NATIONAL PRESENCE.
“SMALL TOWN” FEEL.
Our consulting practice traces its history back to 1988 when a young Tom Grottke was a consultant at Arthur Andersen. There, he met Mark Shaw, who served as CIO of a community bank that Tom was working with, and the collaboration between the two began. While following separate career paths the two maintained business relationships until 2010 when Mark joined Tom’s ne
w financial institution consulting firm – today known as The NBS Group.
In 2018, The NBS Group was integrated into Crowe, LLC and the services provided to financial institutions were enhanced and delivered on a national scale. In early 2023 Mark and Tom emerged from Crowe and on April 1, 2023, reformed The NBS Group bringing key talent with them while adding to the team.
The NBS Group, Your Trusted Partner to Transform Banking with a
Tailored Combination of Strategy, Technology, and Performance Improvement Services.
LEADERSHIP
Click the headshot to open executive bios on each NBS member
TOM GROTTKE, CPA
Managing Partner & CEO
Based in Connecticut
With nearly four decades of experience in the banking industry, Tom Grottke leads The NBS Group as Managing Partner and CEO. He specializes in guiding community-based and regional banks and credit unions through complex strategic, operational, and technology challenges.
Throughout his career, Tom has served as a trusted consultant, executive advisor, and auditor. He previously led Crowe LLP’s national Financial Services Performance Improvement Consulting practice and founded his own advisory firm, The NBS Group, before its acquisition by Crowe in 2018. His earlier career includes senior leadership roles at KPMG LLP and Arthur Andersen & Co., where he advised hundreds of banks, credit unions, and financial services companies.
At The NBS Group, Tom’s expertise includes strategic planning, merger and acquisition advisory, technology evaluations and vendor negotiations, organizational design, and operational efficiency.
A recognized thought leader in the financial services industry, Tom has published extensively and spoken at major conferences nationwide. He has delivered keynote addresses for national banking associations and leading technology providers and frequently shares insights with business organizations and universities.
Tom earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Connecticut and is a Certified Public Accountant (Connecticut).
MARK SHAW
Partner, President & COO
Based in South Carolina
With more than 40 years in banking and financial services, Mark has seen the industry evolve from paper-driven processes to today’s digital-first world, and he’s been helping banks and credit unions adapt every step of the way. As President and COO of The NBS Group, he specializes in technology management, operations, and strategic consulting, working with institutions of all sizes to improve efficiency and prepare for the future.
Mark’s career spans leadership roles at community banks, senior executive positions at COCC (one of the nation’s largest financial institution data centers), and partner-level consulting experience with firms like Crowe LLP and Northeastern Banking Services Group. Along the way, he’s guided countless organizations through technology planning, vendor evaluations, contract negotiations, core conversions, and digital banking transformations.
A sought-after speaker, Mark regularly shares his insights on banking and technology with industry associations and trade groups. Known for his deep expertise in payments and digital banking, he helps clients not only choose the right solutions but also implement them successfully and sustainably.
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Mark brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to every engagement, making complex technology decisions feel clear and manageable for his clients.
JOE TRAFTON
Director of Business Development
Based in Connecticut
Joe brings decades of experience in banking, financial technology, and operations to his role as Consultant with The NBS Group. Known for his ability to bridge the gap between technology and business, he helps financial institutions strengthen client services, streamline operations, and implement the right IT solutions to support growth and efficiency.
Before joining NBS, Joe spent more than 30 years at COCC, where he served as Senior Vice President of Customer Services. There, he led service delivery, client relationship management, and key technology partnerships, while building high-performing teams and driving organizational improvements. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with Fiserv, focusing on client support, project management, and national account development.
Throughout his career, Joe has specialized in helping banks and credit unions improve efficiency, enhance client experiences, and manage vendor relationships. His approachable leadership style, combined with deep industry knowledge, makes him a trusted advisor for institutions navigating change.
Based in Tolland, Connecticut, Joe continues to partner with financial institutions of all sizes to optimize their operations and technology strategies.
MARK DANIEL
Senior Manager
Based in Massachusetts
Mark brings more than 15 years of experience helping banks and credit unions improve the way they operate and plan for the future. As a Senior Manager with The NBS Group, he focuses on process improvement, technology evaluation and implementation, and strategic planning, always with an eye toward making organizations more efficient and resilient.
Over the years, Mark has guided financial institutions of all sizes through complex projects, from system evaluations and core conversions to merger integrations and business continuity planning. His background in accounting and finance gives him a strong foundation for helping clients analyze performance, redesign processes, and prepare for growth.
Mark has partnered with banks ranging from community institutions to multi-billion-dollar regional organizations, leading projects that enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and strengthen technology platforms. Clients value his collaborative approach and ability to simplify complex challenges.
Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Worcester State College.
MIKE GALLI
Senior Manager
Based in Rhode Island
Mike is a seasoned project management professional with a strong track record of helping financial institutions successfully deliver complex initiatives. As an Affiliated Consultant with The NBS Group, he specializes in guiding banks and credit unions through technology upgrades, process improvements, and organizational changes—all with a focus on delivering measurable results.
