Linda Verba

Executive Vice President, Retail Operations

Commerce Bank

Linda Verba is Executive Vice President, Retail Operations at Commerce Bank, the country’s most dynamic and innovative financial services retailer. Over the last nine years, Linda has led the strategic growth of Commerce’s retail operations from 75 to more than 475 locations. She has overseen the front lines of the company’s retail stores, which stretch from New England to the Southeastern U.S. Her expertise, dedication and approach have guided a unique corporate culture of innovation and service, the foundation of which is a company-wide dedication and personal passion of each team member to deliver a legendary service experience.

An innovator and strategic leader with experience in retail management, human resources and sales/marketing, Linda has used her operational, motivational and creative skills to create and reinforce a vibrant and innovative workplace culture and team, preserve and advance the Commerce brand, and grow the company’s operations and leadership position. She has innovated groundbreaking customer-service philosophies that focus on customer needs and requests – known internally as “the voice of the customer” – and developed service and product innovations never seen before in a very traditional industry.

Linda is committed to improving availability and immediate access to industry-leading products and services, to enhance the retail experience for customers. Her hands-on approach has enabled the company to launch numerous industry innovations, now emulated widely by competitors. Linda is a champion of Commerce Bank’s unique corporate culture that celebrates service, dedication and fun. She has led the development of engaging and exciting customer and employee events in corporate and store locations to recognize achievements, celebrate the company culture, build morale and thank customers. She is also actively involved in mentoring new managers and motivating team members on the front lines.

During Linda’s tenure, Commerce has been recognized consistently for customer service excellence and best business practices. In 2007 and 2008, J.D. Power and Associates declared Commerce Bank “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the Mid-Atlantic Region.” In 2006, J.D. Power and Associates had ranked Commerce Bank highest in customer satisfaction in New York and Consumer Reports Magazine ranked Commerce Bank number one in overall customer satisfaction. That same year, management guru Tom Peters named Commerce a “Most Valuable Company” and the bank was also listed on the Forbes Platinum 400. Commerce has also won numerous banking and technology awards, nationally and internationally, as well as “best local bank” recognition by local and regional newspapers and other media throughout Commerce’s footprint.

Early in her career, Linda held management positions with industry-leading companies including PHH Mortgage. There, she effectively led the human resources department, was involved in sales and account management, developed and managed the company’s call center operations and spearheaded product development. Prior to that, she worked at two industry-leading retailers, Strawbridge & Clothier and Filene’s department stores; those retail and customer service experiences built the foundation for her career.

Linda has served on the Board of Directors of the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association and Arts & Business Council/Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, she was awarded a “Shatter the Glass Ceiling Award” from the National Association of Women Business Owners. She was the chairman of the board and keynote speaker for the Metavante FURST Senior Management Conference in 2007, and was also a keynote speaker for the Customer Engagement Forum. Linda earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University.

About Commerce Bank and TD Banknorth

Following TD Bank Financial Group's acquisition of Commerce Bancorp Inc. on March 31, 2008, it was announced that operations of TD Banknorth and Commerce Bank will be combined. Today, TD Banknorth and Commerce Bank form one of the 20 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States with over $119 billion in assets, and provide customers with a full range of financial products and services at nearly 1,100 convenient locations from Maine to Florida. TD Banknorth and Commerce Bank are trade names of TD Bank, N.A. For more information, visit www.TDBanknorth.com and www.commerceonline.com.