NJBIZ Conversations: Chris Maher and George Destafney of OceanFirst Bank

Throughout the year, NJBIZ has checked in with community bankers around the state to get a read on the health of the economy, the condition of the lending market and what the business climate feels like at various points. Chris Maher, the CEO of OceanFirst Financial Corp., has been one of our go-to bankers for several years, offering perspectives growth, financing and interest rates.

From its Red Bank headquarters and through offices around New Jersey and in four other states, OceanFirst offers commercial and residential financing solutions, wealth management and deposit services. Tracing its roots to 1902, the bank ranks among the oldest community financial institutions based in the Garden State.

In this edition of NJBIZ Conversations, Maher returns with an assessment of the economy and looks toward 2026. This time, he’s also joined by OceanFirst Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Real Estate Officer George Destafney, who analyzes the CRE landscape.

Visit the Conversation here.