The New Jersey Bankers Association (NJBankers) has officially named John Fitzgerald, President and CEO of Magyar Bank, and Ferdinand (Fred) Viaud, Director at Ascendia Bank, as the recipients of the 2026 Excellence in Banking Award.
The annual distinction recognizes select financial executives who have demonstrated long-term outstanding service, leadership, and operational excellence within the New Jersey banking sector over multi-decade careers.
Both of this year’s honorees possess extensive histories within New Jersey’s regional and community banking landscape, steering institutional growth while navigating changing economic and regulatory cycles.
An industry veteran with more than 40 years of experience, Fitzgerald joined New Brunswick-based Magyar Bank in 2001. Before ascending to President and CEO in June 2010, he served as COO, directly managing the institution’s retail deposit divisions, commercial lending portfolios, and branch network. Under his guidance, Magyar Bank solidified its position as a prominent local community bank with a core mission centered on supporting regional nonprofit organizations.
Community involvement includes tenures with the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce, State Theatre NJ, Dunellen Lions Club, the Risk Management Association’s North Jersey Chapter, and the Dunellen Board of Education.
Viaud recently transitioned to a director role at Ascendia Bank following his retirement as president and chief executive officer this past January. His tenure at the institution—formerly known as Glen Rock Savings Bank—began in September 1992 when he was hired as senior vice president and chief financial officer, later taking the helm as CEO in January 2017. Viaud’s 46-year career in financial services began at Carteret Savings Bank in 1980, followed by leadership roles at First Savings of Perth Amboy, Elysian Federal Savings Bank, Westwood Savings Bank, and Ironbound Bank.
On the regulatory and advisory front, Viaud has served as president of the Northern NJ League of Community Bankers and as a member of the Community Financial Institutions Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
The trade association emphasized that the corporate and civic contributions of both executives have been vital to preserving industry resilience throughout the state.
“We are grateful to John and Fred for their outstanding leadership within New Jersey’s banking industry and our Association,” Michael Affuso, NJBankers president and CEO said. “Their commitment to service, advocacy, and community investment has helped support communities across our state and reinforce the vital role banks play in New Jersey’s economy. Thanks to their vision and dedication, our banking industry remains strong, resilient, and well positioned for the future.”
