Oct. 4, 2023 By Anthony Medina
Ridgewood Savings Bank is preparing to say farewell to two longtime trustees and welcome a new face to the board this month.
Navy Djonovic, a partner at the White Plains-based accounting services firm, Maier Markey and Justic LLP, since 1999, joins the Ridgewood Savings Bank board of trustees with financial acumen and extensive experience as an executive leader.
As the bank moves into its second century of serving New York as the largest mutual savings bank, Ridgewood Savings Bank says Djonovic’s leadership at the accounting firm and strategic governance experience will add another valuable asset to the iconic institution.
“Ridgewood is very pleased to welcome Navy to our board of trustees as we further our strategic mission to deliver the best financial services to our customers in New York City, Long Island, Westchester County and beyond,” said Leonard Stekol, chairman, president and CEO of Ridgewood Savings Bank. “Her vast experience in finance, management, as well as business and community relationship building, make her a valuable addition to the Board.”
Djonovic brings with her a dedication to the community.
As chair of the Westchester Medical Center Foundation and the Woman Leading Medicine Committee, she’s remained a strong presence. In her experience, Djonovic has also held long tenures on the Sterling National Bank and the Westchester County Association boards.
“I look forward to working with New York’s leading mutual savings bank and its esteemed Board of Trustees,” said Djonovic. “As Ridgewood continues to expand and provide customers with the most innovative banking platforms and tools, I hope to assist Ridgewood’s team in their efforts to provide the exemplary service and seamless banking experience that has garnered numerous industry recognitions in recent years.”
As Ridgewood Savings Bank welcomes Djonovic with open arms, it is also saying farewell to two board trustees Henry “Hank” A. Braun and Paul C. Fitzpatrick, who will retire at the end of 2023.
“On behalf of Ridgewood’s employees and Board of Trustees, it is my privilege to thank both Hank and Paul for their many years of faithful service as trustees,” Stekol said. “Each has made many contributions to the bank’s successes during these past 13 years, proving to be wise counsel to myself and the Officer group. I am very honored to call them dear friends. Their regular presence will certainly be missed.”
After each 13 years of dedicated service to the bank, both board trustees will assume a new role of trustee emeritus and their history at the bank will be honored.
Braun joined the Board in 2011, bringing more than 40 years of experience in banking, serving on several board committees as a trustee.
“As I bid farewell to my role on the Ridgewood Savings Bank board of trustees after 13 remarkable years, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for having witnessed Ridgewood’s incredible growth and seeing what we have accomplished,” said Braun. “Together, we’ve built a legacy of financial strength, community commitment and unwavering trust and I am confident that the future holds even greater achievements for this remarkable bank.”
Fitzpatrick chaired several board committees during his time at Ridgewood Savings Bank, having joined in 2011 and previously accumulating over 35 years of investment banking experience — focused on the hospitality industry.
“As I step down from the Ridgewood Savings Bank board of trustees, I reflect on the privilege of being a part of this historic bank’s journey for over a decade,” said Fitzpatrick. “Our collective dedication to the community and steadfast commitment to excellence have been the cornerstones of our success, and I have no doubt that the bank will continue to flourish in the capable hands of my esteemed colleagues.”
The Ridgewood Savings Bank continues to serve clients as a strong mutual savings bank with over $6.8 billion in assets and 36 branches located throughout the New York Metropolitan area.