Raymond G. Hallock President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Bank Announces Retirement

FAIR LAWN, N.J., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After a 33-year banking career, Raymond G. Hallock has announced his retirement as President and CEO of Columbia Bank.  Mr. Hallock will remain a member of Columbia's Board of Directors.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110914/NY68452 )

"It has been a privilege to have worked with Ray and we thank him for his many years of dedicated service," said Noel R. Holland, Chairman of Columbia's Board of Directors.  "Under his leadership, Columbia Bank has grown and prospered, more than doubling its assets size and expanding our presence in the State of New Jersey.  Columbia is now the largest mutual financial institution headquartered in New Jersey and the third largest mutual bank in the country."  He also noted that "Columbia will continue to benefit from his counsel as a member of our Board of Directors."

Mr. Hallock joined Columbia in 1978 and served in several senior level positions including Vice President, Branch Administration and Senior Vice President and Funds Acquisition Officer.  He was named Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer in 1996 and was appointed to the Bank's Board of Directors in 1999.  He became President and Chief Executive Officer in 2002.  Prior to joining Columbia, Mr. Hallock was a Certified Public Accountant with KPMG Peat Marwick for more than thirteen years.

A well-known figure in banking, business and community affairs, Mr. Hallock actively serves local and charitable causes, including as an Advisory Board and Finance Committee Member for Paterson Habitat for Humanity, Inc.; as an Advisory Board Member of St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly, and as a Member of the Board of Directors of Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey and the American Bankers Association.  He currently serves as Chairman of the Hawthorne Zoning Board of Adjustment and has also served as a Member of the Hawthorne Board of Education; as Past President of the Hawthorne Lions and Jaycees Clubs, and as a Past Chairman of the New Jersey League of Community Bankers.  

A Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Hallock earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in accounting from St. Peter's College, attended the Graduate School of Savings and Loans at Indiana University, and earned a Degree of Distinction from the Institute of Financial Education.  An avid golfer, he is a long-time resident of Hawthorne.

New President & CEO Announced

Columbia Bank has announced that Thomas J. Kemly, Columbia's Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will be appointed his successor effective January 1, 2012.

"We look forward to a smooth transition," said Noel R. Holland, Chairman of the Board.  "As a long time Columbia Bank employee, Tom really knows our business, our corporate culture and our customer service commitment.  He also strongly believes in local community banking."

Mr. Kemly joined Columbia in 1981 as a Management Trainee.  Upon completion of the bank's Management Training Program, he was promoted to Accounting Supervisor.  In 1986, he was promoted to Assistant Controller; was named Controller in 1986, and was appointed Vice President, Controller in 1988.  He was appointed Vice President, Chief Financial Officer in 1992 and was appointed Senior Vice President a year later.  In 2001, Mr. Kemly was appointed Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2006.

A well-known figure in banking, business and community affairs, Mr. Kemly actively serves local and charitable causes, including as a Financial Investment Committee member at the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, as Treasurer of the Ramapo High School Athletic Booster Association, as a Board Member of the Columbia Bank Foundation, and as a coach in various sports with the Franklin Lakes recreation program.  Mr. Kemly is also a former member of the Financial Institutions Accounting Committee (FIAC), a former Committee Chairman and Scout Master of the Franklin Lakes Cub Scouts and a Past President of the Financial Managers Society.

Mr. Kemly earned a Masters of Business Administration from Fordham University and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Business Administration and Psychology from Trenton State College.  He resides in Franklin Lakes with his family.

About Columbia Bank

Headquartered in Fair Lawn, NJ, Columbia Bank has an asset base of approximately $4.6 billion and 44 full-service offices throughout New Jersey.  Columbia Bank offers a wide range of consumer and commercial products, including online and mobile banking, localized lending centers as well as investment and wealth management services.  For more information about Columbia Bank's full line of products and services, visit their website at columbiabankonline.com.

SOURCE Columbia Bank