Jun 24, 2010 – Provident Bank is proud to announce that John M. Willis has been hired as a Commercial Lending Officer at the bank’s Montebello office.

With multiple years of banking experience and a Master’s in Business Administration in finance from DePaul University, Mr. Willis brings a wealth of expertise in the banking industry to Provident. Most recently, he worked with City National Bank in Newark, N.J

“John’s many years of experience in the banking industry will be a tremendous asset to Provident Bank,’’ said George Strayton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Provident Bank. “We are fortunate to have him on our team.”

Willis is also recognized as one of the CFA Charterholders; an exclusive title given to those who are able to pass three rigorous six-hour exams, have at least 48 months of professional work experience and have received a bachelor’s degree. Along with Willis’ professional accomplishments, he is also a member of the Volunteer for Community Food Bank of New Jersey organization.

Following his tenure with City National Bank, Mr. Willis acted as a consultant for Oritani Bank in Washington Township, New Jersey. He also worked for CIT Group Inc. in Livingston, New Jersey, CitiCapital in Mahwah, New Jersey and IBM in Armonk, New York.

Headquartered in Montebello, N.Y., Provident Bank, with $2.9 billion in assets, is the largest independent full-service community bank in the lower Hudson Valley. Provident Bank operates 35 branches that serve the Hudson Valley region including three Commercial Banking Centers in Westchester County, and one office in Bergen County, N.J. The bank offers a complete line of commercial, retail and investment services. Visit the Provident Bank Web site at http://www.providentbanking.com.