Hawthorne, NJ, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Ascendia Bank has appointed two senior executives to strengthen commercial lending and information security. Jonathan Jacobs will lead commercial lending, overseeing underwriting, construction loans, loan approvals and a team of lenders and analysts, drawing on more than 20 years of industry experience. Paul Skinner joins as senior vice president and chief information security officer to manage IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, system integrations and disaster recovery, bringing over four decades of technology leadership. These hires support the bank’s regional expansion, align credit growth with secure systems and complement ongoing leadership succession and digital banking investments.
Ascendia Bank Adds Veteran Leaders to Strengthen Commercial Lending and IT
Ascendia Bank, the community bank that rebranded from its longtime local name, has added two senior executives to its leadership team to bolster its commercial lending platform and information technology operations. The hires include a commercial lending manager with more than two decades of experience and a chief information security officer with over 40 years in banking technology and operations.
Top-line details
Jonathan Jacobs joins as vice president and commercial lending manager and will oversee all aspects of the bank’s commercial lending operations, including underwriting and evaluating commercial real estate applications, preparing loan approval memoranda, ongoing support of commercial credit relationships, and management of construction loans. He will lead a team that includes commercial loan administrators, credit analysts, and loan processors.
Paul Skinner assumes the role of senior vice president and chief information security officer and will manage the bank’s information systems, technology infrastructure, and data processing operations. His duties include overseeing system design and programming, network and database management, cybersecurity measures, and the development and implementation of IT and information security policies.
Why these hires matter
The bank’s leadership framed these appointments as strategic moves to strengthen lending capacity and to ensure secure, efficient, and reliable technology systems that support operations and customer service. The commercial lending hire is intended to expand the bank’s ability to underwrite and manage commercial real estate and construction financing. The IT hire is aimed at continuing technology modernization, maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols, and supporting digital and mobile banking services.
Background on the executives
Jonathan Jacobs brings more than 20 years of expertise in commercial lending and credit analysis. His prior roles include managing loan portfolios in excess of $90 million as an assistant vice president portfolio manager and experience as a commercial lender and account manager at other regional institutions. Earlier positions show progressively senior responsibilities at multiple regional banks. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Morgan State University.
Paul Skinner brings more than four decades of IT and operations leadership in the banking industry. His experience covers core banking system conversions, technology infrastructure upgrades, launching advanced digital and mobile platforms, guiding teams through complex integrations, strengthening cybersecurity, and developing disaster recovery plans. Skinner’s background emphasizes operational efficiency while maintaining compliance with banking industry standards.
Institutional context
The bank formally changed its corporate identity from its earlier, locality-based name to reflect a broader regional focus and a desire for a fresher, forward-leaning brand image. The rebrand was presented as a repositioning rather than a change of ownership or staff, and it preceded the bank’s centennial milestone. Historical notes show the institution originated in the early 1920s and adopted its earlier local name in the 1930s. Over recent years the bank invested in a new administrative headquarters, acquired at least one smaller savings institution, and expanded product lines to include internet banking, mobile apps, online bill pay, and commercial real estate lending.
Public reporting and recent disclosures show some variation in reported branch counts and asset totals depending on timing. Earlier statements described four branch locations and a combined asset base reported at roughly a quarter-billion dollars; a more recent snapshot listed five full-service branches and total assets near $394 million as of March 31, 2025. The bank also reported staffing levels and ongoing investments in leadership and technology since the rebrand.
Leadership transition and governance
The bank’s chief executive leadership has been evolving, with a new president and CEO expected to take a leadership role later in the year and the prior CEO remaining in advisory and director roles through a transition period. Management continuity and a focus on community banking services, commercial lending growth, and technological modernization were emphasized as guiding priorities through the leadership changes.
What to watch next
- Commercial lending activity: Look for announcements about expanded commercial real estate and construction lending programs and shifts in portfolio composition under the new lending manager.
- Technology initiatives: Expect further upgrades to digital and mobile banking platforms, stronger cybersecurity measures, and potential system integrations or conversions under the new IT chief.
- Community and branch footprint: Track any changes in branch count, local outreach, and service offerings as the institution continues its regional expansion strategy.
FAQ
Who were the two executives hired by the bank?
The bank hired a vice president / commercial lending manager to lead commercial lending operations and a senior vice president / chief information security officer to manage technology and cybersecurity functions.
What will the commercial lending manager oversee?
The commercial lending manager will handle underwriting and evaluation of commercial real estate loans, prepare loan approval memoranda, support ongoing commercial credit relationships, manage construction loans, and lead a team of lending specialists.
What are the responsibilities of the new IT chief?
The IT chief will manage information systems and infrastructure, oversee system design and programming, maintain networks and databases, strengthen cybersecurity, implement IT policies, and lead disaster recovery and system conversion efforts.
Did the brand change involve a change in ownership?
No. The rebrand was presented as a strategic identity change to reflect broader regional reach and updated services; it was not tied to a new ownership or acquisition and did not involve personnel changes tied to the rebrand itself.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New commercial lending lead | Jonathan Jacobs — VP, commercial lending manager; 20+ years in commercial lending; manages underwriting, construction loans, loan memos, and a lending team. |
| New IT and security lead | Paul Skinner — SVP/CISO; 40+ years in banking IT; experience with core conversions, platform launches, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery. |
| Institutional change | The bank rebranded to reflect regional expansion and new digital offerings without a change in ownership; the rebrand preceded the bank’s 100th anniversary. |
| Recent asset and branch figures | Reported assets near $394 million as of March 31, 2025, with branch counts reported between four and five depending on reporting dates. |
| Service focus | Personal and business banking, mortgages, home equity, commercial real estate lending, internet and mobile banking services. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- ROI-NJ: Ascendia Bank adds Jacobs and Skinner to senior executive team
- Wikipedia: Ascendia_Bank
- ROI-NJ: Allen named new president and CEO of Ascendia Bank
- Google Search: Ascendia Bank
- NJB Magazine: Ascendia Bank expands leadership team
- Google Scholar: Ascendia Bank
- ROI-NJ: Glen Rock Savings Bank rebrands as Ascendia Bank (2021)
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ascendia Bank
- NJB Magazine: Glen Rock Savings Bank rebrands as Ascendia Bank
- Google News: Ascendia Bank
