The New Jersey Bankers Association recently installed a new slate of officers for its 2025-26 fiscal year. They are: Chair, Craig L. Montanaro of Kearny Bank; Vice Chair, Elizabeth Magennis of ConnectOne Bank; and Second Vice Chair, Jorge S. Gomes, of Lusitania Savings Bank.
Montanaro is the president and chief executive officer of Kearny Bank. He was appointed to serve on the board of directors of Kearny Financial and the board of directors of Kearny Bank in 2010. He joined Kearny Bank in 2003 when that institution acquired West Essex Bank where he served as senior vice president and chief operating officer. He was appointed president and chief executive officer of Kearny Financial and Kearny Bank in April 2011.
Magennis is the president of ConnectOne Bank and serves on the board of directors, where she is responsible for the growth, function, and strategic direction of the bank. She has more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry, and joined ConnectOne Bank in 2006. Under her leadership, the bank has grown organically, moved into new markets, bulked up its loan portfolio, and expanded into the digital space.
Gomes is the president and chief executive officer of Lusitania Savings Bank. He joined the institution as executive vice president/general counsel in 2006 and was appointed president and chief executive officer 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.
Patrick L. Ryan, president and chief executive officer of First Bank, will serve as immediate former chair. Steven M. Klein, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Northfield Bank, will serve as former chair.
