A Spring Bank Staff Feature

With 2025 just beginning, we have much to reflect on and celebrate with our community. We’ve shared more customer success stories, reached more New Yorkers, and successfully amplified our mission of financial inclusion. And, in case you haven’t heard the great news yet,  we opened our first branch in Brooklyn, in the iconic neighborhood of Red Hook, making it the neighborhood’s first local bank in 10 years

As a community bank in New York, joining the Red Hook community resonated deeply with our commitment to financial inclusion and empowerment. After 10 years, Red Hook residents and small business owners no longer have to leave their neighborhood to access basic banking services like checking accounts and savings accounts. Our commitment is to be of service to our new neighbors, starting with getting to know the local community to understand and address their financial needs. We’ve hired the best of the best to lead the way.

ReyJane Gaudin joins us as Branch Manager at our Red Hook branch, bringing an extensive background in banking and a love for New York City.  Brooklyn-born and raised, ReyJane entered the banking industry as a teller and worked her way up to branch manager over 10 years.

“I initially wanted to be a teacher and had no interest in banking, but my godfather was in the financial industry and suggested that I do it. I said, you know what? No problem. Let’s see,” ReyJane tells us.

Motivated by her desire to be customer-facing and her interest in community and team development, ReyJane found she loved her growing career in banking.

“Service, education, and professional development are really important to me,” ReyJane shares. “I enjoy mentoring others and understanding what my staff is doing. Team development and community development are passions of mine.”

Since joining our team, ReyJane has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between our Bronx headquarters and our first branch in Brooklyn. In addition to her professional experience, she’s always advocated for community-driven organizations and stands firm on our mission of financial inclusion.

“We want Red Hook residents to know that we’re a bank with a mission and that they have options. Not only can they bank here, but they can afford to,” says ReyJane.

For example, we don’t require large balances to maintain a bank account with us, and we do our best to minimize all fees, including overdrafts.

“We’re not here to take money out of our customers’ pockets. We’re going to give them the tools and resources to manage their finances,” ReyJane emphasizes.

As we continue to get to know the Red Hook community, we’re lucky to have leaders like ReyJane who are committed to establishing trust and building relationships. She understands the fears associated with the banking industry and is determined to show Red Hook residents how community banks like ours stand out from big banks.

“We’re letting residents know that we offer products and services for this community because we understand the needs of the people that live here. We’re here to build trust and help them succeed. Everyone is a VIP here, whether you have five cents in your account or a million dollars,” says ReyJane.

If you’re in the Red Hook area and looking for a friendly New York banking partner, we’re here for you. Just like our Bronx branch, our Red Hook branch is employed by compassionate individuals like ReyJane, who are here to help you meet your financial needs.

“A majority of our staff lives in Brooklyn. Many of us can relate to what it’s like to have lived in NYCHA housing.  We serve people living on Van Brunt and people living in NYCHA housing or other areas of Red Hook,” says ReyJane. “We’re a bank for the people, for the community, and all of our products and services are tailored around putting money back into the community.”

We’re proud to have ReyJane on our team and look forward to building meaningful relationships with Red Hook residents. Together with our Red Hook team, ReyJane is working on outreach, community-building, and expanding our impact.

“I’m at a point in my career where I want to make an impact. I want to support people who may not have the education and the awareness of financial mastery.  I want them to know banking doesn’t have to be so transactional and that the bank can be a fun place,” ReyJane says.

At Spring Bank, our customers are more than a transaction – everyone is a VIP. We take the time to assess your goals and recommend the right banking solutions for you. Under ReyJane’s direction, we’re hopeful that we can change the narrative around banking and become a trusted banking partner to Red Hook residents.

Visit our Red Hook branch at 356 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY 11231, and discover our many banking solutions, including business bank accounts, small business lending, personal savings accounts, and personal checking accounts.