2024 People To Watch in Finance

NJBIZ once again presents our list of business people who are doing great work without making a lot of news. The individuals profiled have either completed difficult tasks, are creating game-changing innovations or leading others in those endeavors. The common thread is that you, the reader, might never have heard of them. But you will. The NJBIZ Power lists recognize the most influential business leaders in the state. Many of those folks have spent their entire careers building businesses, ascending the ranks of corporate management, training new generations or in some other way making New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business.

This list honors the money people – those individuals who perform vital tasks in every business by helping ensure profitability, avert financial crises, invest wisely in promising ventures and generally keep the wheels of business turning in the right direction. Without talented professionals in these sorts of positions, businesses could not function properly, if at all.

So don’t think of them as bean counters or number crunchers. The point of being in business is to make money. The state’s economy and its citizens’ livelihoods depend on it. That makes the task of ensuring a steady flow of dollars – earned honestly – among the most important in any company.

Last year, we asked for our readers’ help in identifying individuals for this feature – and you came through. So, we are asking again. Many of the people here are known to NJBIZ editorial staff members because we encounter them in our coverage. We are always looking for new and different stories – and people who are new to us often have interesting stories to tell.

But you also clue us in about others we may miss. New Jersey may not be the largest state, but the magnitude of its economy is impressive. That means there are a lot of emerging leaders we are not aware of. So, if you know someone we should get to know, use our recommendation form.

We look forward to hearing from you. And we look forward to your feedback on this list. Let us know what you think.

– Jeffrey Kanige, NJBIZ editor

2024 People to Watch in Finance:

Libby Bajgerova
Vice president, senior market manager | Columbia Bank

A vice president and senior market manager at Fair Lawn-based Columbia Bank, Bajgerova has expertise in business development, strategic sales programs and people management within retail banking. She began with Columbia Bank in 2001 as head teller and worked her way up to become a financial services officer/branch manager in 2006, a vice president/regional administration officer in 2014 and then a vice president, market manager in 2019. Last year, she was named a senior market manager. During her tenure with the organization, she has developed a reputation as being a strong, motivational mentor who emphasizes the value of the products Columbia Bank provides. Founded in 1927, Columbia Bank is a federally chartered savings bank with 65 full-service locations in New Jersey, various regional lending centers and an asset base of approximately $10.4 billion. In addition to being a 2024 NJBIZ Leaders in Finance honoree, Bajgerova serves on several nonprofit boards, like CareSparc Community and the Lightbridge Academy Foundation. She’s also involved in volunteer work at places like University Hospital and Newark Beth Israel Hospital.

Lynda Bennett
Partner | Lowenstein Sandler

Bennett is a partner at Lowenstein Sandler where she leads the firm’s insurance recovery practice. She is a sought-after expert on coverage issues and has been out front on some prominent insurance-related questions – most recently the potential fallout from the CrowdStrike incident in July. According to Lowenstein, Bennett led its entrance into podcasts by hosting “Don’t Take No for an Answer.” The bimonthly series features 101 lessons on the nuts and bolts of insurance recovery issues and strategies as well as discussions on insurance issues that include views from all of the stakeholders in the industry. She has obtained recoveries for clients in D&O, cyber, environmental, asbestos, construction defect, mass tort, product liability and professional liability cases. She also advises clients with respect to contractual insurance requirements, new products and risk management tools, and insurance program assessment. Working with the firm’s transactional lawyers, Bennett regularly advises strategic acquirers and private equity funds regarding insurance coverage issues that arise in acquisition and investment transactions. She has vast experience and a deep network in the reps and warranties insurance space that is an asset for any deal. She has chaired the Insurance Recovery Group since 2011 and is a member of the firm’s executive board and Compensation Committee. She previously served on the firm’s Operating Committee and Recruiting Committee. Bennett is also a founder of the Lowenstein’s Women’s Initiative Network, is active in legal industry women’s groups, and serves as a board member and past president of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association.

