Jennifer Bottomly
Jennifer Bottomly is a people-centered, purpose-driven retail banking leader with more than 30 years of experience in financial services. She currently serves as a Retail Regional Manager at OceanFirst Bank, overseeing and interacting with 12 branches and more than 100 employees for growth, success, and results. In this role, Jennifer focuses on leadership development, culture transformation, customer experience, and operational excellence, with a deep commitment to helping individuals grow and building confident, high-performing teams. She is known for blending empathy with strategic clarity, creating environments where people feel valued, supported, heard, and equipped to succeed. Throughout her career, Jennifer has thrived at the intersection of learning, culture, and business performance. Beginning as a part-time teller, she advanced through branch and regional leadership roles, gaining hands-on experience across all facets of retail banking. Over the past several years, she has designed and facilitated impactful leadership and development programs, including academies and coaching journeys that strengthened engagement, consistency, and customer experience across her region. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in clarity, compassion, accountability, and continuous learning, with a strong belief that meaningful development drives sustainable results. Jennifer is also deeply committed to lifelong learning and community involvement. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Business Administration at Southern New Hampshire University, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning recognition on the President’s List and Honor Roll. Beyond her professional work, she is active in community and nonprofit efforts through organizations such as the Rotary Club and the American Cancer Society. Passionate about developing future leaders, Jennifer brings optimism, energy, and an unwavering belief in people’s potential to every role she takes on.
• Southern New Hampshire University- B.B.A.
• NJ Bankers Emerging Leaders
• Dale Carnegie
• The Academy of Real Estate
• President's List
• Honor Roll
• NJ Bankers Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying curious, more than 30 years in financial services, the guidance of strong mentors, never ending will and openness to learn and thrive, and a consistent focus on goal attainment while developing high-performing behaviors for myself and bringing those out in others. I lead by example and can relate and guide based on my many experiences over the course of my career. In my current role coaching, guiding, and recognizing over 100 team members throughout 12 branches, success is a complete team event and we live a strong culture of our core values; teamwork, integrity, customer focus, leadership, performance, and commitment.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be authentic, believe in myself and my abilities, commit to lifelong learning, hold myself accountable, and stay open to feedback as essential drivers of growth. As I progress in life and career, I enjoy seeing others grow and thrive by transferring my knowledge, feedback, and advice to them.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to young women is to be kind always, hold your head and standards high. Remember your worth and that your contributions are valuable and to be valued by others. Start where you can (it's never too late), keep adding tools to your toolbox, stay curious, and keep learning. Take all the feedback, advice, and assistance others in roles you aspire to be in have to offer. Be inspired and be inspiring. Always remember where you started and as you grow take others along with you. You truly reach the status of leader when you can say you created other leaders. Banking offers accessible entry points and many pathways for growth, the first step is the best start to your bright future, take the leap. Believe in yourself. You've got this!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The greatest challenges are time and having enough of it to accomplish everything you want to every day. It's so important to grant yourself grace, a positive outlet, and patience to persevere.
Having a structured approach to time management and setting healthy boundaries is a key factor to successfully overcoming obstacles and tough times.
The greatest opportunities in the banking field are entry level positions, internships, and student programs. The banking sector is a vast industry to build your professional resume. There are many paths that can be explored as knowledge and experience are gained. It's a great career choice for anyone interested in financial services and customer service. Degree or non degree there is opportunity for all that apply.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are FAMILY being present for my two children as a role model and source of guidance and mentoring. I am a sports mom for my son as he pursues his passions of football, baseball, basketball, weight lifting, wrestling, and preparing for college. Supporting my daughter’s journey and aspirations in cosmetology to work alongside my sister in her hair restoration business helping others. Continuing my educational journey and making time for the things that bring balance and joy like reading, baking, and crafting. Another strong value is to be of assistance to others accomplishing this through community service with the Rotary and other outreach community initiatives and programs. A few organizations that hold great meaning for me are the American Cancer Society, Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, anything that supports children, women, veterans, and animals. At the end of the day we are nothing if we are not kind to one another.