About Us
Built on trust. Driven by service.
Founded in 1952 by Harold Bellwick and Thomas Crane in Washington DC with a simple belief: banking should serve the community, not exploit it. What started as a small savings & loan on Constitution Avenue has grown into a $142 billion institution serving 1.8 million customers across 32 states — and we've never forgotten where we came from.
$142B
Total Assets
1.8M+
Customers
380+
Branches
72 Years
In Business
Our story
In 1952, Harold Bellwick and Thomas Crane pooled their savings and opened a small savings & loan in Washington DC. They believed that honest, straightforward banking could help working families build wealth and put down roots. That founding conviction — that a bank exists to serve its customers and its community — has guided every decision for over seven decades. Through recessions, rate cycles, and technological revolutions, Bellwick National has grown from a single office to 380+ branches in 32 states, managing $142 billion in assets for 1.8 million customers. We are still privately rooted in the values our founders set: integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve.
Our history
1952
Founded in Washington DC
Harold Bellwick and Thomas Crane open the first Bellwick Savings & Loan on Constitution Avenue with $2.4 million in initial capital and a commitment to serving Washington's working families.
1968
First Branch Expansion
Expanded across the Potomac into Virginia with three new branches in Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church. Launched the first commercial lending division.
1975
$1 Billion in Deposits
Reached the milestone of $1 billion in total deposits. Rechartered as Bellwick National Bank with a national banking charter from the OCC.
1988
Listed on NYSE
Bellwick National Bancorp listed on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker BWKN. Completed first public offering raising $180 million in growth capital.
1996
Online Banking Launch
Among the first 50 banks in the country to offer online banking. Expanded into the Southeast with branches in Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida.
2005
100th Branch Opened
Opened the 100th branch in Atlanta, Georgia. Assets surpassed $50 billion. Launched the Bellwick Wealth Management division.
2015
Digital Transformation
Launched mobile banking app and digital account opening. Invested $200M in technology modernization. Reached 1 million customer accounts.
2024
1.8 Million Customers
$142 billion in assets. 1.8 million customers. 380+ branches in 32 states. 6,200 employees serving communities coast to coast.
Leadership team
Our executive team brings decades of experience in banking, technology, risk management, and financial services.
Margaret Holloway
Chief Executive Officer
25 years in financial services. Georgetown MBA. Led Bellwick through its most significant growth period. Previously EVP at JPMorgan Chase.
David Chen
Chief Financial Officer
Manages $142B balance sheet. CPA, CFA. Previously CFO at First Republic Bank. Joined Bellwick in 2018.
Patricia Vasquez
Chief Operating Officer
Oversees all banking operations across 380+ branches. Wharton MBA. Former regional president at U.S. Bancorp.
James Okonkwo
Chief Technology Officer
Leads digital banking, cybersecurity, and infrastructure. PhD Stanford. Former VP Engineering at Stripe. Architect of Bellwick's digital transformation.
Robert Sinclair
Chief Banking Officer
Oversees retail, commercial, and mortgage banking divisions. 30 years in community and regional banking. Joined Bellwick in 2001.
Elena Moretti
Chief Risk Officer
Enterprise risk management, credit risk, and regulatory compliance. Former OCC senior examiner. 20 years in banking risk.
William Park
General Counsel
Corporate governance, regulatory affairs, and litigation. Harvard Law. Previously partner at Sullivan & Cromwell.
Catherine Dupree
Head of Wealth Management
Leads $24B AUM wealth division. CFP, CFA. Previously Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management.
Our values
Four principles have guided Bellwick National since 1952. They shape our culture, our products, and our relationships with every customer and community we serve.
Integrity
We do what's right, even when no one is watching. Transparent fees, honest advice, and accountable leadership define how we operate every day.
Community
We are invested in the communities we serve. From $185M in community development loans to 95,000+ volunteer hours, we believe banking should build neighborhoods.
Innovation
We embrace technology to serve customers better — from AI-powered fraud detection to seamless mobile banking. Innovation is how we stay relevant for the next 70 years.
Inclusion
Every customer deserves access to quality financial services regardless of income, background, or zip code. Our products, pricing, and branches reflect that commitment.
Want to be part of the story?
We're always looking for talented people who share our commitment to honest banking and community service.