Dan Borok
Managing partner | Newark Venture Partners

Borok brings extensive experience investing up and down the venture maturity curve to his role of managing partner of Newark Venture Partners, a B2B-focused firm that backs founders building the next generation of game-changing enterprise software businesses worldwide. NVP dives deep into a few core investment themes, such as healthtech, industrial and fintech. Throughout his career, Borok has consistently focused on B2B software – driven by a belief that good software creates value not only by driving productivity, but also by making the lives of employees better. Borok is a board member/observer at a number of companies, such as 1Huddle, and has invested in notable companies like Vydia (acquired by Gamma) and many more. In July, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority board approved an investment of up to $6 million into Newark Venture Partners III, the third fund for the early-stage venture capital firm. “This investment in NVP will have exponentially greater impact as it leverages the firm’s network and expertise, advancing the performance of technology businesses across the State,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “The NJEDA has supported Newark Venture Partners from the beginning and continues to be a best-in-class partner as we evolve as a firm,” Borok said.

Stephen Cassidy
Managing partner | Denholtz Properties

Former Denholtz Properties’ president Cassidy transitioned to managing partner this month. The move came as the company welcomed a new CEO, Katie Kurtz, and Steven Denholtz moved to the role of chairman. Cassidy has served as a key leader on the privately held, vertically integrated commercial real estate investment and development company’s executive team for nearly two decades. He’s helped drive execution as well as enhancement of the company’s multi-tenant investment strategy and accredited private investor initiatives. Leveraging his financial acumen and knowledge of real estate capital markets, the Red Bank-based business says Cassidy has been instrumental in structuring capitalization packages for strategic acquisitions, repositioning efforts and development projects. He also oversees Denholtz Properties’ capital markets and fundraising operations as the company expands and diversifies its $2 billion portfolio of assets under management. And that growth extends far beyond the Garden State. In March, the company added a 213,125-square-foot industrial site in the Austin-San Antonio corridor — it’s first in Texas. Denholtz has also made strides to expand its multifamily portfolio with an acquisition in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and multiple properties in North Carolina.

Elizabeth DeVesty
Director, New Jersey office | JLL Capital Markets, Americas

Last summer, JLL elevated DeVesty to director with the New Jersey office’s Capital Markets, Americas team. With the company for 13 years before that, she came on board as part of JLL’s acquisition of HFF. As a director, DeVesty specializes in multifamily investment advisory in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.  When her appointment was announced in July 2023, JLL said DeVesty had supported nearly $19 billion in multihousing transactions. “Liz’s exceptional grasp of the market, paired with her impeccable work ethic, has been instrumental in driving JLL’s success in the tristate area within the multi-housing space,” said Michael Oliver, senior managing director, New Jersey Office co-head. “Liz’s strategic insights, attention to detail and innovative approach continue to elevate our team’s performance. Looking ahead, I’m confident she will continue to be a valuable asset to our clients and a driving force behind our team’s growth.” Last year, she was part of a JLL team that closed the $115 million-sale of Addison at Princeton Meadows, a 440-unit community. Other recent transactions include Hunter’s Glen in Plainsboro ($197 million); Revetment House & Embankment House in Jersey City ($163 million); and The Mews at Princeton Junction in its namesake ($155 million).

Christopher Fundora
Director of retirement planning | Traphagen CPAs & Wealth Advisors

At Traphagen CPAs & Wealth Advisors, Fundora serves as the Oradell-based financial advisory firm’s director of retirement planning. In that role, he partners with individuals, families, and institutions for both personal and corporate planning. Thanks to his focus on tax planning and optimization, the firm has developed a proprietary retirement structure known as the Optimized Roth. Fundora also serves on Traphagen’s investment committee, where he helps guide portfolio construction and investment direction for various strategies. Driven by a passion for financial planning, Fundora views the profession as a way to help individuals and families achieve their goals for the present and future. A 2024 NJBIZ Forty Under 40 honoree, Fundora has also been a panelist at multiple conferences and seminars across the country, as well as a board member and supporter of various nonprofits. He’s also been recognized with several industry accolades, including by InvestmentNews and the National Association of Plan Advisors. Fundora was selected as a delegate ahead of a Washington, D.C., forum sponsored in July by the National Association of Plan Advisors. As part of that role, he visited the nation’s capital to engage with key federal policymakers regarding the state of retirement. Before joining the team at Traphagen in 2016, Fundora spent three years as an associate with J.P. Morgan.

