Columbia Financial, Inc. announced that Joseph Dempsey has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Head of Commercial Banking for Columbia Bank, the Company's wholly-owned banking subsidiary.  In that role, Dempsey will be responsible for the Bank's Commercial Lending functions, including C&I, SBA, Middle Market Lending, Commercial Real Estate and Construction financing, as well as the Bank's Business Development division.  Dempsey previously served as New Jersey Market President and Chair of Market Leadership Team, at JP Morgan Chase, where he directed Chase's middle market operations for the State of New Jersey before moving to Capital One as its Senior Regional Commercial Credit Officer. In that role, he was responsible for Middle Market lending activities in New Jersey, New York, Long Island and Pennsylvania.

"With over 35 years in the industry, Mr. Dempsey is a highly experienced professional who we believe will add enormous value to the growth of our Bank," said Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO. "His extensive knowledge of the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania markets is important to the expansion of our services."

Dempsey holds a Bachelor's Degree from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University.