We had a fantastic time at our 120th Annual Conference & Exhibit Hall in New Orleans and want to thank everyone who joined us for this incredible event.
Over the course of three days, attendees enjoyed engaging sessions with industry experts, special networking events, time spent in our Exhibit Hall, and even a parade through the streets of New Orleans (below).
Attendees also heard from both our outgoing chair Craig Montanaro of Kearny Bank and our incoming chair Elizabeth Magennis of ConnectOne Bank on what the future holds for our industry and our Association.
More photos from the event can be found online here.
Please save the date for next year's conference, May 12-14, 2027 at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, FL.
If you're looking for more in professional development and networking with the New Jersey banking community, please visit our website here.
Two Days - Two Impactful Events
Last week, NJBankers held two events for different sectors of the banking industry.
First up was our Cannabis Banking Conference (below left), an event exploring the risks and opportunities posed by the cannabis banking space. Attendees examined state and federal policies, gained first-hand insights on cannabis banking's impact on businesses, examined ways to mitigate risk, and learned from fellow bankers how to build and sustain a successful program.
HR professionals from across New Jersey also joined us
for our Human Resources Conference (below right), a day focused on the future of HR in banking. The event featured sessions on employment law, benefits, AI, M&A, and more.
Thank you to everyone who sponsored, presented, and attended these events!
Get the latest info on NJBankers events and happenings through TEXT MESSAGES! It’s simple: Scan the QR Code and text the word BANK to our opt-in number.
Congratulations to NJBankers 2026 Excellence in Banking Award Recipients
During our 120th Annual Conference, NJBankers announced the recipients of this year's Excellence in Banking Award: John S. Fitzgerald, President & CEO of Magyar Bank, and Ferdinand (Fred) R. Viaud, Director at Ascendia Bank.
An industry veteran of over 40 years, Mr. Fitzgerald joined Magyar Bank in 2001. Under his leadership, Magyar Bank has become a premier community bank with the mission of serving all segments of the community in New Jersey. Magyar Bank is especially focused on helping not for profit organizations in its community, both with monetary donations and the participation of Magyar Bank staff members. Mr. Fitzgerald was named President and CEO of Magyar Bank in June 2010, and was previously the Bank’s Chief Operating Officer.
Mr. Viaud served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascendia Bank from January of 2017, until his recent retirement this past January of 2026. He joined Ascendia Bank (formerly Glen Rock Savings Bank), as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in September of 1992. Mr. Viaud began his banking career at Carteret Savings Bank in 1980, and held various positions at First Savings of Perth Amboy, Elysian Federal Savings Bank, Westwood Savings Bank, and Ironbound Bank prior to joining Glen Rock Savings Bank.
John S. Fitzgerald
Fred Viaud
Nominate Emerging Leaders for Prestigious ABA Award
Please help us recognize the next generation of banking leaders by encouraging outstanding individuals in your organization to apply for the ABA Emerging Leader Awards by June 26, 2026. Nominations are welcome, but each candidate must submit a full application to be considered. Nominations and direct applications are open to both ABA members and non-members.
These awards honor forward-thinking professionals who are driving impact through leadership, innovation, and service. Selected honorees will:
Be recognized on stage at ABA’s Annual Convention
Be featured throughout the year in ABA publications, events, and online
Gain access to exclusive networking and leadership opportunities
ABA defines an Emerging Leader as someone who is forward-thinking, adaptable, and innovative and has the innate ability to inspire and influence others toward achieving a common goal. They have the desire, capacity, and initiative to make significant contributions toward the success of their bank, and they are driven to strengthen both the banking industry and their community by developing new skills to grow as leaders.
To learn more or access FAQs, rules, and nomination materials, visit the program website or contact Hannah Hayes at the ABA directly.
NJBankers Seen on Social
May 13, 2026:
Serving up support and collaboration for the next generation of bank leadership: Last week during NJBankers 120th Annual Conference in New Orleans, we hosted two events for our Emerging Leaders. The first was a high-energy training led by Dr. Linda Eagle of the Global Bankers Institute and included topics such as resilience, collaboration, empathy, motivation, communication, conflict resolution, and more.
Then, we jazzed things up at the New Orleans School of Cooking. From a lively cooking demonstration to incredible food, a fantastic chef/instructor, and plenty of camaraderie, it was a true taste of New Orleans hospitality.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for these two special events!
Follow NJBankers for the latest industry news, events, celebrations, and more!
Endorsed Provider Happenings An Endorsed Service Provider has an exclusive relationship with NJBankers for their products and services.
Join Abrigo for the upcoming webinar "Telegram fraud exposed: Inside the cybercrime economy fueling financial fraud" on May 27 at 2:00pm. Register online here.
The Q1 2026 Bank Performance Reports are now available. This is an excellent tool for strategic planning and goal setting as well as board reporting, competition analysis, performance measurement, tracking current trends, and more. Learn more and order your report here.
Read the Compliance Alliance article "You Don’t Know What You Got ‘Till It’s Gone (...And Your Customers Might Not Either): FDIC Rescinds Guidance on Multiple Re-Presentment NSF Fees" here.
From S&P Global Market Intelligence, view the 2026 US Bank Market Report and learn how US bank earnings have continued to grow as strong margin expansion and benign credit quality supported performance. Read it here.
Read the Wolf & Company, P.C. article "The Stablecoin Tax Shift: Why Businesses Need a Compliance Roadmap Before 2027" here.
To ensure delivery of the New Jersey Bankers Connections, please add "info@njbankers.com" to your email address book or Safe Sender List. If you are still having problems receiving our communications, see our white-listing page for more details: White-listing page
New Jersey Bankers Association, 11 Commerce Drive, Suite 210, Cranford, NJ 07016, United States, (908) 272-8500
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