Jennifer Gaetaniello
Southern NJ regional executive | Wells Fargo

Gaetaniello stepped into the role of Southern NJ regional executive for Wells Fargo over the summer. With the company for nearly 25 years, she started as a banker, serving in several leadership positions throughout her tenure. Now, she oversees branch network operations in South Jersey, including eight districts, 116 locations and 700 employees. “I am blown away by the amazing drive and commitment this team has for their success, and the success of their customers,” she wrote on LinkedIn announcing the new position in August. “The people we work with are the BEST part of who we are at Wells Fargo!!  It is an honor to be the leader of this incredible team and I am 100% committed to give everything I can for the success of our employees and our customers!” Her past positions have also included district manager and as part of the affluent segment leadership team. Last year, Gaetaniello was tapped to lead the segment influencer team for the Atlantic division. In that role, the company said she supported leaders with growth in the affluent and small business segments by providing consistent execution of Behavior Framework and the Management Cycle.

Maria Geltrude
Co-founder | Geltrude & Co.

A businesswoman, entrepreneur and certified public accountant, Geltrude is the co-founder of Geltrude & Co., the Nutley-based firm she operates alongside her husband, Dan, who is regularly featured and quoted in these pages and beyond. Geltrude also brings a unique approach to client service beyond her financial and accounting expertise – she is also an expert in Eastern philosophies and the ancient architectural studies of Vastu Shastra. In 2014, she founded Vastu Environments – where she is known as “Lady Vastu” – and assists clients by applying Vastu technology to office and workplace environments. Combined with her 35 years of financial experience, her Vastu process supports profitability, productivity, efficiency and more. “As I began to understand the teachings of Vastu more and more, I realized that I was applying my accounting background of balancing and auditing to the environment of my clients,” Geltrude told NJBIZ. “Vastu applications model energetic equations that bring solutions to my clients, whatever their issue may be. It is really very much like accounting for energy in the environment.” While her accounting background keeps her grounded, she says “Vastu keeps me very creative and intuitive. And when you bring both together, that’s the sweet spot. And most of us want to be there – it’s the middle ground.”

Jawan Graham-Worrell
Assistance vice president, community banking officer | First Commerce Bank

Graham-Worrell is an assistant vice president and community banking officer for First Commerce Bank, working out of Closter where he serves as branch manager. Founded in 2006 as Northern State Bank, First Commerce Bank is a full-service commercial bank with a belief in the power of business to help neighborhoods and people prosper; fostering financial advancement and business growth, which results in a solid job market and a strong community economic foundation. In his role, Graham-Worrell works to prioritize the banking needs of small to medium-sized businesses, professional organizations and individuals toward the bank’s goals of helping businesses grow and bringing more opportunities to more people. His inclusion on this list comes on the heels of receiving a 2023 Rising Star Award by the New Jersey Bankers Association, which recognizes rising stars of the state’s banking industry and their impact on the communities where they live and work.

Andrew Hibshman
Chief financial officer | First Bank

In his role as CFO of First Bank, Hibshman manages several critical areas of the business, including financial reporting, human resources, investments, interest rate risk and liquidity. First Bank is a community bank with 26 full-service branches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida – boasting more than $3.6 billion in assets and offering a range of services and products to individuals and businesses. He and his team are lauded by First Bank leadership for ensuring financial information is reported on time and accurately – building models and procedures that ensure the bank has a balanced risk profile, which allows it to earn an acceptable return for shareholders without taking undue risk. During the second quarter earnings call, Hibshman noted the difficult rate environment that the bank is operating in (which eased a tad with the recent interest rate cut), but said he was pleased with First Bank’s performance. “We are also excited about the prospects for the remainder of 2024 and beyond as we are operating from a position of strength and are well positioned to react to any changes in interest rates of other market conditions,” Hibshman said.

