Tompkins Community Bank

Press Release:

Demonstrating its commitment to providing an exceptional staff experience, Tompkins Community Bank (Tompkins) welcomed Gina Benedict as vice president and employee experience manager. Benedict, who has worked in professional services and human resources for nearly three decades, will oversee Tompkins’ employee experience team, developing and implementing strategies that enhance the bank’s overall work culture.

“As a community-focused institution, we recognize that our workplace is a community of its own,” said Stacie Mastin, director of human resources. “We strive to make Tompkins a positive and welcoming environment and we are confident that Gina will contribute greatly to our employees’ day-to-day experience through her new role.”

Previously, Benedict worked as an executive human resources consultant for HR Solutions, GLB, LLC, and consulted on matters relating to professional services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Indiana University and certifications from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), HRCI and the Human Capital Institute (HCI). An active community member, Benedict serves the W. Edwards Deming Institute’s advisory board. In addition, she volunteers with Girl Scouts of America, United Way, her community’s food pantry and is the treasurer of her school district’s PTA. Benedict currently resides in Skaneateles, NY with her husband and two children.

Press Release:

In an expansion of its team and its offerings, Tompkins Community Bank (Tompkins) has appointed Rijad Karabegovic to commercial cash management group leader and Chris McCormick to commercial relationship manager. Karabegovic will execute strategies that work to ensure Tompkins’ cash management products and services continue to meet clients’ evolving needs, while delivering world-class service to this important client base; McCormick will be responsible for business development across the Rochester region, strategically fostering new commercial banking relationships.

Bringing more than 20 years of industry expertise to his new role, Karabegovic will lead Tompkins’ commercial cash management group under President of Tompkins Community Bank, John McKenna. Previously, Karabegovic served as manager of commercial deposits, payments and cash management at ESL Federal Credit Union; before that, he worked as a senior vice president at HSBC Bank/HSBC Securities in Rochester. Committed to giving back to his community, Karabegovic is a board member and treasurer for The Monroe Plan for Medical Care and YourCare Health Plan, two New York-based not-for-profits.

McCormick comes to Tompkins with over 13 years of experience in the banking and finance industry. Chris is an accomplished banking professional who prioritizes assisting his clients in the growth and success of their business enterprises by serving as a strong and collaborative partner. He has assisted business entities of varying sizes in a wide range of industries and at each stage of development.  With his expertise in commercial lending, credit analysis and treasury management, he’s able to advise and provide financial solutions to businesses to best meet their specific needs. McCormick holds a master's in business administration from the University of Charleston, WV.

“A comprehensive approach to cash management and a strong commercial lending team are essential for Tompkins to contribute to our customers’ success and drive our growth as a company,” said President, Tompkins Community Bank, John McKenna. “The skills and expertise Rijad and Chris bring to their new roles will only enhance the already robust commercial banking team Tompkins has dedicated to the Rochester area.”

The addition of McCormick completes the growth of the Rochester Commercial Banking Team, enhancing client experience and services. The full team is comprised of:

• Don Cortina, Rochester Region Commercial Banking Leader
• Chris McCormick, Commercial Relationship Manager
• Brett Owen, Commercial Relationship Manager
• Scott Pittinaro, Commercial Relationship Manager

Karabegovic will lead the Tompkins’ Commercial Cash Management Group across Tompkins enterprise, including supporting the Rochester Commercial Banking Team’s efforts locally in Rochester, where Karabegovic will be based.

Press Release:

As part of the expansion of its mortgage originations team, Tompkins Community Bank (Tompkins) has appointed Marie Hensley as residential mortgage originator for Tompkins’ Western New York market. Hensley, bringing 18 years of experience in mortgage lending, will help Tompkins’ clients navigate the homeownership journey, whether it be home purchases or refinances.

“As a community bank, we are constantly searching for ways to better serve our clients,” said Stacy Merrill, senior vice president, residential mortgage lending manager. “We are confident that Marie’s dedication to customer service and extensive experience within banking and specifically dealing with mortgage will be an asset to our team.”

A graduate of the University of Buffalo, Hensley has held roles at Community Bank, NA and Five Star Bank before joining Tompkins. In addition, Hensley has volunteered her time across a number of organizations including, the Brockport Rotary, Pathstone and the Urban League of Rochester. She currently resides in Rochester, New York.

Press Release:

Demonstrating its commitment to strengthening commercial lending services, Tompkins Community Bank (Tompkins) has appointed Joseph Fruscione as vice president and commercial banking relationship manager.

Before joining Tompkins, Fruscione was a senior business banking relationship manager at Northwest Bank.

Bringing 25 years of banking and financial industry expertise to his new role, Fruscione will oversee an expanded commercial lending team responsible for business development across the Buffalo region while strategically fostering new business relationships, including lending and deposits.

“Joe’s extensive leadership capabilities, particularly cultivating employee engagement, will add another layer of depth to our commercial lending team,” said Sean Quinn, commercial banking regional manager at Tompkins. “We look forward to seeing him expand our impact across Tompkins’ Buffalo-based markets.” 

A graduate of Niagara University, Fruscione holds an Executive Leadership Professional Development Training Certification from Furman University. He resides in Orchard Park, New York, with his wife and two children.

Press Release:

Demonstrating its commitment to fostering internal growth, Tompkins Community Bank (Tompkins) has promoted Stacie Mastin to senior vice president, director of human resources. Bringing nearly three decades of financial and banking industry experience to her new role, Mastin will align human resources practices with the organization’s overall goals, while also providing guidance and support to employees. She succeeds Bonita Lindberg, who retired from the role this May.

