The New Jersey Bankers Association (NJBankers) has named Manasquan Bank’s James S. Vaccaro, chair, president, and CEO of Manasquan Bank, as a recipient of the prestigious 2026 Warren Hill Award. Additionally, the bank itself has been honored with the 2026 NJBankers Community Service Award in recognition of its deep-rooted dedication to philanthropy, volunteerism, and regional enrichment.
Named in honor of Warren Hill—who led the New Jersey League of Community Bankers from 1966 to 1975—the Warren Hill Award has been presented since 1998 to celebrate individuals who exhibit an extraordinary, lifelong commitment to NJBankers’ mission. This includes active participation in legislative and regulatory advocacy, educational initiatives, and member engagement.
Vaccaro’s leadership footprint across the state’s financial sector is extensive. A former member of the NJBankers’ Board of Directors, he served as Board Chair in 2017 and 2018, championing workforce development, the recruitment of young professional talent into community banking, and adaptation to evolving consumer trends.
Cathy Franzoni, SEVP and Chief Operating Officer of Manasquan Bank, praised his lasting impact.
“Jim’s commitment to the banking industry and to NJBankers is truly exceptional. He has consistently demonstrated thoughtful leadership, strong advocacy, and a genuine desire to strengthen our industry and the communities we serve. We are incredibly proud to see him recognized with the Warren Hill Award,” Franzoni said.
Beyond his executive role at Manasquan Bank, Vaccaro maintains an active civic portfolio. He currently chairs the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council and serves as President of the Federal Reserve’s National Council (CDIAC). His board service also includes Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of RWJBarnabas Health, past chairmanships at Monmouth Medical Center and the Visiting Nurses Association of Central New Jersey, and board roles at Monmouth University and Four Springs Capital, LLC.
Manasquan Bank recognized for exceptional community service
Complementing Vaccaro’s individual honor, Manasquan Bank received the 2026 NJBankers Community Service Award, celebrating financial institutions that extend well beyond traditional banking to drive meaningful local change.
Over the past year, the bank’s culture of service has yielded measurable results across Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties:
- CREW Cares Program: Bank employees contributed nearly 700 volunteer hours supporting local food banks, mentorship programs, and environmental cleanups.
- Philanthropic Grantmaking: The Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation distributed $521,344 in grants to regional nonprofits focusing on affordable housing, education, youth development, and health and human services.
- Financial Education Outreach: The bank continued its community empowerment mission by hosting free workshops covering budgeting, credit building, fraud prevention, and homeownership fundamentals.
“We are honored to receive the Community Service Award and grateful to NJBankers for recognizing the collective efforts of our colleagues. Giving back is an important part of who we are as an organization, and our colleagues continue to demonstrate that commitment through their time, talent, and service,” Vaccaro said.