With over 30 years in the financial services industry, Mike has held leadership roles in IT, project management, and operations at organizations including Bank of America, Open Solutions (now Fiserv), and Norcom Mortgage. He also spent several years as a consultant with Crowe LLP before joining NBS. His experience spans everything from system conversions and vendor selection to risk management, organizational restructuring, and cultural change initiatives.
Clients appreciate Mike’s ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. He is known for keeping projects on track, within budget, and aligned with long-term business goals.
Based in Westerly, Rhode Island, Mike holds a B.A. in Economics from Central Connecticut State University, a Green Belt in Six Sigma Design, and completed advanced studies in Financial Statement Analysis at Harvard University.
CARRIE LeBLANC
Manager
Based in Connecticut
With more than 30 years of banking experience, Carrie brings a wealth of knowledge in deposit operations, information technology, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Before launching her own consulting practice in 2018, she spent over three decades at The First National Bank of Suffield, where she rose to Senior Vice President of Operations & IT.
Throughout her career, Carrie has led initiatives in vendor management, project leadership, and strategic planning—all while keeping a sharp eye on security and compliance. Known for her steady leadership and collaborative approach, she has a proven ability to guide teams through complex challenges and deliver long-term, effective solutions.
Carrie is a proud graduate of the New England School of Banking and has been recognized as a New Leaders in Banking award recipient. At NBS, she applies her deep operational expertise and project management skills to help clients strengthen performance, mitigate risk, and plan for the future.
JOHN HATFIELD
Director
Based in Tennessee
John Hatfield is a seasoned banking consultant with 25 years of experience in retail and commercial banking, specializing in loan origination systems and lending process optimization. Over the past decade, he has become a recognized expert in designing, building, and implementing Abrigo’s Sageworks Loan Origination platform for financial institutions nationwide.
By blending his real-world banking background with deep technology expertise, John helps banks lower efficiency ratios, accelerate funding timelines, streamline credit processes, and improve customer borrowing experiences. His work ensures institutions maximize their technology investments while driving measurable business impact.
Before consulting, John held senior leadership roles in lending and credit, most recently as Senior Credit Officer for a Tennessee community bank. Today, his consulting spans organizations of all sizes—from community banks and credit unions to large regional and national institutions. Known for solving process pain points and revitalizing stalled LOS implementations, John’s guidance has empowered banks to align credit policies, modernize workflows, and adopt best practices with confidence. A graduate of Lee University with degrees in Business Administration and Finance, John brings both technical expertise and a collaborative, results-driven approach to every engagement.
WAYNE DUNN
Director
Massachusetts
Wayne Dunn is an accomplished Information Technology executive with more than 30 years of experience leading strategy, system design, and enterprise-wide technology initiatives across banking and other industries. He has held senior leadership roles including Chief Technology Officer at HarborOne Bank, Chief Information Officer at UniBank, and Director of Systems Development at Needham Bank, where he drove major technology transformations that improved efficiency, security, and scalability
Throughout his career, Wayne has overseen critical projects such as implementing cybersecurity architectures, integrating large-scale acquisitions, deploying enterprise Business Intelligence platforms, and modernizing communication and collaboration systems. He is recognized for his ability to align IT investments with business goals, streamline operations, and deliver measurable results.
Wayne’s expertise extends beyond banking, having led major technology initiatives for organizations such as BOSE Corporation, Yankee Candle Company, Foxwoods Casino Resort, and Iron Mountain. A graduate of Newbury College in Computer Science, Wayne has also held certifications as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Microsoft Certified Trainer.
At NBS, Wayne brings a strategic, hands-on approach to helping clients modernize technology environments, strengthen security, and create systems that drive long-term success.
DON BARBER
Director
Based in Kentucky
Don Barber is a seasoned Business Performance Improvement consultant with more than 30 years of experience in the mortgage, banking, and financial services industries. Known for his results-driven approach, Don has a strong track record of helping institutions redesign business processes and operating environments to boost customer satisfaction, improve productivity, enhance compliance, and maximize technology investments.
Prior to consulting, Don served as a Senior Vice President leading performance improvement programs for major U.S. banks. Since then, he has advised a wide range of financial institutions—from community banks and credit unions to regional and national organizations. His unique blend of engineering expertise and banking knowledge allows him to quickly diagnose problem areas and design actionable roadmaps for sustainable growth and efficiency.
Don holds both M.S. and B.S. degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of Arkansas and has earned multiple certifications, including Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Lean Principles and Practices. His client work has delivered measurable impact, such as increasing loan originations by 25% without added staff, generating millions in annual performance improvements, and driving merger synergies to position institutions as market leaders.
At NBS, Don applies his expertise to help banks and credit unions optimize operations, reduce risk, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
DIANA BARHORST
Director
Based in South Carolina
Diana Barhorst brings more than 35 years of experience in banking and financial services, along with 5 years in management consulting. Her expertise spans payments—including credit, debit, and commercial cards, ATM/debit processing, and merchant services—as well as process improvement, product management, and cybersecurity advisory services.
