George Harrison, Sr., is a seasoned banking professional with over 32 years of experience in retail and commercial banking. As Vice President and Retail Collection Manager at Sandy Spring Bank (Nasdaq: SASR), he draws on deep industry expertise to oversee retail collections and ensure performance and compliance. Harrison has held various leadership roles throughout his career, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a strong grasp of the banking industry's complexities. Based in Essex, Maryland, Harrison continues contributing to Sandy Spring Bank's mission of delivering exceptional financial services to the community. Beginning in subprime auto finance, Harrison has progressively advanced through increasingly complex roles, including turnaround strategies for distressed portfolios. He has consistently delivered measurable results in every position and demonstrated steady, effective leadership across a wide range of banking environments.
He began his career at Maryland National Bank/Nations Bank as an Asset Remarketing Manager, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. These early roles demanded a keen understanding of collateral valuation, market timing, and negotiation. He collaborated closely with dealers, clients, and internal teams to mitigate risk and optimize asset recovery. This hands-on experience sharpened his eye for credit quality and laid the foundation for his disciplined approach to risk management.
Over time, Harrison advanced into senior leadership roles, guiding departments through periods of growth, consolidation, and transformation. As Senior Vice President at K Bank, he oversaw major lending operations. Later, at Regal Bank & Trust, he led efforts to turn around distressed assets under financial strain. His strategic insight and consistent execution helped stabilize portfolios and recover value, even under tight deadlines. He developed effective restructuring strategies and managed complex recoveries by working closely with borrowers and legal teams. Harrison continued refining his leadership abilities at Old Line Bank, overseeing special assets and consumer lending.
In addition to financial success, he strengthened team structures and built operational frameworks that ensured longterm stability. Known for his independence and decisiveness, Harrison regularly stepped into complex scenarios with clarity and control. He earned the trust of executive teams, regulators, and colleagues. He has built and managed cross-functional teams, coached rising talent, and provided a reliable touchpoint for institutional knowledge and policy implementation.
Throughout his tenure in banking, Harrison has consistently proven his ability to lead with foresight and follow through. As a Vice President in consumer lending and special assets management, he refined underwriting protocols, streamlined collections, and reduced exposure to non-performing loans. He helped create clearer credit policies and implemented processes that enabled faster, more accurate decision-making.
Harrison’s collection approach combines a deep understanding of customer behavior with strong regulatory compliance and expertise in internal controls. He has restructured collection workflows to enhance efficiency and optimize recovery, all while maintaining a customer-centric approach. His leadership is defined by accountability, fairness, and meticulous attention to detail. He leads with integrity, mentors his team, and remains focused on sustaining long-term asset quality.
Adaptability is one of Harrison’s greatest strengths. He brings precision and stability, whether leading a new department, revitalizing a stagnant portfolio, or responding to shifts in consumer behavior and regulatory demands. His experience across banks of all sizes has given him a well-rounded view of the financial ecosystem and the agility to address challenges at both strategic and operational levels.
Harrison brings a rare combination of hands-on operational expertise and strategic insight, honed over decades of disciplined work across all tiers of banking. Whether resolving distressed assets, guiding future leaders, or executing department-wide reforms, he is focused on achieving clear, impactful results— always with professionalism and purpose.
Harrison has remained grounded in stability, accountability, and trust throughout his distinguished career. He is a proven operator, a reliable problem-solver, and a steady hand in an industry that demands adaptability and discipline. His leadership is quiet but resolute, and his track record speaks volumes.
