The New Jersey Bankers Association (NJBankers) has installed its new slate of officers for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, naming ConnectOne Bank President Elizabeth Magennis as the association’s new Chair.
Magennis, who brings over 30 years of banking experience to the role, succeeds Kearny Bank President & CEO Craig L. Montanaro. She is joined by First Vice Chair Jorge S. Gomes, Esq., President & CEO of LSB Community Bank, and Second Vice Chair Anthony J. DeSalle, President & CEO of Crest Savings Bank.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the new Chair of NJBankers and to lead this storied association during such a transformative time for our industry,” said Magennis. Highlighting her strategic vision for the upcoming year, she emphasized three core pillars: advocating for modernized regulatory policies in Trenton and Washington, championing digital transformation, and cultivating the next generation of banking talent.
Under Magennis’s leadership at ConnectOne Bank, the institution has achieved record organic growth, expanded its market footprint, and executed five M&A transactions while modernizing its infrastructure.
The 2026–2027 leadership transition also outlines executive roles for Craig L. Montanaro as Immediate Former Chair and Patrick L. Ryan, President & CEO of First Bank, as Former Chair.
Additionally, NJBankers announced the complete roster of industry leaders serving on its Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term:
- Ryan Blake, BCB Community Bank
- John Borelli, Jr., Newfield National Bank
- John V. DeSclafani, Wells Fargo
- John S. Fitzgerald, Magyar Bank
- Lisa M. Franconeri, Haven Savings Bank
- Catherine D. Franzoni, Manasquan Bank
- James A. Hughes, Unity Bank
- Brian W. Jones, The First National Bank of Elmer
- Thomas J. Kemly, Columbia Bank
- Richard Kraemer, Fulton Bank
- Anthony Labozzetta, Provident Bank
- Shannon Lazare, M&T Bank
- Joseph Lebel, III, OceanFirst Bank
- Paul Marder, JPMorganChase
- Neil Martucci, First Hope Bank
- Chris A. McFadden, Union County Savings Bank
- Martin P. Melilli, TD Bank
- G. Gregory Scharpf, Amboy Bank
- Philip B. Vaz, Ion Bank
Founded over 120 years ago, NJBankers represents 60 banks and 200 service providers across the state, offering government relations, professional development, and employee benefit programs.