She has held leadership roles at US Bank/Elan/Elavon, Fifth Third Bank, and multiple community banks across the country. Over the course of her career, Diana has built a reputation for driving portfolio growth, improving operations, and delivering revenue results. She has worked extensively with banks and credit unions to strengthen card and merchant services portfolios, streamline processes, and launch new business development initiatives that deliver bottom-line impact.
A graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a B.S. in Administrative Management, Diana has also advised executive teams at multi-billion-dollar institutions, leading credit card rollouts, product launches, and large-scale profitability analyses. Known for her practical expertise and collaborative approach, she helps clients align strategy, technology, and execution to achieve measurable results.
At NBS, Diana leverages her deep payments and operations background to guide institutions through complex challenges in product delivery, cybersecurity, and strategic growth.
CONNIE LOVELAND
Director
Based in Arizona
Connie Loveland is a seasoned finance and operations consultant with more than 20 years of experience serving community banks and credit unions. Known for her ability to streamline financial operations and drive growth, she has helped multibillion-dollar institutions optimize branch networks, enhance shareholder value, manage risk, and improve profitability.
Before consulting, Connie held senior finance and operations leadership roles, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for a credit union in Arizona. She brings deep expertise in strategic and financial planning, risk management, CECL, liquidity management, and treasury operations.
A graduate of Syracuse University with a B.S. in Mathematics, Connie combines analytical expertise with practical leadership to help clients navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success.
JIM WILSON
Director
Based in Connecticut
Jim Wilson is a mortgage banking veteran with decades of experience leading lending platforms at international, national, and regional banks. He has held senior leadership roles with Webster Bank, First Union Bank, Centerbank Mortgage Company, Farmington Bank, and most recently served as CEO of Northeast Home Loan, a subsidiary of Passumpsic Bank.
Widely respected in the industry, Jim has built trusted relationships with leaders across mortgage banking and has been an active member of the National Mortgage Bankers Association for over 30 years, chairing multiple committees during his tenure. He has also been a frequent guest speaker at national and state industry conferences, invited by organizations such as Fannie Mae, the Federal Home Loan Bank, and the MBA.
A graduate of Muhlenberg College with a B.A. in Economics, Jim has also served in leadership roles with the Connecticut Mortgage Bankers Association, where he has been an active member for over 35 years and was honored with lifetime membership in 2019. His career reflects a proven ability to grow lending operations, strengthen industry partnerships, and deliver results that stand the test of time.
MALCOM BARTLETT
Director
Based in Kentucky
Malcolm Bartlett is a senior management consultant with more than two decades of experience leading large, complex technology and transformation programs. Specializing in financial services, insurance, and investment management, he brings deep expertise in project and program management, organizational change, portfolio management, and M&A initiatives.
Malcolm has managed enterprise-wide technology transformations for organizations such as Munich RE, Western & Southern Financial Group, Archer Daniels Midland, and ATB Financial. His work has spanned core and digital banking conversions, enterprise Salesforce implementations, cybersecurity and Guidewire initiatives, and $100M+ customer experience transformation programs.
In addition to program leadership, Malcolm is highly experienced in IT advisory services, vendor and technology selection, contract negotiation, and vendor management. He is skilled in Agile, SAFe, SDLC, and other delivery frameworks, bringing both rigor and adaptability to every engagement.
At NBS, Malcolm leads technology implementation services, helping financial institutions modernize systems, improve performance, and execute complex change with confidence.
NBS PROFESSIONALS
AFFILIATED CONSULTANTS
As a leading provider of Strategy, Technology, and Performance consulting services for banks, credit unions, and fintechs for over 25 years, NBS is proud of its network of Affiliated Consultants available to meet the diverse and expanding requirements of the financial services industry. Our group of seasoned professionals supports client needs in areas such as Project Management, Digital Transformation, Card and Payment Services, Bank Operations, Information Technology, Retail and Commercial Banking, Treasury Management, Regulatory Compliance, Audit, Interim CIO and CFO Positions, Fintech Oversight, Commercial Loan and Mortgage Origination Platforms – Specialists with Encompass and Abrigo Sageworks, and Business Process Improvement Services with Lean & Six Sigma Black Belts. There is not an area of the financial services sector where NBS cannot bring both the experience and expertise to support any challenge.
OUR CORE VALUES
Think Straight and Talk Straight
Our approach at The NBS Group is rooted in a commitment to clarity and dependability. We cut through the noise to bring you genuine insights and tangible results that you can always trust.
Committed to the Success of our Clients
We fully embrace the role of being an integral part of your team. We hold your triumphs and accomplishments in high regard, aligning our values with yours.
We deliver on our commitments
Trust and reliability are at the core of our financial services, as reflected in our engagement letters. We understand the significance of exceeding your expectations every step of the way.