NewHavenBIZ

n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m | M a r c h 2 0 2 0 | n e w h a v e n B I Z 17 NEW HAVEN POWER 50 JAMES BARGER M A RKET PRESIDENT KEYBA NK, NEW H AV EN, Residence: New Haven College(s): University of Michigan, BS (physics); Cornell University, MBA Onetime submariner and 26-year veteran banker arrived in New Haven from Rochester, N.Y. last summer to become Key- Bank's point person for southern New England and boost the profile of the Cleveland-based bank ($145 billion in assets). Describe your role in your company and its impact: I am responsible for growing Key's business performance and community presence. I do this by direct leadership of the commercial banking team and facilitating collaboration and cohesiveness across all lines of business. I also have primary responsibility for Key's support of the community through philanthropic giving, employee engagement, sponsorships and other touchpoints. What personal characteristic has most contributed to your professional success — and how? I enjoy leadership. Since I started my career in the Navy on submarines, I've had the opportunity to lead. Of course, my style has evolved: Applying the same leadership approach in the Navy to banking doesn't really work! I seek to get beyond managing to leading. A well-led team is inspired and empowered. What advice would you give to young business professionals? Work hard and seek opportunities to learn by pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. Sometimes we get comfortable in a role where we are recognized as an expert. It is great to be an expert, but don't let this stagnate your development. FRANK HIRD, SIOR VICE PRESIDENT, OR&L COMMERCIA L, BR A NFOR D Residence: Branford College(s): University of New Haven, BS (business administration) ere are probably a few big commercial real estate deals that OR&L's Hird isn't involved in — but not many. In New Haven he leases and not long ago brokered the ($73 million) sale of 1 Long Wharf Drive. He represented the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities in its relocation to 545 Long Wharf Drive (30,000 s/f ). He just executed a 31,000 s/f warehouse/office lease to Red Bull Distribution at 34 Barnes Industrial Rd. South in Wallingford. rough SIOR he has completed some 14 office leases internationally and many across the U.S. Describe your role in your organization and its impact on the economy: Commercial real estate brokers are at the base of the economy. Every company, large or small needs space to operate, and brokers provide the link between companies and real estate. What personal characteristic has most contributed to your success? I don't shy away from change or challenge. If you step up to both in commercial real estate, you will see it pay dividends. What advice would you give to young professionals? Put that device down and listen to your client. What is unusual about you that most people don't know? I get up every day and look forward to going to work. JOHN R. ERMA PRESIDENT AT&T CONNECTICUT Residence: Fairfield College(s): Southern CT State University, BS (political science); Purdue University, MS (communications) In his eighth year as AT&T's top dog in Connecticut Emra has been an effective point person advancing the telecom giant's legislative and regulatory agenda in Hartford and beyond. Most recently helped broker pact with Lamont administration to upgrade wireless service on Metro North line — a welcome boon for rail commuters. What personal characteristic has most contributed to your professional success — and how? Persistence and a good sense of humor. None of the larger projects I ever worked on happened overnight. And there are days that will be worse than others, so a sense of humor about things helps to salve wounds, brighten spirits and get you back in the game. What advice would you give to young professionals? Always operate with integrity. Doing what is right is not only the right thing to do, but will make you someone others want to do business with and make you feel better about yourself. Second, learn to be a strong communicator. It is a skill that separates the leaders from the followers. Hot stove league: I love to cook and cook about 80 percent of the meals in our home. JEFF KLAUS REGIONA L PRESIDENT- CONNECTICUT W EBSTER BA NK Residence: New Haven College(s): Rutgers, BA; UConn, MBA Webster Bank's longtime Man About Town for the New Haven region, reliable civic pillar and all- around good guy. Currently chairs board of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, which is what civic pillars oen do. Describe your role in your organization and its impact on the greater New Haven economy: As regional president, I have statewide responsibilities in the area of community involvement and public affairs. I also have duties originating commercial banking business throughout the Northeast. My work in financing the growth of companies and industries in and my work with the chamber and the Regional Leadership Council combine to help make a significant impact in the economy of greater New Haven. What advice would you give to up-and-coming professionals, in finance or any other profession? Work hard. Be nice. Understand that being a successful professional or business owner in a for-profit business is in itself a wonderful asset and gi to the community. Something about you that not everyone knows? I have five wonderful children between the ages of 29 and 7. So I've been a perpetual Dad of young children for close to 30 years. My family is the gi that keeps giving. >> Corporate/Finance/Real Estate

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