Bank
Jan 2014 — Present · Richmond, VA, US
Established and lead middle market and real estate lending teams across Central and Southern Virginia- Develop strategy for commercial banking, treasury management, insurance, wealth management and execution in the market unit- Developed and mentored new lenders, instilling the organization’s credit culture and ensuring alignment with risk management standards and business objectives.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Science

Contact information

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Work email
j•••••••@mtb.com
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Current company

M&T Bank

Financial Services · 31K employees · Buffalo, New York, United States

Great companies have an enduring sense of purpose. At M&T, our purpose is a simple one: make a difference in people’s lives and uplift the communities we serve. Founded in 1856 in Buffalo, NY we are now a top 11 full-service US-based commercial bank with a retail footprint across the east coast and wealth services available nationwide and abroad. As a bank, we offer advice, guidance, expertise, and solutions across the entire financial spectrum that combines M&T’s traditional banking services with the wealth management and institutional capabilities offered by Wilmington Trust. We are a community-minded organization with more than 167 years of experience. We serve customers, community, and colleagues whether they be across the street, across the state or across the country. As an employer of choice, we are proud to offer competitive benefits ranging from medical and retirement to forty hours of paid volunteer time, each year. Our core values drive the work we do – integrity, ownership, collaboration, curiosity, candor and we seek to further build upon our record of success by bringing in top talent and fresh skill sets while continuing to support the growth and development of all our team members. M&T Bank is unwavering when it comes to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, age, disability, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local laws.

mtb.com

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About J. Melvin Watkins

Experience

Senior Vice President Group Manager Commercial Banking

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University

Find verified contacts for anyone on LinkedIn