#USA #New York #Carver Bancorp #Keith Mestrich #Donald Felix

Carver Bancorp, Inc. Announces New Board Candidates

On April 27, 2026, Carver Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Carver Federal Savings Bank, announced its nominees for the Board of Directors ahead of the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The company has nominated Keith Mestrich and Donald Felix, both of whom possess impressive backgrounds that are well-suited to address the current needs of Carver.

Profiles of the Candidates

Keith Mestrich is notably recognized for his role as the former Chief Executive Officer of Amalgamated Bank, where he significantly turned the organization towards profitability. With over three decades in finance, Mestrich has extensive experience in various essential banking facets including balance sheet management, credit quality enhancement, and public company governance. His leadership efforts at Amalgamated Bank led to remarkable growth, seeing asset expansion to nearly $5 billion. Furthermore, Mestrich is committed to community advocacy, demonstrating a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by customers in the financial sector.

In tandem with Mestrich is Donald Felix, the current President and CEO of Carver, who emphasizes a strategic focus on profitability and growth for the organization. With 25 years of experience at top-tier banks including Citi and JPMorgan Chase, Felix's expertise covers a broad range of banking operations, including digital banking innovations and strategic turnarounds. Felix’s leadership at Carver has already begun yielding results, and his vision is pivotal for the institution's future.

A Strategic Transformation

Carver's Board evaluates these nominations as a critical element in its ongoing modernization efforts. Lewis P. Jones III, Chairman of the Board, articulated enthusiasm regarding the candidates, indicating their wealth of experience directly aligns with Carver’s objectives. Mestrich's capability to oversee organizational changes and Felix's strategic planning prowess set a strong foundation for anticipated improvements in Carver’s performance.

Both nominees will replace current board members Dr. Pazel G. Jackson, Jr. and Robin L. Nunn, who will not seek re-election. The Board views this refreshing as essential to enhancing shareholder value and positioning Carver for sustainable growth.

Actions for the Future

Carver's leadership is acutely aware of the continuous transformations required for progress. These changes span executive appointments, cost reduction strategies, and realignment towards an OTC exchange. The initiatives are structured to bolster performance, ensuring that Carver can fulfill its mission - supporting everyday New Yorkers in achieving their financial goals.

Stockholders are encouraged to utilize their WHITE proxy cards to vote for the election of Mestrich and Felix during the Annual Meeting. This step is viewed as crucial for fostering the ongoing initiatives aimed at delivering enhanced shareholder value while fulfilling Carver’s commitment to community empowerment.

Conclusion

Carver Bancorp stands at a pivotal juncture, advocating for its evolving board leadership, essential for navigating future challenges. The expertise of Keith Mestrich and Donald Felix is expected not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to drive impactful initiatives that resonate with the needs of both its customers and stakeholders. Shareholders are urged to participate actively in the upcoming meeting, as their votes will play a critical role in shaping the Bank's direction.

Through this transition, Carver aims to reinforce its legacy as a community development financial institute committed to delivering essential financial services tailored to underserved communities across New York.