March 2026 Issan Acosta

Congratulations to our March WaveMaker of the Month!

How long have you been a member of the OceanFirst Bank team? What role do you play on the Bank Team? I’ve been with OceanFirst for 15 years and currently serve as the TCS Operations & Analytics Manager. I focus on improving processes, using data to drive decisions, and helping teams work smarter together — all with the goal of delivering great service.

What has been your favorite volunteer activity – and why? I really enjoy volunteering at Winter Coat Drive during the holiday season. I love helping kids pick out winter coats, hats, and scarves, and then getting to sit down with them to color and talk about their day. It’s a simple experience, but it’s meaningful, hands‑on, and a great reminder of how much a little time and attention can matter.

What has volunteering taught you? Volunteering has really reinforced my belief that giving is better than receiving, especially when you can see the impact firsthand.

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? My wife’s “Marry Me Chicken” with penne pasta and Broccoli.

If you could pick a superpower, what would it be? Time Traveling

If you had one day left to live, how would you spend it? I would spend the day with my family — my wife and our three daughters — first spending meaningful one‑on‑one time with each of them and then coming together to enjoy the rest of the day as a family.

What is your favorite quote? “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” -Charles R. Swindoll