Business Before Hours “Is your Business Lender Ready” hosted by Valley Bank

Description

Is your business Lender Ready? The answer to that question could be the difference between success and failure. Join us for an important discussion about what’s working for our local businesses, and what you can do to help your company succeed! 
 
We are excited to host Business Before Hours on April 26, 2023 at 7:45 am.  We will be presenting as a panel discussion with Guest Speakers Thais Sullivan and Martine Pierre-Paul FVP, Regional Director of Community Lending FL/AL and Aquannette Thomas Vice President, Business Development Officer of Community Lending.

Thais R. Sullivan
 
Thais R. Sullivan joined Valley National Bank – Florida Division in September 2015, as the Vice President, Regional CRA/Commercial Lending Officer for the State of Florida.  In December 2018 she received a promotion to First Vice President.  In her role FVP/Regional CRA Officer she assisted Valley National Bank - Florida in achieving their CRA goals and the Bank receiving an overall “outstanding” rating.  On April 21, 2021 Thais was promoted to Senior Vice President/National Director of Community Lending.  This position will afford her the opportunity to focus on minority and women owned businesses in New York, New Jersey, Florida and AL in need of a trusted financial partner to assist them achieving their business goals.
 
Thais graduated with honors in 1998, with a Bachelor of Business Degree from Barry University while working during the day, and attending school in the evenings.
 
Thais has been in involved with the Palm Beach County Community for 30+ years, while working for various banking institutions.  In 2013 Thais was recognized as one of the Most Influential & Prominent Black Women in Business in Palm Beach County by Legacy Palm Beach.  As a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County in 2010, she continues to be involved with the Organization and Alumni.  From 1979 to current Thais has been involved with the following organizations either through volunteering or as a Member of the Board: Neighborhood Lending Partners (NLP), SunFest of Palm Beach County, The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Foundation, Paragon Florida, Urban League of Palm Beach County, The Anquan Bolding Foundation, The Black Chamber of Commerce, The Boys and Girls Club of Riviera Beach, The Business Loan Fund of Palm Beach County, Pompano Beach Loan Fund, LISC, Black Business Investment Corporation(BBIC), Palm Beach County Affordable Housing Collaborative, Community Reinvestment Group, Palm Beach County Finance Committee, The City of West Palm Beach, and the City of Riviera Beach.
 
Thais enjoys reading the Bible and sharing what she has learned with others, along with traveling, and bowling with her husband (Kyle), Sons (Kyle & Brandon) and Mother (Liz).
 
 
Martine Pierre-Paul
Martine Pierre-Paul is a First Vice President and Regional Director of Community Lending for Valley Bank in Florida and Alabama. A banking executive with a career spanning over 20 years, Martine has been helping businesses and entrepreneurs achieve their financial goals in New York, New Jersey, and now Florida and Alabama. A graduate of Leadership Boca, Class of 2017, she completed her undergraduate studies at Queens College in New York, and the University of Paris, Nanterre, where she studied Legal Communications and International Relations. Martine’s community involvement is extensive and includes active service to numerous non-profit organizations such as Boca Helping Hands, National Jewish Health, The Caribbean Bar Association, the American Cancer Society, the Salvation Army, and the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur Academy. Martine has two children and enjoys her life as a Dance and Golf mom. She loves all things related to Etiquette and the Royals and is the Founder of the Modern Etiquette and Leadership Academy.
 
Aquannette Thomas
 
As a highly accomplished professional, Aquannette offers 20+ years of experience and leadership within the banking industry. In her current role as the Vice President, Business Development Officer of Community Lending at Valley Bank, she assists women and minority-owned businesses who are often overlooked by larger institutions. As a DEI advocate, she believes that the growth of success of an organization is achieved through forward-thinking leaders who shape, strengthen, and embrace innovation by working alongside executive leadership to create an inclusive culture that empowers employees to thrive. Aquannette has been recognized for her efforts through the receipt of multiple awards and accolades. She is extremely passionate about serving her community and holds various board & committee appointments including but not limited to: Compass Community Center, St Mary’s Medical Center Foundation and Advisory Board Member of the Palm Beach County Commission on Affordable Housing. Aquannette holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Policy & Government and a Bachelor’s Degree in Supervision & Management with an emphasis in Healthcare Management. As a native of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aquannette is proud of her Caribbean heritage. She enjoys traveling and spending her free time with her family.