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The basics:

• Valley Bank enters Arizona with new Phoenix-based commercial banking team
• Expansion targets middle-market companies across the Southwest
• Builds on existing presence via Dudley Ventures affiliate
• Part of broader national growth strategy in high-growth markets

Valley Bank is expanding its commercial banking footprint into Arizona.

The financial institution said April 14 it will establish a new commercial and industrial-focused team in the Phoenix market. The move is part of the bank’s broader strategy to target high-growth, relationship-driven regions across the United States.

It also builds on Valley’s existing presence in Arizona through its tax credit advisory affiliate. Dudley Ventures has operated in the state for years. Moving forward, it will serve as an anchor point for the bank’s expanded commercial banking platform.

The Phoenix-based launch will offer underwriting, treasury and relationship management capabilities designed to serve middle-market companies across the Southwest.

Morristown-headquartered Valley said the move reflects its broader strategy of disciplined, talent-led growth in markets with strong population, capital investment and business formation trends.

The Arizona push also expands Valley’s reach into six of the top 10 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas. The MSA collectively represents more than $2.3 trillion in deposits and over 135,000 small and midsize businesses.

A ‘meaningful milestone’

“Our expansion into Arizona is a meaningful milestone for Valley and a natural extension of our commercial banking strategy,” said Gino Martocci, president of commercial banking at Valley. “Arizona is one of the fastest growing and most capital-intensive economies in the nation.

“With population growth exceeding the U.S. average, more than $30 billion in annual business investment, and over $165 billion committed to advanced manufacturing alone, the state is attracting companies that are scaling rapidly and investing for the long term. … As one of the strongest regional banks in the country, we continue to invest strategically in markets where we can differentiate ourselves with experience and responsible scale, and deliver long term value for our clients and shareholders.”

Regional President of Commercial Banking Matt Weidle will oversee the Arizona expansion. Heath Schied joins as regional president and will lead on the ground, along with Arizona Market President Patrick Epum and Senior Relationship Manager Chad Hunter. The team brings deep middle-market lending, treasury, and relationship banking experience across the Phoenix and broader Southwest region.

As one of the strongest regional banks in the country, we continue to invest strategically in markets where we can differentiate ourselves with experience and responsible scale, and deliver long term value for our clients and shareholders.
– Gino Martocci, president of commercial banking, Valley Bank

“Together, Arizona and the broader Southwest are driving a disproportionate share of U.S. population growth, capital investment, and job creation. With multitrillion-dollar regional GDP, sustained in-migration, and billions in annual private investment, the Southwest continues to emerge as one of the most dynamic commercial banking markets in the country,” said Weidle. “We’ve assembled an exceptional team to anchor our entry into Arizona.”

“This expansion builds on momentum we’ve established in other growth markets and reflects our confidence in the long term opportunity in Arizona,” Martocci added. “We are investing in top talent, staying disciplined in our approach, and focusing on markets where we believe Valley can truly differentiate.”

Small business banking leadership

The national growth comes on the heels of a recent leadership announcement from Valley.

On April 9, the bank named Jonas Ng head of small business banking. The move further reinforces the bank’s focus on scaling across the full business lifecycle.

According to Valley, Ng will lead small business strategy, working to strengthen relationship-driven financial solutions for entrepreneurs. Ng will also enhance capabilities across deposits, lending, digital channels and client engagement.

“Small businesses are at the center of the communities we serve,” said Patrick Smith, president of consumer banking. “They are builders, employers, and problem-solvers that rely on financial partners who understand their needs and show up consistently. Jonas brings the right experience and perspective to continue strengthening how we support this important segment.”

“Small business owners value speed, clarity, and trusted relationships,” said Ng. “Valley’s model, combining local decision-making with a full range of capabilities, positions the Bank to deliver in a way that is both personal and highly effective.”

Ng’s appointment also reflects Valley’s broader strategy of building an integrated platform that connects small business, middle-market and commercial banking relationships across its expanding footprint.

Taken together, the Arizona expansion, regional growth in Florida, and leadership additions underscore continued momentum for Valley Bank toward its “own the middle” strategy.

NJBIZ reported earlier in the year on the bank’s recent performance and direction. As it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, Valley continues to invest in talent, technology and market expansion, positioning itself as a relationship-driven regional bank with growing national reach.