Washington Trust Appoints Jessica Berkeley as Director of Cash Management & Treasury Services

July 2025 – Smith & Wilkinson was retained by Washington Trust to lead the search for its Director of Cash Management & Treasury Services. 

Founded in 1800 and headquartered in Rhode Island, Washington Trust is one of the region’s leading financial institutions, with approximately $6.9B in assets and a strong, diversified commercial banking platform. As the Bank continues to grow and invest in its treasury capabilities, it sought an experienced leader to build upon its established cash management foundation. 

Following the retirement of a longtime executive, the Bank engaged Smith & Wilkinson to identify a treasury management professional capable of driving deposit growth, enhancing fee income, and providing strategic direction to the cash management team. The Director of Cash Management & Treasury Services oversees strategy across commercial, business banking, CRE, and municipal client segments and plays a central role in advancing client retention and team performance. 

Following an extensive search process, Washington Trust selected Jessica Berkeley for this key leadership position. Jessica brings more than 20 years of treasury management and commercial banking experience, with a consistent record of sales leadership and deposit growth. Most recently, as SVP, Sales Manager of Treasury Management at Webster Bank, she led a multi-vertical commercial team and achieved the #1 national sales ranking for three consecutive years. She has built and developed high-performing teams, implemented strategic sales initiatives and performance metrics, and partnered cross-functionally to enhance treasury product delivery and innovation. Earlier in her career at Webster and Santander, Jessica consistently ranked as a top national producer while mentoring relationship managers and strengthening commercial client portfolios. 

Jessica resides in Rhode Island and is known for her collaborative leadership style, operational expertise, and ability to align treasury strategy with broader commercial banking objectives. 

The Washington Trust Director of Cash Management & Treasury Services search was led by Moriah Callahan, Partner & Director of Recruiting. 

About Washington Trust  

Founded in 1800, Washington Trust has a rich and unique history as the oldest community bank in the United States and the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island. With approximately $6.9 billion in total assets and $7.1 billion in wealth assets under administration, the Bank serves customers across commercial and mortgage lending, wealth management, and retail banking. 

Operating 28 retail locations across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, Washington Trust is publicly traded (NASDAQ: WASH) and recognized for its strong financial performance, sound asset quality, and diversified revenue streams. The Bank remains committed to delivering exceptional service and long-term value to its customers, communities, and shareholders. 

About Smith & Wilkinson

For over 25 years, Smith & Wilkinson has been a trusted executive search and talent advisory partner.  Our Financial Services team serves banks, credit unions, service providers, associations, nonbank lenders, financial technology companies, community and economic development organizations, and government-sponsored enterprises in attracting, promoting, and retaining senior leaders who drive long-term business success. 

Our financial services executive search work includes Board, C-suite, and Director level engagements across executive leadership, strategy, risk, finance, operations, lending, technology, and wealth management, and more.  With industry-leading market insight and a consultative approach, we provide both clients and candidates with exceptional visibility into today’s evolving talent landscape. 

Looking to fill a leadership role similar to this position?  Please contact us to learn more about partnering with Smith & Wilkinson’s Financial Services executive search team to attract, promote, and retain the talent your organization needs to grow and compete.