Michael Kaplan
Chief judge | U.S. Bankruptcy Court, New Jersey

As chief judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey, Kaplan oversees what’s become an emerging hot spot for companies filing large Chapter 11 cases. In recent years, the venue has seen a surge in corporate filings from big names like Bed Bath & Beyond, David’s Bridal, Sam Ash and WeWork. A bankruptcy judge since 2006 who was designated chief judge in 2020, Kaplan’s caseload has included Rite Aid and BlockFi. He was also the judge assigned to handle Johnson & Johnson subsidiary LTL Management’s failed second attempt to resolve its mass talc liabilities via bankruptcy. Kaplan was a Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee before joining the bench 18 years ago. He was also a member of the Chapter 7 panel of bankruptcy trustees, where he received case appointments as both a Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 trustee. When he was an attorney in private practice, Kaplan represented institutional lenders, consumer debtors, business debtors and individuals undergoing Chapter 11 reorganization. Over the past 30 years, he’s spoken to numerous bar associations and business organizations as well as written several articles relating to bankruptcy issues. He’s also an adjunct professor at Rutgers University School of Law. His background includes time as a mayor and councilman in Norwood and serving on the local planning board.

Jordan Kaufman
Chief investment officer | Green Ridge Wealth Planning

Serving as chief investment officer of Green Ridge Wealth Planning, Kaufman is described as the organization’s “numbers guy.” Bringing extensive experience in hedge funds and institutional asset management, Kaufman, who joined Green Ridge in 2020, possesses a unique perspective in the financial advisory field. The firm lauds his passion for clients, his vision for Green Ridge and its future – as well as an entrepreneurial spirit that makes him able to adapt and evolve to the ever-changing world and needs of his clients. Those traits fit seamlessly with the independent firm’s mantra and focus on one thing – its clients’ finances. Kaufman is also an active community member, volunteering with local charities; serving on the board of trustees for West Bergen Mental Healthcare; and as an active member of Ridgewood A.M. Rotary club. This recognition comes on the heels of his selection to the NJBIZ Leaders in Finance 2024 list.

Steven Klein
Chairman, president and CEO | Northfield Bank

Klein serves as chairman, president and CEO of Northfield Bank, a $5.8 billion publicly traded company providing community banking and investment services to businesses and consumers in New Jersey and New York. Northfield Bank has nearly 40 branches and employs some 400 employees. In the leadership role, Klein is responsible for leading strategic planning and execution related to lending, deposit gathering, customer and employee experience, and branding. He is an active member of the of the New Jersey Bankers Association, serving as immediate former chair for Fiscal Year 2024-25. In July, he was named to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. “The FHLBNY has stood strong for nearly a century, and I am honored to join the Board and work closely with my fellow Directors to support the FHLBNY’s commitment to our members and the communities we serve,” Klein said. Klein is also a trustee of the Northfield Bank Foundation. The organization has a mission of promoting charitable purposes within the communities Northfield operates – with a focus on supporting projects around education, health and human services, youth programs and affordable housing.

John Kowal
Senior vice president, CTO and head of analytics | Peapack-Gladstone Bank

Kowal is the senior vice president, CTO and head of analytics for Peapack-Gladstone Bank, a commercial bank that provides innovative wealth management, investment banking, commercial and retail solutions, and more to businesses and consumers. In this role, Kowal is at the center of the organization’s innovation efforts, especially pertaining to artificial intelligence. In a 2023 NJBIZ story, Kowal noted that Peapack-Gladstone Bank is “[f]ocused on customer service, so we’re using generative AI to enhance our customers’ experience without replacing the human-based service they appreciate,” he said Kowal, ticking off a number of ways the bank is deploying AI for its customers, such as for mission-critical tasks like compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, identifying sensitive documents and monitoring computer activity for threats – as well as for tasks like generating transcripts and screening out background noise during meetings. “These and other AI-enabled applications will help us streamline operations and work even more efficiently,” he stressed.

