Patrick Ryan, CEO of First Bank, has been named the new chair of the board of trustees for the Capital Area YMCA, the organization announced Tuesday.
Ryan will succeed Daniel Brenna, who was recognized for his 15 years of service.
During Brenna’s tenure, the Capital Area YMCA launched the Greenwood Avenue Farmers Market, which provided the Trenton community with access to healthy, fresh and culturally appropriate food, while enhancing the buying power of families on government assistance. The partnership includes local, county and state organizations committed to creating a higher quality of life for working professionals, seniors, children and families.
“Organizations tend to be a reflection of their leadership,” interim CEO Ayo Marie Richardson said. “On behalf of our staff, I would like to thank Dan for his leadership over the years. I would also like to welcome our new board chair, who has a longstanding record of giving back and building communities.
“Our organization provides vital youth development, nutritional and educational services to our communities. Strong leadership is what helps us achieve our mission.”
Ryan, who is an existing board member, said he welcomes the opportunity.
“I look forward to continuing the legacy of Dan’s strong leadership,” he said. “These are big shoes to fill, but we have a great board and a great management team, so I know we’ll be successful.”
Brenna said he was happy to have had the opportunity to serve.
“It was an honor to serve with a team of individuals who are driven by making tomorrow better,” he said. “This organization is in great hands, so I’ll still be involved in the mission moving forward.”
Given back to the community is part of the mission of First Bank.
During the darkest days in the pandemic, First Bank helped save 14,649 local jobs at small businesses impacted by COVID-19 in 2020-2021. The community bank helped 1,352 small businesses throughout New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania secure more than $298.8 million in Paycheck Protection Program awards.
First Bank and its employees also donated a record amount of time, talent and money during the 2021 calendar year.
The growing community bank, which offers 18 full-service branches throughout New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, gave back $368,000, which includes volunteering nearly 2,000 hours of community service from its 200-plus employees.
“Giving is living,” Ryan said. “We believe in building our communities and that begins with helping our neighbors.”
