In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Marya Burgio Wlos, Executive Vice President and CFO at Community Financial System, Inc.

With nearly two decades in banking and finance—including senior roles at UBS, Citadel, and Bank of America—Marya is leading Community Financial System's historic $100+ million investment across Upstate New York, opening new headquarters and branches throughout the region.

The conversation explores her journey from Wall Street to hometown leadership, the reality of balancing executive life with motherhood, and why she believes relationships are the most valuable long-term investment you can make. Marya also shares insights on the company's expansion strategy, the role of AI in banking, and why Central New York is the place she chose to build both her career and her family.

💼 A conversation about leadership, resilience, and betting on your hometown.

💬 Topics we cover:

- Leading Community Financial System's $100M regional expansion

- Career lessons: from bartending to CFO

- The power of never saying no and always following up

- Work-life balance when "it takes a village"

- Why Upstate New York is attracting (and keeping) top talent

- Financial literacy and community investment

- The future of banking, AI, and in-person connection

Connect with Marya on LinkedIn

Learn more about Community Financial System

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