Travis Lan
Executive vice president, deputy chief financial officer | Valley Bank

Lan has served as executive vice president, deputy chief financial officer for Morristown-based Valley Bank for more than four years. During that time, you’ll note, the financial institution opened a brand-new, 120,000-square-foot headquarters (2023) as well as closed the acquisition of Bank Leumi USA. With a presence across New Jersey, New York, Florida, Alabama, California and Illinois, regional bank Valley has $62 billion in assets. As deputy CFO, Lan oversees a variety of strategic finance functions for Valley, including mergers & acquisitions, business development, capital strategy and execution, investor relations, budgeting and management reporting, and capital planning and stress testing. He joined Valley from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods’ investment banking department. There, he specialized in M&A and capital advisory for community and regional banks within the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. He transitioned to investment banking in 2016. Before that, Lan spent a decade as an equity research analyst covering community and regional banks for KBW, Stifel Nicolaus and Ryan Beck & Co.

Matthew Luczyk
Senior vice president, head of corporate advisory | Peapack Private Investment Banking

Luczyck is senior vice president, head of corporate advisory at the Peapack Private Investment Banking arm of Peapack Gladstone Bank and a 2024 NJBIZ Forty Under 40 honoree. In his role, Luczyk is responsible for helping clients with activities including sell side, buy side, corporate finance and corporate development advisory. Before joining Peapack, he spent six years at Corporate Fuel Advisors, a boutique investment banking firm in New York. There, Luczyk provided strategic guidance and completed a variety of transactions for both public and private middle market clients. He has also worked on assignments in several industries, with a considerable amount of focus on firms operating in the diversified industrial and business service sectors. Previously, he was a summer investment banking analyst at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC in Philadelphia where he was responsible for analysis, valuation and preparation of materials for transactions — primarily in the infrastructure and financial institution verticals. “Having a publicly traded, well-respected, financial institution place the responsibility of a key line of business in my hands has been extremely challenging and rewarding,” Luczyk said on the occasion of his Forty Under 40 award. “Stepping into a situation of instability, and having to recruit the right team (many of the individuals working for me were previously mentors of mine), and building best practices to deliver results has been exciting.” He also helps younger professionals in their careers, assisting students pursuing careers in investment banking. He says that every year he assumes responsibility for the most interns at the bank — eight over the past three years. He also serves as an ambassador for a CFO professional group, participating in meetings to offer ideas and support.

Elizabeth Magennis
President | ConnectOne Bank

As president of ConnectOne Bank, Magennis is responsible for the growth, function and direction for a leading commercial bank with nearly $10 billion in assets. Headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, ConnectOne is a subsidiary of ConnectOne Bancorp and serves the New Jersey, New York and South Florida markets. She joined ConnectOne in 2006 as chief lending officer and executive vice president. Then, in 2020, she was elevated to president. During her 18 years with ConnectOne, Magennis has played a key role in growing the company into a top-performing bank with industry-leading metrics. Under her leadership, the bank has experienced record organic growth, expanded its footprint into new markets and built a robust loan portfolio. ConnectOne has also made significant strides into the digital space, including the launch of online accounts and a cloud-based loan management system. Earlier this year, the 30-year banking industry veteran was named second vice chair of the board of directors of the New Jersey Bankers Association, a trade group representing 65 banks and 200 service providers. Heading into the position, Magennis said, “I am honored to accept the appointment to the esteemed Board of NJ Bankers, an organization that has a long history in supporting banks across the state of New Jersey. The diversity of New Jersey’s banking sector plays an instrumental role in the strength and resilience of our state’s economy.” She also said, “As we collaborate on the next chapter of banking, I am eager to leverage my experience and insights to foster innovation, ensuring our banking community not only thrives but serves as a catalyst for growth in our communities.”

