By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
The Harbor Bank of Maryland (HBM), a Baltimore-based community bank dedicated to fostering inclusive economic growth, has opened a branch in Silver Spring, Md.
The new location is part of the financial institution’s broader effort to broaden its footprint throughout the Baltimore-Washington region.
“The Harbor Bank of Maryland is proud to be so warmly received by the Greater Silver Spring community,” said President and CEO John Lewis in a quote provided to the AFRO. “This branch represents the true essence of community banking and reflects our belief that banking should strengthen the communities it serves. Silver Spring is a vibrant part of Montgomery County, and we’re proud to now be woven into its fabric.”
Jerry T. Sanford, managing director for economic development at HBM, said the branch provides a larger hub to better support and expand their services in the area.
“We’ve had a loan production office in Silver Spring for the past eight years. A little over 20 percent of our commercial lending portfolio is already within the radius of that office,” said Sanford. “It made sense to have a retail branch to help support our presence in the market.”
John Lewis, president and CEO of The Harbor Bank of Maryland, welcomes the community to the opening of the institution’s newer branches. (Photo courtesy of The Harbor Bank of Maryland) 
Brent Girard, constituent services representative for U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.; Laurie-Anne Sayles, Montgomery County Council member at-large; Kate Stewart, Montgomery County Council president; Marc Elrich, Montgomery County executive; John Lewis, president and CEO, The Harbor Bank of Maryland; Will Jawando, Montgomery County Council vice president; Stephanie Helsing, president and CEO, Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce; and Stan Arnold, executive vice president and chief banking officer, The Harbor Bank of Maryland cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the doors of the bank’s new branch in Silver Spring. (Photo courtesy of The Harbor Bank of Maryland) 
Brent Girard (left), constituent services representative for U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., offers a letter of congratulations from the congressman to Jerry T. Sanford, managing director of Business and Economic Development, The Harbor Bank of Maryland. (Photo courtesy of The Harbor Bank of Maryland) 
“Thangularity Mothership,” an original sculpture by George Clinton and Overton Loyd, will be on permanent display atThe Harbor Bank of Maryland’s new branch in Silver Spring, Md. (Photo courtesy of The Harbor Bank of Maryland) 
“Thangularity Mothership,” an original sculpture by George Clinton and Overton Loyd, will be on permanent display atThe Harbor Bank of Maryland’s new branch in Silver Spring, Md. (Photo courtesy of The Harbor Bank of Maryland) 
Jerry T. Sanford, managing director of Business and Economic Development, The Harbor Bank of Maryland, offers remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony. (Photo courtesy of The Harbor Bank of Maryland) 
George Clinton (left), Afrofuturist pioneer and cultural icon, engages in a fireside chat with John Lewis, president and CEO of The Harbor Bank of Maryland (HBM). The conversation took place at the soft opening for HBM’s newest branch in Silver Spring, Md., on July 30. (Photo courtesy of The Harbor Bank of Maryland) 
The Harbor Bank of Maryland has opened a new branch in Silver Spring, marking its seventh location and a strategic expansion into the Montgomery County market. The community-focused bank celebrated the soft opening with a visit from Afrofuturist icon George Clinton, whose artwork is now on permanent display inside the branch. (Photo courtesy of The Harbor Bank of Maryland)
HBM’s roots date back to 1982, when a group of Black leaders—including co-founder Joseph Haskins Jr.—established the institution to serve Black residents who had long been locked out of traditional banking. Since then, it’s grown from $2.1 million in assets to $400 million.
Sanford, who maintains a background in corporate and economic development, joined HBM two and a half years ago. His role centers on advancing the growth of the company, with a special emphasis increasing the bank’s presence in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
For Sanford, the new branch is an opportunity to become even more ingrained in local communities.
“I think we will become closer with the community—both with the local business community and the average community member,” said Sanford. “We’re already actively engaged with a number of the different chambers of commerce in Montgomery County, Silver Spring and Bethesda. I see our relationship growing and improving.”
HBM held a soft opening for the Silver Spring branch on July 30, with a special appearance from cultural icon and Afrofuturist pioneer, George Clinton.
During the event, Clinton showcased “Thangularity Mothership,” an original piece he designed with Overton Loyd. In Afrofuturism, the mothership often symbolizes freedom from earthly oppression. The sculpture will be on permanent display in the branch for customers to view.
In September, HBM intends to hold a grand opening celebration in Silver Spring to mark its seventh branch.
“As we expand into the Silver Spring market with our seventh branch, this moment represents more than just brick and mortar—it’s about access, visibility and creating a financial home for a new wave of customers and communities,” said Lewis, who participated in a “fireside chat” with Clinton during the opening. “It’s only fitting that we celebrate with a visionary like George Clinton, whose work has always pushed boundaries, uplifted voices and looked forward to a brighter future.”
