Haven Savings Bank Names New CEO and COO

On Jun 5, 2024

Hoboken-based Haven Savings Bank, which provides retail and commercial banking services to customers in Bergen, Union, Hudson, Morris, Somerset and Essex counties, has announced two top-level executive appointments. Senior Vice President & Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer Lisa Franconeri has been named the bank’s new president & chief executive officer, while senior vice president & chief financial officer Paul Deponte has been promoted to chief operating officer/executive vice president. Longtime president John H. Wessling III will continue in his role as the bank’s chairman of the board. These new positions will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Franconeri began her tenure with Haven Savings Bank nearly four decades ago, steadily climbing the executive ranks. She has accrued a broad skillset that includes proficiency in lending, portfolio management, CRA practices, budgeting, marketing, and strategic planning.

CRA has been a particular focus for Franconeri. In her role as CRA Officer, she oversaw the bank’s Residential Lending Department and, in 2019, was credited with creating three distinct CRA programs to help low- to moderate-income borrowers become first-time homeowners. For the past four years, Franconeri also has been heavily involved in the bank’s marketing endeavors.

In 2022, Franconeri was awarded Business Leader of the Year by the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce. The distinction recognized her commitment to support women who aspire to take on a range of leadership roles at Haven Savings Bank.

Deponte joined Haven Savings Bank in 1989 and, like Ms. Franconeri, has enjoyed an upwardly mobile tenure. Before being named COO, he served as the bank’s CFO for more than seven years. During this time he has accrued a reputation for responsible, forward-thinking financial operations decisions. Deponte is a member of the nationwide Financial Managers Society, as well as the organization’s New York/New Jersey chapter.

“As I transition to Board Chairman, I could not be more confident in the leadership abilities of both my successor, Lisa, and the bank’s new COO, Paul,” said Haven’s outgoing president and CEO, John H. Wessling III. “Lisa and Paul are talented, experienced professionals who’ve served and excelled at Haven Savings Bank for most of their impressive careers. I congratulate them both, and thank the bank and our community for the opportunity to serve as president for the past 22 years.”

Franconeri earned a BS in Computer Science & Mathematics from Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City. Deponte has a BS in Public Accounting and Quantitative Methods from Fordham University, and a master’s degree in Management from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken.

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