#United States #Astoria #Alma Bank #Dino Marra #John F. Kuntz

Alma Bank's New Board Appointments: Strengthening Governance and Leadership

Alma Bank, a commercial bank chartered in New York State, has made notable strides in enhancing its leadership with the recent appointments of three experienced professionals to its Board of Directors: David J. Samuels, Dino Marra, and John F. Kuntz. These appointments mark a critical step for the bank as it navigates its growth strategy and builds upon its solid foundation in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

Profiles of New Board Members

David J. Samuels

David brings over 30 years of comprehensive experience in the banking sector, focusing on critical areas such as risk and regulation. As a seasoned financial executive, he recently served as the CEO and board member of Treliant, a renowned global financial services consultancy. His past roles include strategic positions at firms like Promontory Financial Group and SP Capital IQ, where he guided institutions in regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Samuels’s extensive board experience, both in corporate and non-profit sectors, equips him with a robust perspective beneficial to Alma Bank.

Dino Marra, CPA

With a rich background in finance, Dino currently operates as the CFO and Project Executive at MarrCon Development Corp. His expertise spans over a decade with Crowe LLP, where he provided critical advisory services to various financial and real estate entities. His comprehensive knowledge of audit, internal controls, and compliance ensures oversight of financial integrity within Alma Bank. Moreover, his engagement in commercial real estate investments further strengthens his contributions to the board.

John F. Kuntz, Esq.

John joins the Board with a wealth of experience in financial services, serving previously in high-level roles at Provident Bank, notably as Senior Executive Vice President. His legal acumen, combined with insights from navigating public company governance and bank acquisitions, presents a unique advantage to Alma Bank. His strategic oversight in operational expansions will be vital as the bank seeks to maintain progressive growth.

Board's Vision for the Future

Paul Kalamaras, the Chairman of the Board, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming these talented individuals. He highlighted their robust leadership, sound judgment, and deep-seated expertise in the financial services industry as crucial assets during a transformative period for Alma Bank. “Their experience in advising institutions and governance will be invaluable as we strive to execute our strategic priorities,” Kalamaras stated.

Michael Psyllos, President and CEO of Alma Bank, added, “As we continue to grow, their diverse experiences across banking, governance, and finance will provide significant insights. The leadership they bring aligns perfectly with our focus on prudent growth, innovation, and operational excellence.”

Alma Bank’s Commitment

Founded in Long Island City, Alma Bank is dedicated to serving its community with a variety of commercial and consumer banking services. Its commitment to personalized service and robust risk management practices remains at the core of its operations. The addition of Samuels, Marra, and Kuntz positions Alma Bank favorably as it enhances its strategic initiatives in the competitive financial sector.

In summary, the new appointments to the Board of Directors not only bring outstanding expertise and leadership capabilities to Alma Bank but also signify a proactive approach to enhancing governance and navigating growth in a complex financial environment. As the bank advances its objectives, the insights and backgrounds of these leaders will support Alma Bank’s mission to create long-term value for customers, employees, shareholders, and the wider community.