First Virginia Community Bank added Katie Tzitzouris as vice president and relationship manager. With a focus on expanding the bank’s niche in commercial banking segments, Tzitzouris will provide financial expertise for the unique and complex needs of title and settlement companies, as well as connecting personally with the community and local businesses.
“Our top priorities at First Virginia Community Bank remain rooted in forming a trusted, two-way relationship with each and every one of our clients,” FVCbank Chairman, President and CEO David W. Pijor said. “The addition of Katie Tzitzouris to our staff, and through her extensive knowledge and experience in supporting the banking needs of escrow and title businesses, affords us the opportunity to demonstrate to our commitment to providing clients with top-quality banking relationships and financial guidance.”
With more than 15 years of banking and financial services industry experience, she brings with her an extensive knowledge base of the commercial banking industry, according to a company statement. It said Tzitzouris plans to incorporate her dedication to responsive customer support with an understanding of the ever-evolving climate in which title companies work.
“Understanding the challenges title companies face, it is our goal as their financial institution to ease the burden by anticipating their needs,” Tzitzouris said. “We remain current with industry trends to assist title and escrow businesses to remain in compliance with the Seven Pillars of Best Practices as recommended by the American Land Trust Association (ALTA).”
Focusing on the second ALTA Best Practice pillar, FVCbank assists companies in the process to develop, adopt and maintain written procedures and controls for escrow trust accounts. Although ALTA Best Practices are not mandated regulations, escrow and title companies are tasked by underwriters to remain in compliance with these recommendations. Tzitzouris understands these financial requirements and the impact on businesses to remain in compliance.
No stranger to the role of relationship manager, Tzitzouris previously served as assistant vice president, relationship manager for WashingtonFirst Bank in Reston, Va. In this role, she managed a $60 million deposit portfolio made up of title settlement companies, using specialized knowledge of the industry’s compliance requirements and complex cash management needs. Prior to that, Tzitzouris served as vice president, community manager for Congressional Bank, and assistant vice president, branch manager and commercial loan officer for Millennium Bank N.A. Tzitzouris earned her bachelor’s degree from Bryant University, formerly Bryant College, in economics and business management.
By attracting experienced leadership, FVCbank plans to continue to enhance offerings for its increasing commercial client base in 2015.