Kevin O’Connor likes to help people. This is one of the main reasons he became a banker more than 35 years ago and why he joined Valley Bank at the beginning of this year. The Valley platform allows him to be a trusted advisor, and an advocate for the community and our customers. He enjoys being part of a team, inspiring those who collaborate with him to embrace this philosophy.
He started his career in accounting but was frustrated by the transactional nature of the profession. Realizing accounting would not provide him with the experience and career path he wanted, he jumped at the opportunity to begin a banking career at North Fork Bank. At the time North Fork had just announced a transformational merger doubling in size and most importantly he was intrigued and inspired to work for John Kanas, its charismatic CEO and LI banking legend.
Rising through the ranks at North Fork gave Kevin the opportunity to experience all aspects of business and commercial banking. He also learned he had a passion for helping entrepreneurs and business owners — individuals who identify market needs, develop products or services, and create companies to capitalize on these opportunities. It also prepared him in 2007 to become the President and CEO of BNB Bank. This bank grew from a $600 million East End institution to over $6 billion spanning all Long Island and into New York City. This growth was principally organic, supplemented by key strategic acquisitions. In 2021, under his leadership, the bank successfully merged with Dime Community Bank. He led the combined institution through the pandemic and other challenges, stepping down at the end of 2023.
Fast forward to 2025. After a year of focusing on assisting non-profits, Kevin was again inspired by a bank CEO. His long-standing relationship and admiration for Valley Bank CEO Ira Robbins and their shared passion for what banks can do in the communities they serve was the real draw for him to join Valley as Long Island Market President.
“Ira has created an organization where everyone recognizes his vision and shares his enthusiasm and I knew I wanted to be a part of this movement,” Kevin stated. “Valley’s mission as a commercial bank built for growth resonates with me. Our bankers are committed to understanding the clients’ needs and their long-term goals. We are invested in our clients – helping them solve problems, identify new growth opportunities, and assist them in making community connections. These reasons attracted me to banking 35 years ago, and it is rewarding to collaborate with the excellent team at Valley today.”
Kevin is working to expand Valley’s commercial and business banking services as well as complimentary and specialized products in wealth management, treasury services and international offerings.
He will also continue his nonprofit work including serving as Executive Chairperson for the Long Island Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and on the executive committees of Suffolk County Community College and the Hauppauge Industrial Association and board member of United Veterans Beacon House and Pursuit Lending.
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