Minoska Mateo
Senior vice president, Community Development and Community Reinvestment Act officer | Columbia Bank

As senior vice president, Community Development, Mateo is focused on ensuring that Columbia Bank is a responsible corporate citizen and offers products that are accessible and egalitarian. As Community Reinvestment Act officer, her goal is for the bank to surpass regulatory guidelines. She also directs the Fair Lawn-headquartered federally chartered savings bank’s “Team Columbia” volunteer program, which receives 100% staff involvement each year. The initiative is making an impact through toy and food drives, walks for a cure, community reinvestment projects and employee sponsored giving programs. Given the constantly changing nature of community banking, Mateo, who joined Columbia Bank in 2013, believes it’s important to promote financial awareness and stability by expanding access to banking services. Through her role, Mateo has expanded financial literacy programming and product offerings to drive fair and affordable banking solutions. The Elizabeth native also serves on the board of directors, nominating committee and finance committee of St. Joseph Social Service Center, which aims to assist the materially poor and homeless community in Union County. Mateo’s other community outreach includes involvement with the Monarch Housing Associates board, which works to provide affordable and supporting housing, as well as the Newark Museum’s Business and Community Council, Paterson Chamber of Commerce and Elizabeth Rotary Club. Last year, she was named as one of the Independent Community Bankers of America’s 40 Under 40 honorees. She also received a 2023 New Jersey Bankers Association “Rising Star” award for her leadership and community service impact.

Christopher Mora
Partner, chief revenue officer and Capital Markets practice leader | Centri Business Consulting

New Jersey resident Mora is a partner, chief revenue officer and Capital Markets practice leader at Centri Business Consulting LLC. The fast-growing accounting and advisory firm is based across the border in Philadelphia, but its book of business extends into the Garden State and beyond. In the past three years, the firm has increased its top-line revenue by 260%, with a 93% increase over the past two years. Mora specializes in the delivery of capital market readiness and financial reporting to clients across several industries, including fintech, financial services, life sciences, health/wellness, telecommunications, private equity, real estate and construction. He regularly advises on the accounting treatment of various transactions, including complex debt/equity transactions, business combinations, reverse mergers, revenue recognition, lease accounting and various SEC-related issues. And Mora has led, advised and participated in dozens of IPO, SPAC and M&A transactions. In April 2025, Centri plans to hold its Centri Capital Conference. The inaugural one-day event expects to draw 400 participants. When it was announced this past May, Mora said the firm was “beyond thrilled,” adding, “We work with brilliant management teams, underwriters, and top-tier audit and law firms day in and day out on a variety of deals. This event supports our partners, drives growth in the capital markets, and adds value to the ecosystem we serve.” Earlier this year, The Philadelphia Business Journal recognized Mora with a corporate leadership award. Among other achievements, that publication credited him with starting Centri’s digital asset practice, a move that led to 55% year-over-year growth for the practice group.

Ferlanda Fox Nixon
President and CEO | Newark Regional Business Partnership

Nixon took over as president and CEO of the Newark Regional Business Partnership earlier this month, succeeding longtime executive Chip Hallock. The organization advocates for economic development in the region around the state’s largest city and promotes the ongoing revitalization of Newark. “We are very excited that Ferlanda will be leading NRBP and helping us to forward our mission,” Jennifer Mazawey, NRBP chair said when Nixon was appointed. “Ferlanda brings an outstanding record of success in partnering with a wide variety of constituents and is recognized as a collaborator. We look forward to her leadership now and in the years to come.” Nixon brings more than 30 years of leadership experience as a corporate attorney, independent business consultant, nonprofit leader and chamber of commerce executive. She joined NRBP after holding senior leadership roles with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, where she most recently served as chief of policy and external affairs. “I am excited and honored to join the Newark Regional Business Partnership team as president and CEO,” Nixon said. “Newark is a terrific regional business community with unlimited potential. I’m looking forward to working with the Board, staff and members as we proactively engage with businesses of all sizes to positively impact the community and the region.”

