Jaclyn Kuzma

Assistant Vice President, Citizens

Jaclyn is an underwriter for the Asset Based Lending team at Citizens in Boston, MA. Jaclyn joined Citizens in 2017 as a member of the Commercial Banker Development Program, which provided an invaluable foundation of commercial banking and credit analysis. Before transitioning to the underwriting team, Jaclyn held the role of portfolio management credit analyst for Citizens ABL.

Jaclyn underwrites new-to-new transactions from originations and structuring to ultimate closing and funding with middle market and mid-corporate companies, as well as transformative new-to-existing transactions, on a national footprint across a wide spectrum of industries. Jaclyn serves as a board member of SFNet New England, co-chair of the SFNet New England Women in Secured Finance Committee, and Operations Pillar Lead for the Women’s Impact Network at Citizens. Outside of work, Jaclyn volunteers at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Jaclyn is originally from Pittsburgh, PA (with whom her sports loyalties remain despite her Boston residence) and earned a degree in accounting and business administration from Thiel College.

What is the best professional advice you have been given, and how have you implemented it? 

Your career is a participatory sport. Opportunities won’t appear in front of you if you wait on the sidelines. It is crucial for both professional and personal development to put yourself in the game by taking the initiative to get involved. I am fortunate enough to have incredible role models whom I aspire to emulate both on and off the “field” that have set great examples, provided the tools I need to succeed, and encouraged (at times forced) me out of my comfort zone. This advice has not only enhanced my growth as an underwriter, but it has also led to some of my most fun and rewarding experiences.

How do you define a good leader?

Good leaders, both in and out of the workplace, share a lot of the same characteristics – work ethic, strong communication, innovative thinking, dependability, etc. Great leaders are differentiated by two unique qualities – empathy and humility.

Leaders who understand and empathize with the wants and needs of each individual person are better equipped to guide, coach, and develop most effectively. Humble leaders do not hesitate to give credit where credit is due, encourage individuals to share their opinions, and sooner accept responsibility when things go wrong than credit when things go right.

Empathetic and humble leaders foster a sense of collaboration, trust, empowerment, and loyalty among those around them.

What advice do you normally give to the junior talent you mentor?

Be a sponge. Do your best to absorb as much as you can, whether it is through reading, listening, or asking questions. While learning the technical aspects of any job is important, as a junior person you also have the opportunity to learn intangible skills from the people you work with (writing, presentation, communication styles, etc.) and blend them together to create your unique style and approach.

Be comfortable feeling uncomfortable, which is much easier said than done. Growth occurs outside of your comfort zone, so it is really important to learn how to navigate situations that feel scary or intimidating. If you don’t feel uncomfortable at times in your role, you likely aren’t being challenged to the point of growth and development.

How would you encourage young professionals to become more involved in their community or volunteer? How have these activities outside of work helped shape your professional life?

Choose something you are passionate about and find ways to become more involved in that. In the past I have volunteered sporadically for various causes, but I wanted to find a more consistent way to give back. I have always loved animals, but don’t have the stomach to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a vet. I found the best of both worlds as a regular volunteer at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Volunteering has helped shape my professional life in a few ways. As a volunteer, your tasks and the team you work with can vary each week. Much like the ABL environment, it is important to be willing and able to adapt as things change and take the initiative to find ways to help and add value. It also reenforces the importance of communication, which is a critical and sometimes underrated skill. Effective communication is key when navigating unfamiliar or challenging situations. I have found volunteering an incredibly rewarding experience and encourage everyone to find a way to contribute to a cause they are passionate about.