NJBankers 119th Annual Conference: Making Connections in Nashville
Last week, NJBankers traveled to Nashville for our 119th Annual Conference. We were joined by 300 bankers and business leaders for three days of engaging sessions and multiple networking opportunities.
Highlights included the installation of our 2025-2026 officers (above). Installed were: Chair, Craig L. Montanaro of Kearny Bank; First Vice Chair, Elizabeth Magennis of ConnectOne Bank, and Second Vice Chair, Jorge S. Gomes, Esq., of Lusitania Savings Bank. We thank our current chair Patrick L. Ryan of First Bank for his leadership over the past year.
Attendees also heard from numerous speakers who addressed topics including the economic outlook, banking industry strategy, regulatory issues in bank M&A, succession planning, and more. Plus, new this year were workshops hosted by our Associate Members on harnessing technology and AI for growth; outsourcing, SBA lending and collections, and managing compliance and emerging risk.
Networking opportunities included a Nashville Nights themed Welcome Party, along with a variety of networking receptions and time to meet with our Premier Exhibitors.
We had a great time and hope you did, too! We are already looking forward to next year's conference, held May 6-8, 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans.
To view more photos from the conference, click here.
Two Recognized for Outstanding Service to the New Jersey Banking Industry
NJBankers has announced the recipients of its 2025 Excellence in Banking Award. The award recognizes NJBankers members who have displayed long-term outstanding service to the New Jersey banking industry.
This year’s honorees are Angela Snyder, President of Fulton Bank, and John H. Wessling III, Chairman of the Board of Haven Savings Bank.
Angela Snyder President, Fulton Bank
John H. Wessling III Chairman of the Board, Haven Savings Bank
Snyder joined Fulton in 2002 as president of Woodstown National Bank. She then served as Chairwoman, President and CEO of Fulton Bank of New Jersey until 2019, when Fulton Financial consolidated that bank into Fulton Bank, N.A. After serving as Fulton’s Head of Consumer Banking, she assumed the role of Chief Banking Officer in January 2022 and has been President of Fulton and Fulton Bank since 2024.
Wessling is chair of Haven Savings Bank after serving 22 years as its President and CEO. He began his career at the bank in 1976; was appointed to the Bank’s Board of Directors in 1989; was promoted to senior vice president in 1994, and was appointed President and CEO in 2002.
Along with Norman Beatty, Wessling also brought about the combination of the New Jersey Bankers Association in Princeton and New Jersey League of Community Bankers in Cranford, creating a unified voice in New Jersey for the financial services industry.
Wessling was presented with the award during NJBankers 119th Annual Conference in Nashville on April 2. Snyder, who was not in attendance at the conference, will be presented with the award at a later date.
Nominations Open for NJBankers Woman of Impact Award
Do you know an inspiring individual who is committed to advancing women in the banking industry? Nominate them for NJBankers Woman of Impact Award!
Nominees must be members of NJBankers. Please share detailed information about how the nominee has helped to positively impact women in the industry, and how the nominee has demonstrated leadership to create change.
Nominations must be received by Thursday, May 1 to be considered. Please submit all nominations to info@njbankers.com.
The winner will receive the award and be recognized at the annual Banking on Women Conference on June 4. To learn more about the conference, click here.
March 27: Earlier this week, NJBankers President & CEO Mike Affuso was a panelist at the Morris County Chamber of Commerce's Legislative Luncheon. The panel also featured New Jersey business leaders Christine Buteas, President & CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, Christopher Emigholz, Chief Government Affairs Officer for NJBIA, and Rosalie Serapiglia, VP-Government Affairs for Tilcon New York Inc., who discussed issues in Trenton such as the budget, business climate, and taxes. The event also honored Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (shown here) with the Alex DeCroce Award for Public Leadership.
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