Linda Orth, a Vice President and Commercial Loan officer at New York Commercial Bank, exemplifies the spirit of the Long Island Center. This member of six years offers guidance to many women in her field, and enjoys helping her customers achieve their own business goals. She is a woman who reached her ambition of becoming a middle market commercial lending officer through hard work and determination. That included working full-time directly after high school, participating in "on-the-job" training programs, and attending St. John's University at night.
"Linda always liked a challenge," according to her brother Lawrence Carlucci." "Her goal was to attend St. John's University to study finance and business." That was her plan when she entered the workforce at age eighteen. She then advanced her banking career at every opportunity, from junior clerk to the position she now holds. She was able to attend her "dream school" through an employer's tuition assistance plan.
"It was very difficult for me, "Linda reported. " It took me nine years at night to get my Bachelor's Degree in Finance. On a positive note, she met her husband Douglas while attending ABN AMRO's a credit training program!
Early in her career Linda appreciated the efforts of a woman mentor, Robin Cohen, with whom she worked for at European American Bank. Linda has repaid the favor. Former co-worker Maria Bernard, now Assistant Treasurer at Community National Bank, credits Linda with her two career advancements. "When we met I was just starting out. Linda always encouraged me to apply for suitable positions she felt I was qualified for ... she saw my potential."
Linda has referred fellow members to companies, where she felt opportunities may exist. She knows how hard she has worked during her 29 years in banking. And what is her advice for women out and returning to work? "Don't give up; find what will make you happy; persevere, until you achieve the career you desire.
Article written by: Long Island Center member Joyce Litwin Zimmerman, a marketing copywriter, (www.joywriter.net) provides small and medium-sized businesses with print and e-communication vehicles.