Faces of Marine Bank

As an immigrant from Portugal growing up in Massachusetts, wannabe lawyer Tina Nicholson had to face financial facts. Despite earning a scholarship to attend Boston University or Boston College, she wouldn’t be able to afford the second four years of law school. To save money, she attended the local community college, lived at home, and worked as a peak-time teller for a local bank.

In addition to her aspirations of becoming an attorney, she was also intrigued by a career in law enforcement and joined the Police Academy. However, after the first day of mortuary science class, she withdrew from class.

“It was then that I realized that I was good at banking and developing exceptional relationships with our bank clients.  Since I was bilingual, I was able to help clients that spoke other languages.”

In her 47-year banking career, Tina has been an auditor, a compliance officer, a collector, a vault manager, a consumer and small business lender, and one bank’s youngest female branch manager.

Tina joined Marine Bank in 2019 as manager of the Vero US 1 banking center.  “It’s been a great ride.  I have been given the greatest opportunity ever - to do what I love, helping my community, my bank, and my clients. I’m always on the lookout for what we can do to help each and every one I meet.  We are community connectors.  Our skills can help others, not just ourselves.”

When she’s not helping clients, Tina can be found enjoying her family and volunteering – often at the same time. “My family is my heart and soul, and I have always integrated them into my volunteer efforts.”

Tina is heavily involved in the community. She is currently vice-chair of the governing board of directors for Treasure Coast Community Health, lending chairperson for the Indian River County First Time Home Buyers Program, a member of the Rotary Club of Vero Beach/Sunrise, a longtime volunteer for Feed the Lambs, and more.