2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Claudius Zorokong, Rockland Trust Bank

“As a financier, colleague and friend, Claudius is truly a rising star in the affordable housing sector. He is a driving force behind Rockland Trust’s growing initiatives, expertly balancing technical financial acumen with a mission-driven focus. Whether navigating complex Low-Income Housing Tax Credit structures or collaborating with syndicators and housing agencies, his commitment never wavers. He is dedicated to improving the well-being of families and their communities.”

What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry, and what path brought you to your current role? Curiosity and a desire to change professions led me to real estate. I studied political science and worked in a congressional office for several years before deciding to pursue a career change. I entered the field through a real estate analytics firm, where I learned the fundamentals and realized I wanted to focus on real estate finance. After working in multifamily securitization, I was introduced to Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing, which opened my eyes to a new segment of CRE and the value it provides, especially for tenants of the resulting developments.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you?I’ve been fortunate to have many influential figures throughout my career. One piece of advice that’s stuck with me is to always have a succinct opinion. Said opinion does not necessarily need to always be correct – or even voiced, depending on the circumstance. Whether correct or not, the value is in thinking critically. A former manager always asked what I thought the solution was when I posed a question, which was frustrating at times, but forced deeper thinking and led to learning opportunities. I’ve come to appreciate the value of those moments and the lasting impact to my development.