Julie Olters
Senior human resources generalist | Manasquan Bank

At Manasquan Bank, a leading community bank serving Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean counties with consolidated assets of $2.8 billion, Olters has been instrumental in creating a culture of collaboration and respect through her role as senior human resources generalist. Olters joined the Wall Township-based financial institution in 2019 as a human resources assistant. She was named human resources generalist in 2021 and then senior human resources generalist in 2022. During her tenure, she’s implemented several initiatives designed to boost morale and engagement, including programs for employee recognition as well as wellness and wellbeing. Olters is also programming committee chair for the Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources and serves on the board of directors. Last year, Olters was a recipient of New Jersey Bankers Association’s Rising Star Awards, an annual recognition for professionals in the banking industry under the age of 40 who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and commitment to their organizations. After receiving the honor, Olters shared on LinkedIn, “I am so fortunate to be part of an organization that encourages creativity and authenticity, and where I can be my true self each day.”

Frank Pipas
Executive vice president, chief financial officer | RWJ Barnabas Health

As executive vice president and chief financial officer at West Orange-based RWJBarnabas Health, Pipas is responsible for key financial and operational functions at the largest and most comprehensive academic health system in New Jersey. His oversight includes revenue cycle management, financial reporting, budget and reimbursement, supply chain and purchasing, payroll, tax, treasury and investments. As CFO, Pipas works to execute the network’s strategic vision in a space that is constantly challenged by operational pressures, regulatory changes, mounting expenses, labor shortages and population health concerns. Pipas joined RWJBarnabas Health in December 2022 from Hackensack Meridian Health, where he most recently served four years as executive vice president of finance. After starting in 2002 at HMH as director of finance, Pipas went on to hold the positions of senior director, vice president and senior vice president. Previously, Pipas held various financial posts with Somerset Medical Center (now Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset) and Liberty HealthCare System (now Jersey City Medical Center). Pipas began his career in Ernst & Young’s audit division. He was recognized earlier this year as one of NJBIZ’s Leaders in Finance. He was also named a “Hospital and Health System CFO To Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review in 2023 and 2024. RWJBarnabas Health President and CEO Mark Manigan has said Pipa’s accolades are “a testament to his acute proficiency and dedication to his role.” He went on to say that Pipas’ “expertise and perspective are critical in advancing our mission of creating healthier communities.” With a service area covering 5 million people across eight counties, RWJBarnabas Health’s system includes 12 acute care hospitals, three acute care children’s hospitals, outpatient pediatric rehabilitation centers, a 100-bed behavioral health center, two trauma centers, a satellite emergency department, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, home care and hospice programs, fitness & wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, multi-site imaging centers, affiliated medical groups and two accountable care organizations.

