This is part of a new ongoing series featuring North Shore Bank’s Emerging Leaders Group members.

Breanna Rooney

North End Branch Manager Breanna Rooney has been a longstanding member of the Emerging Leaders Group, an employee-led volunteer group for individuals growing their careers with the bank. The following is a lightly edited interview with Breanna about how the ELG has helped her build her career and strengthen relationships at North Shore Bank. 

What positions have you held with the bank and within the ELG?

I have worked as a lead teller, a personal banker, and an assistant branch manager, and I am currently a branch manager at the North End location. I joined the ELG in 2020, so right at the start, and I was the chair of the Core Group from June 2022 to June 2024.

What connections have you made during your time in ELG that have contributed to your success and professional growth?

All members of the group are exemplary leaders of North Shore Bank. I am grateful to be able to share and collaborate with each and every connection I’ve made throughout my involvement within ELG. It’s great to know there are like-minded, ambitious, and dedicated peers I can lean on and collaborate with. I appreciate the opportunity to work with ELG’s executive sponsors, Sue Doyle, SVP, Retail Banking, and Molly Schissler, Chief HR Officer, who are both a huge support to the group and the members’ success. The group’s community volunteering requirement has connected me with organizations that align with my values, including the Urban Ecology Center (UEC). In turn, I greatly appreciate working for North Shore Bank, a company that shares similar values to my own. 

What skills do you feel that the group helped you to develop?

I’ve developed a range of skills throughout my ELG membership, whether directly or indirectly. The workshops, volunteering, and networking aspects have all contributed to my growth in leadership, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, delegation, and many, many more areas. These skills are highly beneficial to my role and as a leader and will continue to be throughout my career.

Which ELG programming/events have had the greatest impact on you?

I have been impacted most throughout my participation in the different leadership workshops. Each workshop requires you to self-assess aspects of your professional development and share ideas with other ELG members to improve them. These activities have helped me to develop a growth mindset. I am always excited to learn more about myself and my peers through these workshops and exercises. It has taught me a lot about my personal capabilities as a leader and a professional. 

How has internal/external networking impacted you since joining the group?

As someone who was relatively new to the idea of networking, this group has made it easy to find opportunities to further my network both internally and externally. They have taught me the best ways to network and how to make the most out of my connections, maintain them, and utilize them for my development goals. The group provides resources and constantly encourages me to step outside of my comfort zone to continue my growth in leadership.

What else would you like to share about the ELG? 

As a long-standing ELG member, I attribute an aspect of my growth directly to this group and its members. There truly is something special about having a group of peers that share similar development objectives and that motivate you to become the best version of yourself. Each year, the group becomes even better than the last. I encourage all aspiring leaders to reflect on their professional development goals and consider the resources available to achieve them. Talk to your manager about ELG!