PNC Bank hires four to expand west and in Texas

PNC bank has recently made several new hires, beefing up its banking presence in the west and in Texas.

Christopher Roberts joined the firm in August as managing director and head of Western Region & National Public Power/Utilities, and Joey Dierker joined as an associate director.

More recent hires include Soledad Mancias and Steve Bassett, who this month will joined PNC as a vice president and municipal bond underwriter, and a director, respectively.

"PNC Public Finance is committed to expanding our presence and capabilities from coast-to-coast," said Robert Dailey, executive vice president and head of PNC Public Finance. "Building our team in new markets with respected leaders provides a key competitive advantage and differentiator for our clients."

Roberts moved to PNC following 11 years at Barclays (JJCTF), where he led the firm's banking coverage efforts of western region public utilities and project finance. Prior to Barclays (JJCTF), he worked at J.P. Morgan and Bear Stearns.

The industry veteran has over 32 years of experience in public and project finance, and has provided billions in funding solutions for the infrastructure, general fund, and refinancing needs of various state, county, and local governments.

His experience encompasses assisting clients with the execution and delivery of traditional and non-traditional financing solutions, including capital market products, direct balance sheet lending and purchases, asset acquisition, inaugural credit formation, derivatives, public/private partnerships, project finance and the creation of special purpose vehicles to fund and complete projects.

Roberts will be based out of PNC's Los Angeles office.

Currently finishing an executive MBA degree at Texas Christian University, Dierker spent a decade at Hilltop Securities.

Throughout his career, he has provided financial advisory and investment banking services to municipalities throughout Texas. His professional experience includes service to Texan countries, cities, school districts, and special districts. Dierker will be based out of PNC's Dallas office.

Dailey spoke to Dierker's contributions to the firm's mission. "[Dierker's] industry experience and strong technical and deal structuring background supports one of PNC's core objectives to proactively provide issuer clients customized strategies and financing solutions," he said.

A Certified Public Accountant, Bassett earned his BBA and MPA at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to joining PNC, Bassett was a public school administrator for over 20 years in Texas, having served in a number of roles including Director of Budgets and Finance, CFO, and Deputy Superintendent. Most recently, Bassett served as deputy superintendent at Fort Bend independent school district, which includes over 80,000 enrolled students. He also served in roles with Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD, Northside ISD, San Antonio ISD, North East ISD, and Collin College.

Bassett will be based out of PNC's Houston office.

"Steve's experience and public school acumen will help PNC deliver customized ideas to school districts that are managing financing strategies along with the many operational challenges they face related to funding, student safety, and delivering best-in-class education to children," Dailey said.

Mancias will be based out of the firm's New York office. A graduate from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Mancias has nearly five years of public finance experience and holds Series 52 and 63 licenses. At PNC, she will be responsible for the origination, distribution, structuring and placement of municipal bonds.

"[Roberts, Dierker, Mancias, and Bassett] will offer in-depth knowledge of the market, first-class experience and seamless execution to clients," Dailey said.