According to Empire National Bank's chairman and CEO Douglas Manditch, the bank has promoted the following four employees: Matthew Ruppert to deputy chief credit officer, Raffaella Palazzo to deputy chief credit officer, Frank De Rosa as vice president and commercial loan officer, and Michael Locorriere to the newly established position of executive vice president/ director of municipal banking. Ruppert previously served as vice president/portfolio manager. 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. "As one of our first employees seven years ago, Matthew's responsibilities at the bank have steadily increased. It's rewarding to acknowledge his career accomplishments by promoting him to his new position," said Manditch. Palazzo previously served as vice president/credit administration. Prior to joining Empire National Bank, Palazzo held the title of commercial loan officer at New York Commercial Bank. Raffaella holds a BS in Business Administration from LIU Post. "As a valued member of our team for six years, it's gratifying to announce Raffaella's latest promotion. Her new title reflects both her career achievements and banking industry expertise," said Manditch. Prior to joining Empire National Bank, De Rosa held the title of vice president at Morgan Stanley's corporate headquarters in Manhattan. He is a graduate of St. John's University. "With a diverse background in securities, commercial and investment banking, Frank adds another dimension to our team of talented professionals," said Manditich. Prior to joining Empire National Bank, Locorriere held the title of senior vice president/municipal banking at Community National Bank in Melville. His other professional accomplishments include serving as a Suffolk County legislator and comptroller for the town of North Hempstead. He holds a BS from Mansfield University, Mansfield, Penn. and an MBA from Dowling College, Oakdale, N.Y. An active professional, his affiliations include the NYS Bankers Association, Nassau and Suffolk Chapters of the Association of School Business Officials and the Long Island Village Clerks and Treasurers Association. He also serves as a Long Island Regional Council member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA.) "With municipal banking expertise and credentials in the public sector, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role at the bank," said Manditch.