NJBankers Installs New Officers to its Board of Directors

The New Jersey Bankers Association (NJBankers) has installed a new slate of officers for its 2025-2026 fiscal year. They are: Chair, Craig L. Montanaro of Kearny Bank; Vice Chair, Elizabeth Magennis of ConnectOne Bank, and Second Vice Chair, Jorge S. Gomes, Esq. of Lusitania Savings Bank.

“I look forward to working alongside all members of the New Jersey Bankers Association to strengthen the banking industry across our great state. Advocating for regulatory clarity and relief will be a key part of this effort — ensuring that all institutions, from community banks to large financial institutions, can thrive in a fair and transparent environment,” Montanaro said. “Our continued commitment to the communities we serve is equally important. Our communities are the lifeblood of our business and we remain dedicated to supporting their growth, resilience, and prosperity. Together we will continue to build a stronger, more inclusive, and forward-looking banking landscape for New Jersey.”

Montanaro is the President & CEO of Kearny Bank. He was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of Kearny Financial and the Board of Directors of Kearny Bank in 2010. He joined Kearny Bank in 2003 when Kearny acquired West Essex Bank where he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Kearny Financial and Kearny Bank in April 2011.

Prior to that time, he had served as President and Chief Operating Officer since April 2010.

Magennis is the President of ConnectOne Bank and serves on the Board of Directors, where she is responsible for the growth, function, and strategic direction of the bank. She holds over 30 years of experience in the banking industry, and joined ConnectOne Bank in 2006. Under her leadership, the bank has experienced record organic growth, expanded its footprint into new markets, built a robust loan portfolio, and made significant strides into the digital space.

Gomes is the President & CEO of Lusitania Savings Bank. He joined Lusitania Savings Bank as Executive Vice President/General Counsel in 2006 and was appointed President & CEO in 2014. Gomes has also served on the Lusitania Savings Bank Board of Directors since 2003. He began his professional career in private law practice in New York City after receiving degrees from Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law.

Patrick L. Ryan, President & CEO of First Bank, will serve as Immediate Former Chair. Steven M. Klein, Chairman, President & CEO of Northfield Bank, will serve as Former Chair.

In addition, members serving on the NJBankers Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 year are:

• John M. Bonhomme, Managing Director/Regional Director, JPMorgan Chase Bank
• John Borelli, Jr., President & CEO, Newfield National Bank
• Matthew Carcich, President & CEO, Freedom Bank
• John V. DeSclafani, SVP – Commercial Banking Leader, Wells Fargo
• Edward Dietzler, President & CEO, The Bank of Princeton
• John S. Fitzgerald, President & CEO, Magyar Bank
• Catherine D. Franzoni, SEVP, Chief Operating Officer, Manasquan Bank
• Thomas J. Kemly, President & CEO, Columbia Bank
• Anthony Labozzetta, President & CEO, Provident Bank
• Kevin M. Lenihan, President/Chief Operating Officer, Crown Bank
• Chris A. McFadden, President & CEO, Union County Savings Bank
• Martin P. Melilli, Market President, TD Bank
• Donald Mindiak, President & CEO, First Commerce Bank
• James D. Nesci, President & CEO, Blue Foundry Bank
• Kevin B. Peterson, President & CEO, Haddon Savings Bank
• Ira Robbins, Chairman & CEO, Valley Bank
• G. Gregory Scharpf, President & CEO, Amboy Bank
• Michael A. Shriner, President & CEO, BCB Community Bank
• Kenneth R. Totten, Chairman, President & CEO, United Roosevelt Savings Bank
• Philip B. Vaz, New Jersey Regional President, Ion Bank

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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