Vales joins Rockland Trust’s Providence commercial lending team

Providence, RI Rockland Trust has expanded its Rhode Island commercial lending team with the appointment of Manuel Vales to senior vice president, commercial loan officer. In this role, Vales is responsible for cultivating and nurturing new and existing commercial client relationships.

Vales joins Rockland Trust having serviced and worked in the Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island markets for over three decades. Over Vales’ 35 years of experience, he has gained expertise in commercial loan structuring, client relationship management, loan workout, commercial OREO operations, and historic tax credit loans. 

“It is an absolute pleasure welcoming Manny to our growing team in Rhode Island,” said James O’Connor, a senior vice president within the commercial lending. 

“His diverse banking background enables him to uncover new ways to serve clients and build long-lasting relationships. Manny is an excellent addition to our group and the best person for this role.”

Prior to joining Rockland Trust, Vales had 27 years at Hospital Trust/BankBoston. He also took on many roles of increasing responsibility at Sovereign/ Santander within the Commercial Lending, Workout, Loan Sales and OREO areas. Most recently, Vales worked at Berkshire Bank through the acquisition of Savings Institute & Trust, where he served Southeastern Ma., Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut. Vales earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Insurance from the University of Rhode Island. 

Vales believes strongly in the community and the importance of affordable housing and accessibility to art programming, having served as the former chair of RI LISC and a board member of AS220 and Trinity Rep.