James J. Landy, Executive Chairman of Hudson Valley Bank, N.A., Elected Chairman of New York Bankers Assn.

NEW YORK, NY (02/28/2014)(readMedia)-- James J. Landy, executive chairman of Hudson Valley Bank, N.A., was elected by his peers to chair the New York Bankers Association (NYBA) for the 2014 one-year term.

"The banking industry in New York is a vital component of the State's economic foundation. With the State poised for resurgence in the aftermath of the recession, it is critically important to have an active and enthusiastic banking industry," said Mr. Landy.

"The members of the New York Bankers Association have elected a strong, experienced leader in Jim Landy. We look forward to a busy and productive year with Jim at the helm," said Michael P. Smith, President and CEO, of New York Bankers Association.

James J. Landy, has served as Executive Chairman of the Board of Hudson Valley Bank, N.A. since May 10, 2012. Previously, Mr. Landy served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from January 2001 to May 2012. Prior to January 2001, Mr. Landy served as Executive Vice President of the Bank and in various other executive capacities with the Bank. He has been employed by the Bank since 1977. Mr. Landy is a director of Sacred Heart Housing Corp., a senior citizen housing company in Yonkers, New York, the Chairman of St. Joseph's Medical Center, a health care facility in Westchester County, New York and a director and Vice Chairman of the New York Bankers Association, as well as Chairman of the Board of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in Westchester County, a fraternal and charitable organization.

Hudson Valley Bank is the largest independently-owned commercial bank based in Westchester County, New York. The Bank was founded in 1972 by a group of ten forward-thinking business and professional men, who had strong ties to Yonkers and envisioned a truly local bank to serve the financial needs of the community. Today, Hudson Valley Bank has more than $2.6 billion in assets and branches throughout the metropolitan area; a subsidiary investment management firm, A. R. Schmeidler & Co., Inc.; a charitable foundation, the Hudson Valley National Foundation; and a full range of products and services tailored to the needs of the communities it serves.

Thomas W. Schneider, president and chief executive officer of Pathfinder Bank in Oswego, New York was elected vice chairman of the Association.

Mr. Schneider has served as President and CEO of Pathfinder Bank since January 2000. He has been employed by Pathfinder Bank since April 1988 and previously served as Chief Financial Officer and as Controller. Mr. Schneider has spent his entire 29-year career in the financial services industry, being previously employed by Merrill Lynch & Co., American Express and J. Henry Schroeder Bank and Trust.

Mr. Schneider received his Masters in Business Administration from Fairfield University in May 2002 and his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Cortland State University in May 1983. Mr. Schneider also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Oswego State University, teaching a graduate level finance course entitled "Management of Financial Institutions: A Risk Based Approach" in the School of Business.

Stephen S. Romaine, president & chief executive officer of Tompkins Financial Corporation in Ithaca, New York was elected treasurer of the Association.

He has served in his position at Tompkins Financial since 2007. In addition to his post with NYBA, Mr. Romaine is a member of the New York Stock Exchange's Listed Company Council. He is a member of Tompkins Cortland Community College Foundation, United Way of Tompkins County, and Ithaca Aviation Heritage Foundation. Mr. Romaine is a graduate of SUNY Albany.

NYBA is comprised of more than 150 community, regional, and money center commercial banks and thrift institutions operating in New York State. NYBA members have aggregate assets in excess of $10 trillion and more than 200,000 New York employees.