RIDGEWOOD SAVINGS BANK WELCOMES 2026 WITH SENIOR LEADERSHIP PROMOTIONS AFTER FRUITFUL 2025

Applause roared from inside of the Colden Auditorium at Queens College during Richmond Hill High School graduation 2017.

Jay Sobhraj, Executive Vice-President of Zara Realty, just announced the names of two RHHS graduates who will be receiving a scholarship to study computer science at the college of their dreams.

Estrella Perez will be studying at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Malik Assad will be studying at the New York Institute of Technology.

"We are so grateful to Zara for this opportunity," said Perez, who is passionate about computer science. "I will not let you down Mr. Sobhraj," Assad proclaimed, as photos were being taken of the two.

The relationship between Richmond Hill High School and Zara Realty began last year when Zara Realty donated a $125,000 computer lab to the school. The computer lab has been used by a plethora of students for everything from curriculum to extracurriculars.

“This is a model for building real community between the school and the private community,” Principal Neil Ganesh said. “We have future leaders in our program and we’re really excited about this new resource for us.”

Recently, Sobhraj and information technology specialist Naresh Singh returned to the school recently to see how the “seed turned into a plant with burgeoning fruit.” Not only have students been able to focus on their passion of computer science, but there has been a trickle down effect into the school’s robotics program.

They found that the computer lab helped Perez, Assad, and the rest of the robotics team focus on enhancing their computer science knowledge, engineering skills, and form a serious direction for their robotics team, Qubit. In just one year, the team has been able to achieve incredible success which includes building their own robot.

Sobhraj and Singh were so impressed with the focus and determination of the these RHHS students, that they decided to announce the plan to award two computer science college scholarships right then and there.

“I really want to give back,” said Jay Sobhraj. “Never forget where you come from and always give back to the community... that's what Zara is focused on.”

Richmond Hill High School offers several pathways, which include computer science and IT, art, criminology and forensics, business and engineering. As a supporter of computer science and IT, Zara Realty plans to grant one or two students with this opportunity each year.

"We are grateful to Mr. Sobhraj and Zara Realty for being an active community partner with their vision set on making a long term change," said RHHS Assistant Principal, Paul Wilbur.

Zara Luxury Homes, the innovative real estate holding company, provides quality homes in both Queens and Long Island. They have been serving the rental community for 36 years. Visit theirwebsite or call them at 718-291-3331 to inquire about their rental properties in Jamaica, Queens and Long Island.

Ridgewood Savings Bank, with deep roots in Queens, having served New Yorkers since 1921, entered 2026 with senior leadership promotions following a strong showing last year. Ridgewood’s recently released 2025 Statement of Condition highlights strong financial performance and continued investment in the many communities it serves. Its recent promotions recognize long-tenured employees whose experience, dedication and contributions support the Bank’s continued strength, operational excellence, and customer service standards.

“Ridgewood Savings Bank continues to build a leadership team that reflects the Bank’s traditional values with modern solutions of stability, sound governance, and reliable state-of-the-art customer service,” said Leonard Stekol, Chairman, President & CEO. “These individuals have demonstrated consistent dedication that contributes to the Bank’s award-winning service to our valued customers and the communities we serve.”

Together, all the employees promoted this year – led by Senior Vice President & Chief Digital Officer Mirsada Tagani, Senior Vice President & Chief Auditor Annette Welsh, and Vice President & Senior Accounting Officer Gianpaolo Ruggirello – represent over 250 years of combined service to Ridgewood, reflecting continuity, institutional knowledge, and the Bank’s long-standing commitment to developing internal talent.

Along with a group of officer promotions and new appointments that reflect the continued growth and professionalism of its workforce, they will help Ridgewood build on the strengths reported in its 2025 statement of condition. Highlights include:

· Founded: 1921 in Queens by local business leaders

· Assets: $7.5 billion

· Deposits: Nearly $6 billion, loans nearly $5 billion

· Network: 36 branches across Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and the New York metropolitan area, with robust digital banking services and local call center

· Community Service: nearly 1,700 employee volunteer hours

· Environmental Impact: More than 7,100 trees planted

· Recognition: Newsweek again named Ridgewood one of the Best Regional Banks in America (also 2024-2025 and by Bankrate in 2024, and named a Best Bank by Money in 2023 and 2024) and recognized the bank as one of America’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces

With nearly 35 years of service contributing to the Bank’s operations and customer experience initiatives, Senior Vice President & Chief Digital Officer Mirsada Tagani, leads the evolution of Ridgewood’s digital platforms; this includes the growth of Digital Banking

since its inception over a decade ago. She transformed Ridgewood’s Contact Center into a customer-care team recognized for its personalized support and deep product knowledge. Mrs. Tagani has also been instrumental in managing the modernization of mobile and online banking applications and significant enhancements to digital payment capabilities. Mrs. Tagani resides in Whitestone.

Senior Vice President & Chief Auditor Annette Welsh has more than 36 years at Ridgewood and extensive experience in financial and operational auditing. Mrs. Welsh oversees internal and external audits, coordination for regulatory examinations, and other financial functions. Her expertise in financial and operational auditing has been pivotal in building a best-in-class audit department; she utilizes advanced analytical capabilities and a culture of continuous improvement. Under Mrs. Welsh’s leadership, the auditing team has embraced cutting-edge audit tools and data-driven methodologies. This approach enables sophisticated risk assessment, enhanced regulatory compliance, and actionable insights that strengthen the Bank’s resilience. Mrs. Welsh resides in Cambria Heights.

Vice President & Senior Accounting Officer Gianpaolo Ruggirello joined the Bank in 2002. Mr. Ruggirello has more than two decades of experience within Ridgewood’s Accounting Department and oversees financial reporting, investment accounting, profitability analysis, and key regulatory and Board-level reporting functions. He resides in Middle Village.

Ridgewood’s internal officer promotions and new appointments reflect the continued growth and professionalism of its workforce:

· Angela Cassetta, of Hohokus, N.J., Assistant Vice President & Assistant Corporate Secretary.

· Stefanie Georgijevski, of Glendale, Assistant Vice President, Residential Appraisal.

· Gewa Gurcharan, of Queens Village, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager.

· Valentina LoBello-Batih, of Lindenhurst, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager.

· Denis Myagkov, of Whitestone, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager.

· Jose Crespo, of Rockaway Park, Loan Servicing & Data Officer.

· Melissa Abreu, of Ridgewood, Branch Banking Officer.

· Christina Coleman, of Yonkers, Branch Banking Officer.

· Patrice Francois, of Queens Village, Branch Banking Officer.

Learn more at ridgewoodbank.com