Ronald M. Shapiro is a commercial real estate consultant, licensed continuing education instructor, and former Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in the Finance & Economics Department at Rutgers Business School. Over the course of his 35+ year career, Ron held executive commercial real estate lending positions at Wells Fargo Bank, Prudential Insurance, Spencer Savings Bank, and ConnectOne Bank.

Throughout his banking career, Ron originated commercial real estate mortgage loans, managed multi-million-dollar loan portfolios, and supervised lending teams across the industry. He is also a CPA and former adjunct professor at NYU’s School of Continuing Education and Monmouth University’s Kislak Real Estate Institute.

Known for his engaging speaking style and deep industry expertise, Ron frequently serves as a speaker and moderator at real estate and mortgage banking conferences.

Dana Berlin is a commercial real estate lending leader with more than 25 years of experience in commercial lending and portfolio strategy. As Director of Commercial Real Estate Lending at Spencer Savings Bank, she leads originations and portfolio strategy while helping drive significant revenue growth for the bank through disciplined credit performance and strategic market expertise.

A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Dana began her career in investment banking at Credit Suisse before moving into commercial real estate lending roles spanning construction, multifamily, retail, office, industrial, hospitality, medical, and other major property types.

She is an active participant in industry conferences and a strong advocate for mentoring women and underrepresented professionals in finance.

Rachel Lindeman is a Community Commercial Real Estate Banking Executive at Fulton Bank with nearly two decades of experience in commercial banking. Since entering the industry in 2008, she has built her career across multiple financial institutions, developing broad expertise in relationship management, credit, and market dynamics.

Rachel partners with business owners, developers, and investors throughout the Greater Philadelphia region to provide customized commercial real estate and banking solutions that support sustainable growth while maintaining disciplined risk management.

She is widely recognized for her relationship-driven approach and commitment to the communities she serves.

John J. Pagano currently serves as Senior Vice President and New Jersey Market President at Peoples Security Bank & Trust, where he is responsible for managing the bank’s commercial lending, government banking, and retail operations throughout New Jersey. Since launching the New Jersey office in 2021, John has helped grow the team significantly while overseeing more than $300 million in loans outstanding and more than $50 million in deposits.

With more than three decades of banking and commercial real estate lending experience, John has held senior leadership and commercial lending roles at Lakeland Bank, Oritani Bank, Columbia Bank, Amboy National Bank, and United Jersey Bank (Summit Bank). Throughout his career, he has specialized in originating, structuring, and managing commercial real estate and construction loans across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

John has extensive expertise in multifamily, retail, self-storage, medical office, and commercial investment properties, along with deep experience in portfolio management, relationship banking, and credit performance. In addition to his banking career, he is actively involved in numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Mortgage Bankers Association and Greater Morris and Middlesex Habitat for Humanity.