North Jersey Community Bank's Laura Criscione Named NJBIZ 'CFO of the Year'

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- North Jersey Community Bank (NJCB), the fastest growing bank in New Jersey, announced today that Executive Vice President and CFO Laura Criscione has been named "CFO of the Year" by NJBIZ, New Jersey's leading statewide business newspaper.

"This is a well-deserved honor for Laura. Her contributions to NJCB, since its inception five years ago, have been instrumental to our continued growth and success," said Frank Sorrentino III, chairman and CEO of North Jersey Community Bank.  "Many bank programs and initiatives have been introduced under her supervision and her input and guidance on the executive management team has helped us become a leader among both community and national banks."

NJBIZ covers local industries, business trends, local markets and national business news.  The award honors CFOs with significant career achievements, impactful contributions and leadership in other areas of management. Criscione was selected among five finalists and numerous entries from businesses throughout the state.  

"I began my career at the entry level in the banking industry as a teller, and advanced through the ranks step by step – with my ultimate goal being the CFO position. Winning this award proves that hard work and dedication pay off and I have attained the goal that I've long-aspired to," Criscione said.

In her role as Executive Vice President and CFO, Criscione oversees all of the financial and operational functions of the bank.  She also spearheads NJCB's technology department which has implemented a wide range of advancements that rival those of its larger national competitors, making NJCB one of the most technologically advanced community banks in the industry.

NJCB offers a complete range of financial services for both personal and business customers, backed by advanced technology.  The bank provides a full-line of banking products and services, including mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, as well as a wide selection of commercial services. Its Simply Better Money Market Account, with one of the highest rates in the area, is available for both business and personal accounts and includes free checking and free online bill pay.  The bank features signature amenities including a free coffee bar, customer lounge and business center complete with plasma screen TVs and Internet connections.  Each of the seven branches – Cresskill, Cliffside Park/Fort Lee, Hackensack, Englewood Cliffs, Ridgewood, Fort Lee and West New York – also feature NJCB's exclusive "Coin Toss" free coin counting machine as well as extended lobby hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday. In addition, the Cresskill, Cliffside Park/Fort Lee, Hackensack, Englewood Cliffs and West New York locations offer a drive-thru window with extended hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. NJCB also provides 24-hour ATM service and free online banking at www.njcb.com.

About North Jersey Community Bank (NJCB):

North Jersey Community Bank was founded by local community and business leaders to provide the highest level of personalized community banking services to Northern New Jersey. With a strong commitment to the communities it serves, the bank offers a variety of innovative deposit and loan products. 

North Jersey Community Bank received a top ten ranking on NJBIZ's 50 Fastest Growing Companies List, was a finalist for the publication's Emerging Business of the Year award and was named to Inc. magazine's Inc. 500|5000 list as the 64th fastest growing bank in the country.

In addition, NJCB was also a recipient of the Forbes® Enterprise Awards--the most esteemed and sought after small-business awards in the United States. The Forbes® Enterprise Awards honor the visionary practices and exemplary achievements of a select few small businesses.

NJCB is an Equal Housing and Equal Opportunity Lender, and a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  For more information, call 201-816-8900, or visit the bank's website at www.njcb.com.

SOURCE North Jersey Community Bank