BANKPACIFIC’S 70-year success story is also a story of employee dedication and growth. Three of the bank’s long-standing employees—Sandra Mesa, Patricia Murer and Maria “Leah” Vilante—shine bright as beacons of loyalty and professional development.
With a combined 84 years of service, their journeys mirror the bank’s evolution and all three offer unique insights into the qualities that have kept BankPacific at the forefront of financial services in the region after seven decades of service.
Sandra Mesa: Three Decades of HR Leadership
Sandra Mesa, current VP HR Officer, has been an integral part of BankPacific for 30 years. Her journey with the bank began in an assistant role to the Executive Vice President, a significant departure from her initial career aspirations.
“I wanted to be a stewardess,” she said.
Life, however, had other plans for Mesa. She chose to prioritize starting a family—a decision that led her to BankPacific.
Mesa’s tenure has been marked by a deep sense of belonging. “From top to bottom, the people here are like a second family,” she said. “It’s a good feeling, like being at home.” This sentiment reflects BankPacific’s success in creating a nurturing work environment—a factor crucial to employee retention and satisfaction.
Having witnessed the bank’s transformation from Guam Savings to BankPacific, Mesa considers this transition a significant milestone. “As Guam Savings, we were limited to loans and savings. Now, as BankPacific, we’re a full-fledged bank able to compete with other institutions,” she explains. This evolution expanded the bank’s services and its competitive edge in the market.
As a self-described “baby boomer,” Mesa brings a disciplined approach to her role. While acknowledging the challenges faced over the years, particularly in employee turnover and talent acquisition, she maintains a positive outlook. “Guam is hiring,” she notes, highlighting the competitive job market.
Mesa emphasizes the importance of attitude in potential employees. “Skills are important, but attitude is more crucial. You can’t teach passion and drive,” she said. This philosophy has guided her approach to hiring and developing talent within the bank.
In the face of increasing digitalization, Mesa stresses the enduring importance of human interaction in banking. “Computer skills are essential in today’s digital world,” she acknowledges, “but the human touch remains crucial because banking is about connecting with people.”
Her financial advice to customers is rooted in practicality: “Budgeting is important. Always ask yourself: Is it a need or a want? Don’t overspend unnecessarily.” She advocates for consistent saving, recommending that customers “put a little away every paycheck” into a personal savings account.
Maria “Leah” Vilante: From Teller to Senior Management
Maria “Leah” Vilante’s 27-year journey with BankPacific speaks of the institution’s commitment to internal growth and development. First starting as a part-time teller, she is now the VP Senior Manager of Guam Offices, fulfilling a long-held ambition. “I envisioned working in a bank since school, where I was a treasurer,” she said. “BankPacific was my first job, and it will be my last.”
Vilante’s passion for her work is evident. “I love what I do, especially in operations,” she said. “Grooming staff to become tellers and working with a family-oriented team creates such positive vibes.” This enthusiasm has been a driving force in her career progression and contributes to the positive work culture at BankPacific.
A career highlight for Vilante was her involvement in the transition from Guam Savings to BankPacific. It not only marked a significant expansion in the bank’s capabilities and services, but “I was part of the team that made this happen, and I was so proud,” she said. “Our customers were celebrating too.”
Drawing from her extensive experience, Vilante offers valuable insights for aspiring bankers. She emphasizes the importance of strong communication skills, adaptability, and excellent customer service. “What you’re learning can always be taught, but it must be effectively communicated,” she said. She also notes that while a high school diploma is a minimum requirement, financial knowledge and a positive attitude are crucial to success in the industry.
Vilante embraces the constant evolution in banking. “There’s always something new to learn,” she said. Her advice to newcomers in the field is straightforward: “Don’t be afraid, be ready, and always stay positive.”
Patricia Murer: Admin Assistant with a heart for community
Patricia T. Murer, an Executive Administrative Assistant, has been with BankPacific for 27 years.
“I love working here at BankPacific. It’s all about the beautiful people I work with, laugh with, and tango with. I can go on and on. It’s the reason why I continue to come to work daily. BankPacific is my second home. La familia!”
Murer’s proudest moment at BankPacific reflects the institution’s commitment to community service—”when the BankPacific family gathered toys, gifts, etc., and delivered them to elementary schools located in the southern end of the island, especially Talofofo Elementary School (my home village). Experiencing the joy of all those kids receiving their gifts. Seeing the delight and excitement in their eyes; a precious and proud moment.”
She said BankPacific’s community giving is one of the many exceptional programs it continues to offer as a proud leader in that respect.
Like her colleagues, Murer emphasizes the importance of a positive attitude for potential employees. “The one quality I recommend is a ‘positive attitude.’ You will succeed in anything you do with a positive attitude,” she advises. This aligns with Mesa’s philosophy on the crucial role of attitude in the workplace.
Murer’s experience also highlights BankPacific’s supportive work environment. Her most challenging time “was when I was dealing with personal medical issues. I was going through a lot and struggled to balance my situation. During these difficult times, BankPacific was there for me, helping me throughout my healing. And BankPacific continues to be by my side.”
Murer also extends a warm welcome to potential clients. “We welcome clients with open arms. We here at BankPacific have an array of financial and banking services that may fit your financial needs. We are introducing new and innovative products as we continue to expand. Call us today. We’re always here to help and serve you!”
Services
Mesa and Vilante highlight BankPacific’s current promotional offer: a 5.4% interest rate on loans up to $50,000, subject to credit conditions. This promotion, running from July 1 to August 15, pays homage to the bank’s founding year of 1954. It’s a testament to BankPacific’s commitment to serving its community while honoring its history.
The bank also offers innovative products like the My Personal Credit Line, or MPCL, which is similar to a credit card but with lower interest rates. As Vilante explains, “Customers can just come and apply. We determine their income capacity, and there’s no minimum amount.”
These long-serving employees embody BankPacific’s commitment to its staff and customers alike. Their stories of growth, dedication, and adaptability mirror the bank’s own journey in the past 70 years. As BankPacific continues to evolve and serve its community, it’s clear that its greatest asset is its people—dedicated employees who’ve made the bank their professional home for decades.
As Bank Pacific moves forward, the stories of Mesa, Vilante, Murer, and countless others like them underscore the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent and maintaining strong community ties. Their experiences highlight a workplace culture that values loyalty, promotes from within, and adapts to changing times without losing sight of the human element in banking.
Murer concludes with a heartfelt tribute to the bank’s leadership: “I want to do a shoutout to our President Phil Flores for leading us and sharing his vision to continue to serve our community in the region. We are 70 Years strong. Biba BankPacific!” With employees like these at its core, Bank Pacific is well-positioned to continue its legacy of financial stewardship and community service for years to come.
Patricia T. Murer, Sandra Mesa and Maria Vilante of BankPacific.
