Craig Montanaro, Elizabeth Magennis and Jorge Gomes were installed into the top positions of the N.J. Bankers Association Tuesday.
Montanaro, the CEO of Kearny Bank, was named chair.
Magennis, the president of ConnectOne Bank, was named vice chair.
Gomes, the CEO of Lusitania Savings Bank, was named second vice chair.
“I look forward to working alongside all members of the New Jersey Bankers Association to strengthen the banking industry across our great state,” Montanaro said. “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.
“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, who joined Kearny Bank in 2003, was appointed to its board in 2010 – advancing to CEO a year later.
Magennis also serves on the board of ConnectOne Bank, 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 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 Ryan, CEO of First Bank, will serve as immediate former chair. Steven Klein, Chairman, CEO of Northfield Bank, will serve as former chair.
The following will serve on the board of NJ Bankers in 2025-2026:
- John Bonhomme, Managing Director/Regional Director, JPMorgan Chase Bank
- John Borelli, Jr., President & CEO, Newfield National Bank
- Matthew Carcich, President & CEO, Freedom Bank
- John DeSclafani, SVP – Commercial Banking Leader, Wells Fargo
- Edward Dietzler, President & CEO, The Bank of Princeton
- John Fitzgerald, President & CEO, Magyar Bank
- Catherine Franzoni, SEVP, Chief Operating Officer, Manasquan Bank
- Thomas Kemly, President & CEO, Columbia Bank
- Anthony Labozzetta, President & CEO, Provident Bank
- Kevin Lenihan, President/Chief Operating Officer, Crown Bank
- Chris McFadden, President & CEO, Union County Savings Bank
- Martin Melilli, Market President, TD Bank
- Donald Mindiak, President & CEO, First Commerce Bank
- James Nesci, President & CEO, Blue Foundry Bank
- Kevin Peterson, President & CEO, Haddon Savings Bank
- Ira Robbins, Chairman & CEO, Valley Bank
- G. Gregory Scharpf, President & CEO, Amboy Bank
- Michael Shriner, President & CEO, BCB Community Bank
- Kenneth Totten, Chairman, President & CEO, United Roosevelt Savings Bank
- Philip Vaz, New Jersey Regional President, Ion Bank
