People’s United Bank announced John DeFranza has joined the bank as senior vice president of Small Business Administration (SBA) lending, responsible for the development of enhanced SBA loan products and increasing lending efforts across the footprint. He will also be responsible for SBA product training, both internally and externally as well as building industry relationships.

DeFranza’s banking career spans 38 years, having depth of experience in retail, commercial, SBA and capital markets. Prior to joining People’s United, he was with Bank of America for 24 years, holding numerous management positions.

He had led BofA’s SBA business in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Central regions, having four times been ranked nationally as the top SBA producer. An active business and community leader, he has a keen understanding of Long Island and the New York boroughs and has managed Bank of America’s Business Banking Division in these markets.

“Small Business Administration (SBA) lending is a key component of the Bank’s strategic growth plans, so having access to John’s exceptional knowledge and national experience in this area is vital to our long-term success,” said Jeffrey Tengel, senior executive vice president, Commercial Banking, People’s United Bank. “We are very excited to welcome John to our team.”