Sheamus Toal
Chief financial officer | The Children’s Place

After joining The Children’s Place in 2022 as chief financial officer, Toal’s previous executive level retail operating experience quickly led to an expanded role with the Secaucus-based children’s retailer. As of August 2023, Toal has served as chief operating officer, overseeing IT, logistics, distribution and store operations, as well as continuing to lead the company’s finances as chief financial officer. Before joining The Children’s Place, Toal spent over 16 years with New York & Co., where he held several senior level finance and operational positions. Since February, The Children’s Place – whose brands include Gymboree, Sugar & Jade and PJ Place – has been busy trying to turn its business around. That effort has included more than $125 million in financing from its new majority stakeholder, Saudi Arabian investor group Mithaq Capital. The company also announced the departure of its longtime CEO, Jane Elfers, by “mutual agreement.” Additionally, The Children’s Place welcomed back Claudia Lima-Guinehut as brand president. She previously spent nine years at the company, leaving in 2023 to become chief merchandising officer of Claire’s. Like many other specialty retailers, The Children’s Place has evolved its brick-and-mortar approach amid the rise of e-commerce. As part of a shift from the traditional store concept into a digital-first business, it permanently closed more than 700 locations in the past decade. The company’s footprint now stands at roughly 500 stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. In its most recent earnings report in August, Muhammad Umair, president and interim CEO, said the retailer “made certain strategic and operational changes to improve the profitability of the business and provide a foundation for future growth. We’re pleased with the results.” Those measures include reducing payroll costs and eliminating unprofitable marketing spend, all of which have combined to show more than a $39 million improvement in adjusted operating income despite lower top line sales, he said. Umair added, “While these first steps to improve operating results have been promising, we still believe that we have significant work ahead of us in future quarters as we rationalize profitability.”

Bruce Van Saun
CEO and chairman | Citizens Financial

As CEO and chairman of Providence, R.I.-based Citizens Financial, New Jersey native Van Saun is pleased to see his financial institution grow its presence in his home state. Following a pair of acquisitions – HSBC’s East Coast branches and national online deposit business in 2021 and Investors Bancorp Inc. in 2022 – Citizens has added more than 200 branches in the New York and Philadelphia regions. Citizens now boasts more than 100 locations in the Garden State, including around 80 in North Jersey and nearly 30 in South Jersey. It is also busy increasing the brand’s visibility via partnerships with the New York Giants, New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Phillies, as well as community engagement initiatives, such as grant programs and volunteer work. When Van Saun joined Citizens in 2013, expansion in the Northeast was a goal. And, as a New Jerseyan, he felt well-positioned to assess the opportunities in the New York area, Van Saun has said. In addition to the acquisitions, Van Saun oversaw the company’s initial public offering in 2014, the buildout of the commercial bank and the launch of Citizens Private Bank. Before Citizens, Van Saun was group finance director at the Royal Bank of Scotland and an executive director on that bank’s board. His resume includes a number of senior positions with Bank of New York, Bank of New York Mellon, Deutsche Bank, Wasserstein Perella Group and Kidder Peabody & Co.

Maria Villegas
Regional manager | PNC Bank

Villegas is a regional manager with PNC Bank, boasting more than 15 years of experience in the banking industry, and a 2024 NJBIZ Leaders in Finance award. In her role, Villegas oversees and leads the bank’s Mid-Market Region. Her leadership is critical at helping move PNC forward by leveraging technology and developing exceptional financial industry personnel, according to PNC. She has been honored as the recipient of the Summit, Circle of Excellence and Market Allstar awards and HACR nominee. “What I love the most about my career is the ability to impact our clients and my team’s financial wellness. For our clients, our product offerings truly impact their financial lives, and my employees are experts in this field,” she said on receiving the NJBIZ LIF award. “Being able to solve financial problems and turning them into possibilities drives me every day.” She said that her greatest contribution to the bank has been the determination to achieve goals, to execute and to influence in all aspects of sales, risk service and talent.

Jenn Zorn
Executive vice president, education and business development | NJBankers

Zorn is executive vice president and director of education and business development at the New Jersey Bankers Association. In this capacity, she oversees professional development programming for bank members on industry trends as well as service providers that deliver value and solutions for NJBankers’ members. She joined the organization in 1999 as an assistant to the executive vice president, supporting legislative and regulatory efforts while developing online capabilities and digital communications. Rising steadily through the ranks, Zorn was promoted to meetings manager in 2003 and senior vice president in 2015. Before joining NJBankers, she was a paralegal in the environmental department for Carpenter Bennett & Morrissey in Newark and was an MIS clerk for the environmental department at Hannoch Weisman in Roseland. At both firms, she assisted in document production, trial preparation and was responsible for a settlement fund of a multimillion-dollar superfund site in the State of New Jersey.