BY JASMINE PALMA
Ridgewood Savings Bank has announced the retirement of its senior vice president of technology as well as the promotion of six of its employees, including Cambria Heights resident Annette Walsh, who was named a first vice president and auditor.
“These recent promotions reflect the tremendous commitment of our employees to ensure the bank continues to serve as a stable and dependable presence in the community, while also continuing to grow and add modern products and services for our customers,” said Leonard Stekol, chairman, president and CEO of the bank.
Ridgewood Savings Bank, founded in 1921, is a mutual savings bank with an estimated $6 billion in assets and 35 branches located across the New York metropolitan area.
The bank’s board of trustees established the new corporate title of first vice president. The role was assumed by both Walsh and James R. Jewett Jr. of Bellmore.
As the other first vice president and chief investment officer, Jewett manages the bank’s $1.2 billion investment portfolio, and leads Ridgewood’s financial planning unit and retirement plan services department.
In her position, Walsh heads the internal auditing team, wherein the efficacy of the bank’s internal controls and compliance of policies, procedures and regulations are assessed.
Walsh initiated her career at Ridgewood three decades ago, working as a part-time teller while simultaneously pursuing an undergraduate degree from Queens College with a dual major in accounting and economics. Walsh then switched to the bank’s audit department, in time ascending the ranks to the head of the department. She later received her master of science in banking and finance from Mercy College. She is a certified financial services auditor and has certification from the Institute of Internal Auditors in risk management assurance.
Aside from her involvement in Ridgewood Savings Bank, she is a member of the board of trustees at All Nations Apostolic Temple in Valley Stream, where she is chief financial officer.
Productive Development Officer Rachel Guzman, Branch Banking Officer Nicole Papapietro, Assistant Corporate Secretary Kimberly Sinnott and Digital Channels Officer Salvatore Zanca were promoted to bank officers.
In the midst of promotion, the bank also said farewell to Rosemarie Mignona, retired chief technology officer with 18 years of service at Ridgewood under her belt.
Stekol expressed his goodbye, saying, “On behalf of the board of trustees, I want to congratulate Roe Mignogna on a very successful career in banking, and thank her for her dedicated service to Ridgewood Savings Bank. She piloted several significant data system conversions during her tenure as chief technology officer that have positioned the Bank to remain agile and competitive in today’s marketplace.”
