Minoska Mateo Receives the 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Award from the Independent Community Bankers of America

Vice President Community Development Officer of Columbia Bank has been selected as a recipient of the 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Award from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). This award recognizes the nation's most promising young community banking professionals, who, based on character, leadership, community involvement, and innovation, represent the future of the industry.

Mrs. Mateo has dedicated her career to ensuring Columbia Bank is a responsible corporate citizen, provides accessible and equitable products, and strives to exceed CRA Guidelines. She currently leads the Bank's "Team Columbia" volunteering program, which includes approximately 100% of employee participation each year. Mrs. Mateo believes community banking is a consistently evolving sector. She actively seeks opportunities to expand access to banking services and increase financial literacy and stability. Her vision of community banking is to make as big of an impact as possible. Through her work, Mrs. Mateo has successfully been able to touch the lives of many and encourages her peers to do the same.

Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO of Columbia Bank said, "I'd like to congratulate Minoska on this well-deserved honor. She is a hands-on leader who excels at putting her plans into action, and consistently demonstrates dedication to meet the needs of our communities, both within the Bank and in the neighborhoods we serve. We are fortunate to have her on our talented team of banking professionals."

Mrs. Mateo, a resident of Elizabeth, NJ, serves on the Board, Nominating Committee and Finance Committee for St. Joseph Social Service Center, whose mission is to assist the materially poor and homeless community of greater Elizabeth, New Jersey, by providing basic human needs such as food, clothing, medications and more. She also is on the board of Monarch Housing Associates in Cranford, New Jersey, working to create affordable and supportive housing for residents throughout the state. Additionally, Mrs. Mateo is a member of the Business and Community Council for the Newark Museum, Elizabeth Rotary Club, and Paterson Chamber of Commerce. She also is a member of three trade groups: New Jersey Bankers CRA and Compliance Committee, the American Bankers Association CRA Working Group and the CBA CRA Committee.

For more information about Columbia Bank's complete line of products and services, visit www.ColumbiaBankOnline.com.