NY’S LARGEST MUTUAL SAVINGS BANK WELCOMES TRUSTEE

Ridgewood Savings Bank has welcomed Navy Djonovic, CPA, partner at Maier Markey and Justic LLP, to its Board of Trustees where she will bring her financial acumen and extensive executive leadership and strategic governance experience to the board’s oversight role, as the bank moves into its second century of operations and upholds its standing as New York’s largest mutual savings bank.
“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. “Her vast experience in finance, management, as well as business and community relationship building, make her a valuable addition to the board.”
Djonovic, a partner at the White Plains-based accounting services firm since 1999, currently heads the nonprofit services practice. A dedicated community and business leader, she is board chair of the Westchester Medical Center Foundation and currently chairs the Women Leading Medicine Committee, connecting and empowering exceptional physicians and leading women in the community. Additionally, she has held long tenures on the boards of Sterling National Bank and the Westchester County Association.
“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.” Djonovic holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fordham University and is a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Ridgewood Savings Bank Board Trustees Henry “Hank” A. Braun and Paul C. Fitzpatrick are both retiring at the end of 2023, each completing 13 years of dedicated service to the bank. Upon retirement, both will assume the role of trustee emeritus.
Braun joined the board in 2011, bringing more than 40 years of experience in banking. As a trustee at Ridgewood, Braun chaired several Board Committees.
Fitzpatrick joined also joined the board in 2011, having previously accumulated over 35 years in investment banking experience with a focus in the hospitality industry. As a trustee at Ridgewood, Fitzpatrick chaired several board committees.
Fitzpatrick remarked: “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. 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.”