Bank of the West announced that Mary Smith has joined its Commercial Banking Group as Regional Manager overseeing its Atlanta office. With more than 25 years of Atlanta-based banking experience and a focus on serving domestic and international middle-market companies, Smith will strengthen the bank's presence in the Southeast.

Bank of the West's Commercial Banking Group opened its office in Metro Atlanta in 2014 in response to its growing client base in both the city and the greater Southeast corridor. Atlanta is one of the biggest business hubs on the East Coast and a key market used by many international businesses as a gateway for expansion into the U.S., with direct access to more than 75 international destinations, over 700,000 foreign-born residents, and greater than 60 countries represented by a consulate or trade office.

"Atlanta has long been a strategic gateway for international companies coming to the U.S. and Mary has the talent and experience to address the many needs of current and potential clients in this area.  In appointing someone of Mary's caliber, we are strengthening the leadership of our office and reinforcing our focus on this increasingly international business community in the Southeast," said Mark Glasky, Head of Commercial Coverage, Bank of the West Commercial Banking Group. "Mary brings extensive experience serving diverse international and domestic companies in the region with an emphasis on building long-term relationships, an important characteristic of our offering."

Smith will lead the Commercial Banking Group's Atlanta team and will work closely with the bank's technology, healthcare and food/agribusiness industry specialists to share their industry expertise and best practices with clients and prospects. Smith will also leverage the bank's global network to support the needs of international clients across all industries. 

"Mary has a deep understanding of the needs of growing companies in the Southeast and has achieved great success throughout her career establishing herself as a trusted business advisor in this region," said John Thurston, managing director of Bank of the West's Commercial Banking Group.

Prior to joining Bank of the West, Smith spent the last 19 years at SunTrust Bank in roles spanning international corporate banking, corporate and investment banking, and credit risk management. Most recently, Smith served as a top business developer and team leader in the Atlanta market. Before her years at SunTrust Bank, Smith worked at Commerzbank and DZ Bank with a focus on business development throughout the Southeast for public and private multinational companies.