Independent Bankers Association of New York State Names John Witkowski President and CEO

The Independent Bankers Association of New York State (IBANYS), the trade association representing local community banks throughout New York, announced that John J. Witkowski has joined the Association as President & CEO following a comprehensive search.

IBANYS Chairman Gregory J. Hartz (President & CEO, Tompkins Trust Co.) stated: “We are thrilled to welcome John Witkowski as the President and CEO of IBANYS. His community banking experience and his extensive leadership experience will be a tremendous value in leading the organization during a time of significant change in the financial services industry.”

Mr. Witkowski added: “This is a great opportunity to lead an organization that recognizes the importance of the community bank in New York State. I look forward to working with, and for, all of our member banks while continuing to build IBANYS’ presence throughout the region.”

Mr. Witkowski has extensive experience in the New York banking industry. He was President & CEO of Wyoming County Bank, and Regional President/EVP of Retail Banking at Five Star Bank. While there, he oversaw small business development, mortgage operations, investment and fee-based services and the retail branch network, providing leadership for the bank’s Western New York region.

Earlier in his career he was with Fleet and Bank of America, where he developed the strategic business initiative of remote relationship management for small business customers. He also was President of JW Consulting Group, advising banks, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

A former Board member of the Western New York SBA Council, Mr. Witkowski was a board member of the New York Bankers Association and Vice Chair of its Retail and Small Business Executive Committee. He is a Director of the Genesee Community College Foundation and of the Buffalo Bills Alumni Association.

After graduating from Columbia University with a degree in Economics and before beginning his banking career, he was a sixth-round draft pick of the National Football League’s Detroit Lions. A quarterback, he also played with the Houston Oilers and in other professional leagues. He is a member of the inaugural class inducted into Columbia’s Athletic Hall of Fame after having set numerous university and Ivy League passing records.