Ascendia Bank Expands Leadership Team with Addition of Senior Executives in Commercial Lending and Technology

Jonathan Jacobs named Vice President/Commercial Lending Manager; Paul Skinner appointed Senior Vice President/Chief Information Security Officer.

Glen Rock, NJ – Ascendia Bank (formerly Glen Rock Savings Bank), which has served the personal and commercial banking needs of northern New Jersey customers since 1922, has strengthened its leadership team with the addition of two highly experienced professionals. Jonathan Jacobs has joined as Vice President/Commercial Lending Manager, and Paul Skinner has assumed the role of Senior Vice President/Chief Information Security Officer.

Mr. Jacobs has more than 20 years of expertise in commercial lending and credit analysis. He managed loan portfolios exceeding $90 million as AVP Portfolio Manager at Lakeland Bank/Provident Bank and previously served as Commercial Lender/Account Manager at North Jersey Federal Credit Union. Earlier in his career, he held progressively senior positions at NVE Bank, Investors Bank, and Oritani Bank. He holds a B.S. in Finance from Morgan State University.

Mr. Skinner brings over four decades of IT and operations leadership in the banking industry, with a track record that includes leading core banking system conversions, technology infrastructure upgrades, and the launch of advanced digital and mobile platforms. He has guided teams through complex integrations, strengthened cybersecurity protocols, developed disaster recovery plans, and enhanced operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards.

In their new roles, Mr. Jacobs will oversee all aspects of the bank’s commercial lending operations, including underwriting and evaluating commercial real estate applications, preparing loan approval memoranda, and providing ongoing support for commercial credit client relationships, including the management of construction loans. He will also lead a team of Commercial Loan Administrators, Commercial Credit Analysts, and Commercial Loan Processors.

Mr. Skinner will manage the bank’s information systems, technology infrastructure, and data processing operations. Additionally, he will oversee the development and implementation of IT/IS policies, system design and programming, network and database management, and cybersecurity measures. His work ensures secure, efficient, and reliable technology systems that support the bank’s operations and enhance customer service.

“Jonathan and Paul bring deep expertise in their respective fields and will be instrumental in strengthening both our commercial lending capabilities and our information technology infrastructure,” said John D. Allen IV, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ascendia Bank. “Their leadership will help us continue to grow while maintaining the exceptional service and security our customers expect.”

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About Ascendia Bank

With five convenient, full-service branches in Glen Rock, Hawthorne, West Orange (two locations) and Oradell, Ascendia Bank serves the personal and commercial banking needs of customers throughout the northern New Jersey area. The bank’s suite of products and services includes personal banking, mobile banking, mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, as well as business banking services and commercial mortgages for multi-family/mixed-use properties. For more information, visit www.AscendiaBank.com. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.