#United States #Rising Stars #Manasquan Bank #Wall Township #Education Scholarship

A Night to Remember: Honoring the Rising Stars of Manasquan Bank

On November 13, 2025, at the exquisite Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, NJ, the NJBankers Rising Star Awards celebrated the dedication and achievements of emerging leaders in the banking industry. Among the honorees were Tracy Woodfield and Megan Murphy from Manasquan Bank, both recognized for their outstanding contributions and leadership under the age of 40.

The NJBankers Rising Star Awards aims to honor those individuals who have demonstrated remarkable commitment to their communities and the banking sector. The evening involved a cocktail reception followed by a dinner and awards ceremony, showcasing the next generation of banking leaders. As James S. Vaccaro, Manasquan Bank’s Chair, President, and CEO stated, "We are incredibly proud of Tracy and Megan being recognized as Rising Stars by NJBankers. Their leadership embodies the core values we uphold."

Megan Murphy: A Force in Banking
Megan Murphy serves as Vice President and Commercial Lender and has made an indelible mark on Manasquan Bank since her entry as a Credit Analyst in 2017. She is celebrated not only for her professional excellence but also for her leadership throughout the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By spearheading the Bank's transition to the SBA's PPP loan portal, she displayed her capability to adapt and lead in times of crisis.

Her notable efforts included leading internal training while acting as the primary liaison between vendors and clients. She streamlined loan processes, initiated efforts to boost SBA financing, and established herself as the go-to expert for complex referrals. Beyond her role in the corporate world, Megan is deeply involved in community service initiatives and internal committees, demonstrating a tireless dedication to the community and ongoing professional development.

Tracy Woodfield: Crafting Experiences for Success
Recognized as the Assistant Vice President and Learning Development Manager, Tracy Woodfield is integral in shaping the foundational learning experiences at Manasquan Bank. Her welcoming demeanor ensures that new hires experience a smooth transition into the organization—leaving a profound and positive impression from day one.

Tracy’s inspirational leadership style makes her a sought-after mentor within the organization, where her guidance and expertise play a crucial role in shaping the professional journeys of many employees. Her contributions have significantly enriched the corporate culture, fostering an environment of learning and growth.

Honoring Educational Pursuits
In addition to recognizing the leadership of Tracy and Megan, the event spotlighted Julie Olters, Marketing Communications Coordinator, who was honored with the Constantine G. Callas Progressive Education and Work Ethic Memorial Scholarship. This award is intended for employees of New Jersey financial institutions committed to ongoing education in finance. Sponsored by George Callas of the Invictus Group, the scholarship pays tribute to his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and emphasis on education.

As Jim Vaccaro highlighted, "We wholeheartedly congratulate Julie on being this year’s recipient of the Constantine G. Callas Educational and Work Ethic Memorial Scholarship. Julie exemplifies the essence and purpose of this award."

About Manasquan Bank
Manasquan Bank, established in 1874, is a community bank headquartered in Wall Township, NJ, and maintains consolidated assets of $3.4 billion. The bank is recognized for its commitment to technological innovation while delivering traditional banking services through fifteen branches across Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. Through its Charitable Foundation, Manasquan Bank passionately supports non-profit initiatives aimed at improving the community.

To learn more about Manasquan Bank and its community initiatives, visit www.manasquan.bank.