Empire National Bank promotes eight of its bank employees

Craig Goldstein, Empire National Bank

Dorothy Overton, Empire National Bank

Raffaella Palazzo, Empire National Bank

Yi Lu, Empire National Bank

Matthew Ruppert, Empire National Bank

Susanne Pheffer, Empire National Bank

Paul Gendreau, Empire National Bank

Nancy Leonard, Empire National Bank

Islandia, NY According to Empire National Bank’s chairman and chief executive officer Douglas Manditch, the bank has promoted eight employees: Craig Goldstein, Dorothy Overton, Raffaella Palazzo, Yi Lu, Matthew Ruppert, Susanne Pheffer, Paul Gendreau and Nancy Leonard.

Goldstein was promoted from VP/commercial loan officer, to senior VP/commercial loan officer. Prior to joining Empire National Bank, Goldstein was a VP at State Bank of Long Island. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Northern Colorado and an MBA in Banking and Finance from Dowling College. “It’s always rewarding to acknowledge the contributions of long-term employee like Craig,”  said Manditch.

Overton was promoted from VP/Islandia branch manager, to senior VP/Islandia branch manager. Prior to joining Empire National Bank, she held the title of VP/Islandia branch manager at Long Island Commercial Bank. “As manager of our Islandia headquarters branch since it first opened, Dottie continues to plays a significant role in building the Empire National brand throughout the local community. It’s a pleasure to recognize her many accomplishments,” said Manditch.

Yi Lu was promoted from loan administrator to assistant VP/loan administration. Prior to joining Empire National Bank, Lu was a loan documentation and operations specialist at Bridgehampton National Bank. Lu earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Stony Brook University. “It’s very rewarding to see somewhat new employees like Yi assume new positions of responsibility at the bank,” said Manditch.

Palazzo was promoted to VP/deputy chief credit officer to senior VP/deputy chief credit officer. Prior to joining Empire National Bank, Palazzo held the title of commercial loan officer at State Bank of Long Island. A West Islip resident, she holds a BS in Business Administration (Finance) from LIU Post. “It’s rewarding to promote a longstanding employee like Raffaella.  It’s an acknowledgement of her many contributions to the bank,” said Manditch.

Ruppert was promoted from VP/deputy chief credit officer, to senior VP/deputy chief credit officer. Ruppert began his career as a credit analyst at State Bank of Long Island. He attended St. Joseph’s College and graduated as valedictorian with a BS in Business Administration. “Matthew’s latest promotion reflects his consistent contributions to the bank’s growth and development,” said Manditch. 

Pheffer has been promoted to executive VP, chief technology officer/security officer. Pheffer started her career at State Bank of Long Island.  Her positions there included finance manager, assistant VP/MIS, VP/acting controller and senior VP/chief information officer. Prior to joining the bank, she served as director of operations at Kenneth J. Soles & Associates, a consulting company serving the financial industry. She earned a BA in Computer Science and Corporate Finance and an MS degree in Corporate Finance from Adelphi University. “Her promotion and additional responsibilities reflect the contributions she has made to the bank since she joined our senior management team,” said Manditch.

Gendreau was promoted from professional banking administrator to private banking officer. Prior to joining the bank, Gendreau held the title of customer service representative at Greenpoint Savings Bank.  “It’s gratifying to see an employee like Paul who started at the branch level successfully transition into a corporate position of growth,” said Manditch.

Leonard was promoted from senior operations administrator to assistant VP/deposit operations. Leonard earned an associate degree in Business Administration from SUNY Farmingdale. “We appreciate Nancy’s banking experience and acknowledge her credentials with this promotion,” said Manditch.