WSFS Bank Appoints Bernard Shields as Executive Vice President and Pennsylvania Market President
Bernard Shields, Executive Vice President, WSFS Bank Pennsylvania Market President • Photo Credit: WSFS Bank
WILMINGTON, Del., October 15, 2025 (FINANCE INTERVIEWS) — Financial services company WSFS Financial Corporation, the parent company of WSFS Bank, has announced the appointment of Bernard (Bernie) Shields as Executive Vice President and Pennsylvania Market President.
Finance Blog
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Finance Blog •
In his new role, Shields will report to Jim Wechsler, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer. He will oversee growth and sales strategies across the company’s Pennsylvania markets, manage client relationships, and participate in local community engagement efforts. The appointment is part of the company’s succession planning as Patrick (Pat) Ward, the current Pennsylvania Market President, transitions into a new position as Executive Vice President and Senior Advisor focused on business development, relationship management, and nonprofit support.
Finance News
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Finance News •
“We are thrilled to welcome Bernie to the WSFS team. His reputation as a leader in the Greater Delaware Valley’s business community is exceptional, and his deep expertise in commercial banking will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business. Bernie’s client-centric approach and proven ability to build and expand relationships make him the ideal person to step into this strategic role,” said Jim Wechsler, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer at WSFS Bank.
Shields brings nearly 30 years of experience in banking, having spent more than two decades at M&T Bank, where he most recently served as Regional President for the Philadelphia and South Jersey markets. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph’s University and a Juris Doctor degree from Temple University. He also serves on the boards of several local nonprofit and civic organizations.
“We’d also like to extend our deepest gratitude to Pat for his many years of dedicated service in the role of Pennsylvania Market President and his significant contributions to WSFS. He has been instrumental in our success, and we’re fortunate to have his continued guidance in his new role,” added Wechsler.
Founded in 1832, WSFS Bank is one of the ten oldest banks in the United States continuously operating under the same name. As of June 30, 2025, WSFS Financial Corporation reported $20.8 billion in assets on its balance sheet and $92.4 billion in assets under management and administration, operating 115 offices across six states.
For more information, visit www.wsfsbank.com.
Source: WSFS Bank
