Edwards to Assume VP, Director of Human Resources and Corporate Secretary Role to Assist with Bank’s Growth

Newburgh, NY - Empire State Bank is proud to announce the recent promotion of Peggy Edwards to Vice President, Director of Human Resources and Corporate Secretary. Edwards brings 38 years of banking experience to her new role.

Edwards began her banking career in 1971 as a bookkeeper for Highland National Bank. She was promoted through the ranks and was exposed to a wide range of responsibilities as the banks she worked for went through various
mergers and acquisitions. Edwards ultimately spent thirty years working for
what is now known as Bank of America. Edwards began working with Empire State
Bank in February 2006 as an Executive Administrator to the Chairman and
President. In July 2008 she was promoted to Corporate Secretary and in March
2009 she was promoted to AVP, Corporate Secretary.

As VP, Director of Human Resources and Corporate Secretary, Edwards will implement and monitor human resource programs and policies to ensure that they align with the Bank’s strategic objectives and standards of
excellence. She will oversee recruiting, payroll and benefits, in addition to
maintaining personnel files and taking minutes at corporate meetings. 

“Peggy is a tremendous asset to our Bank and will undoubtedly enhance our hiring and HR management capabilities to an even higher level, which is crucial for our Bank during this time of growth,” states Anthony
Costa, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer. “We are very pleased to see
Peggy take on this new role with additional responsibilities for Empire State
Bank,” adds Philip Guarnieri, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer.

“I am looking forward to achieving much success in this new role as Human Resources Director and continuing to use my experience to further the success of Empire State Bank,” states Edwards.

Edwards is a long-time resident of Newburgh, NY. She graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1971, attended Spencerian Business School, and has continued to expand her expertise through various AIB and Human
Resource courses. Edwards is active with the Orange County Chamber of Commerce
and is a member of SHRM. She is also an active member of her community and
served on the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life committee.

About Empire State Bank

Empire State Bank is a state-chartered commercial bank that was founded in 2004. The Bank operates as a community-oriented institution offering a broad array of financial services to meet the needs of the
communities it serves. The bank is headquartered in the Town of Newburgh in
Orange County, New York, in addition to its Staten Island

full-service branch located at 1361 North Railroad Avenue. The Bank operates an additional branch in the Town of New Paltz in Ulster County, New York. The Bank’s deposits are insured up to the maximum allowable
amount by the Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC. For corporate, investor, and
branch banking information, please visit the Bank’s website: www.esbna.com.

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