On the 10th Anniversary of its Industry Excellence Awards Programme in 2010 BFSB introduced an award to recognise persons who have contributed specifically to the development of individuals within the financial services industry through a mentoring role.
The Mentor of the Year (MOTY) became a part of the annual FSI Excellence Awards Programme that BFSB had introduced in 2001. This year, BFSB is pleased to announce that the 5th Mentor of the Year Award is being presented to Mr. Edward E. Virgil II, Acting Manager at the East Bay Street Branch of Commonwealth Bank Limited.
Edward joined Commonwealth Bank in April 1997 as a Customer Service Representative and quickly progressed up the ladder to his current position. In his present role he is responsible for but not limited to ensuring that his team members are knowledgeable of and comply with the Bank’s code of conduct, established policies and procedures and regulatory guidelines.
He also assists with driving the annual strategic plan to grow his Branch’s portfolio in profits, and maximizes the contributions of his team members through ongoing day-to-day feedback and coaching. He has direct responsibility for the employees in the Credit Department, a role that allows him the opportunity to mentor employees that successfully drive the Bank’s bottom line.
The Bank and his colleagues speak highly to the many contributions of this outstanding mentor and leader, with numerous testimonials submitted in support of his nomination for the award. In particular, they say that Mr. Virgil encourages his team members to pursue their educational goals, an area where he continues to excel. He has participated in numerous training and development courses within the Bank and with the American Bankers Association (ABA).
During his tenure with the Bank Mr. Virgil completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Management at Nova Southeastern University and went on to obtain his Master of Science in Human Resources Management at Nova Southeastern University. As a result of his outstanding academic achievement, he was accepted into Sigma Beta Delta, International Honor Society in Business Management & Administration. He also holds numerous certifications, including Leadership Development, from the Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, Canada.
Mr. Virgil credits his wife – Francene – with giving him 100% support. The couple has 2 children – Edneka and Edward III.
BFSB CEO Aliya Allen says the MOTY Award will be presented on the occasion of the 2014 Gala Awards Banquet on November 14th. She extended personal congratulations to this professional who has contributed so highly to the development of persons in the industry through guidance and advice and, indeed, by example. She indicated that BFSB looks forward to engaging him as it rolls out the mentoring component of its latest initiative – the Bahamas Millennials Society, a membership-based programme for young professionals within the industry.