“Throughout her 16 years at Tompkins, Stacie has consistently demonstrated her commitment to our employee's well-being, and the company’s overall goals,” said Steve Romaine, president and CEO, Tompkins Financial. “Stacie has shown an impressive ability to enrich our corporate culture and we look forward to her bringing that talent to her new role.”

Previously, Mastin served as vice president, manager of human resources, at Tompkins; during this time, she led several strategic initiatives that created a welcoming environment in which employees, and clients, felt valued. In addition, Mastin previously served as a Wealth Advisor with our partners at Tompkins Financial Advisors. A graduate of Post University with a bachelor's degree in human services and a concentration in human resources management, Mastin worked as a multi-site branch manager at M&T Bank before joining Tompkins in 2008. Currently, she serves as the president of The Society for Human Resource Management of Tompkins County (SHRMTC) and is a former community fund committee member of United Way.

Today, Mastin resides in Lansing, New York with her husband Greg and their son.

Press Release:

An expansion of its commercial lending services, Tompkins Community Bank (Tompkins) has welcomed Don Cortina as senior vice president and commercial banking regional manager. Before joining Tompkins, Cortina worked as a senior relationship manager, global and commercial banking, at Bank of America. 

Bringing over 20 years of banking and financial experience to his new role, Cortina will oversee the commercial lending team across Monroe County, focused on developing and expanding new client relationships, while strategically working to enhance commercial services for Tompkins’ business clients.

“Don’s extensive industry knowledge and experience, particularly in terms of new business development, will be an asset to our organization, and our clients,” said Steven Beardsley, SVP and commercial lending division manager at Tompkins. “We look forward to seeing Don strengthen the capabilities of our commercial lending team and further expand Tompkins’ impact in Monroe County.”

A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, Cortina is a seasoned veteran of the banking and financial industry, having previously held roles at KeyBank, Five Star Bank, M&T Bank, and JP Morgan Chase, in addition to his recent leadership role at Bank of America. Cortina sits on the Junior Achievement of Central New York’s Board of Directors and resides in Fairport, New York, with his wife, and two children.

Press Release:

An expansion of its small business lending (SBL) team, Tompkins Community Bank has appointed Todd Ferrara to a newly created role, SBL business line manager. Ferrara will oversee Tompkins’ SBL underwriters, lending assistants, and market-based managers across New York and Pennsylvania, working to drive growth among target segments while delivering a top-notch customer experience.

“Small Business Lending is an area that is critical to the success of Tompkins and our local communities.  We are focused on delivering high-quality products and experiences to the small business customers we serve,” said Thomas Evans, enterprise credit administration officer at Tompkins. “As part of fulfilling that mission, establishing a dedicated leadership position and filling it with a high-caliber individual is a critical step.  Todd is a demonstrated leader with proven capabilities in this regard.  It is with high conviction that we put Todd in this position and look forward to him delivering for Tompkins and our customers.”

Previously, Ferrara served as the business development officer for Tompkins’ Philadelphia footprint. A 25-year veteran of the banking industry, Ferrara has ample experience leading teams in small business and cash management.

“Todd joined Tompkins just over a year ago and has since established himself as a dynamic, capable leader,” said Ginger Kunkel, president of Tompkins’ Pennsylvania market. “His dedication to a supportive and collaborative work environment embodies the values that Tompkins holds paramount and we all look forward to watching Todd grow in this new role.”

A graduate of Juniata College, Ferrara currently serves as board secretary for the Boys and Girls Club of Chester, Pennsylvania, a position he has held for the past three years. He and his family are also longtime supporters of Speranza Animal Rescue and have fostered and rescued several from the organization. He lives in Royersford, Pennsylvania with his wife, Jill, and is father to one daughter and two stepchildren.

Press Release:

An expansion of its commercial banking team, Tompkins Community Bank has appointed Sean Quinn as regional manager, of commercial banking. With 23 years of experience in the banking industry, Quinn most recently served as the senior vice president and relationship manager at M&T Bank. In his new role, Quinn will oversee Tompkins’ present and prospective banking relationships within the Buffalo market.  

“Sean’s dedication to enhancing customers’ experience is reflective of our mission as a community bank,” said Diane Torcello, president of Tompkins’ Western New York market. “We are confident that his industry experience and strong leadership abilities will be an asset to our Buffalo team, for both Sean’s colleagues and clients.”  

Quinn holds degrees in finance and management from SUNY Fredonia and St. Bonaventure University. He resides in Hamburg, New York with his wife and three children. 

Press Release:

In a celebration of professional growth, Tompkins Community Bank has announced the promotion of Laura Geary to vice president, community banking division manager. A 30-year veteran of the banking industry, Geary will be responsible for overseeing the operations and strategies of 16 retail branches throughout Western New York (WNY), ensuring that the needs of customers in the community are met.

“During her 17 years at Tompkins, Laura has been instrumental in the continued development of our employees and the experience they provide to our customers,” said Diane Torcello, president of Tompkins’ WNY market. “Her strategic thinking is an asset to our clients and the community at large, and we can’t wait to see her continued positive impact in this new role.”

A graduate of SUNY Fredonia, Geary previously served as the training and retail banking manager at Five Star Bank before joining Tompkins in 2006. Most recently, Geary served in the role of vice president, organizational development manager at Tompkins. An active member of her community in Piffard, New York, Geary serves as vice president of the York Central School Board, Secretary of the Genesee County Business Education Alliance, and is a volunteer for Odyssey of the Mind.