First Niagara announced Wednesday it has named Chad Stewart and Kim Rodney as Vice Presidents of Commercial Lending for Fairfield County. Stewart and Rodney will develop and manage commercial relationships throughout the region, advising businesses with annual revenues ranging from $2 million to $25 million. In addition to supporting the bank’s existing commercial relationships, they will be responsible for creating new business banking opportunities, and expanding commercial loans and deposit relationships for the bank. Stewart and Rodney will report to First Vice President David Cantor, who manages Business Banking for First Niagara in Fairfield and New Haven Counties.
“We see tremendous market opportunity in the region, and we are excited to build on our existing team of experienced financial professionals as we expand our Fairfield County operations, both through organic growth and with the acquisition of HSBC branches,” First Niagara New England Regional President David Ring said. “Kim and Chad are two veteran lenders that have the experience, expertise and local knowledge to help businesses throughout the region grow profitably. Their industry knowledge and strong business relationships within the community make them the perfect fit for our plans in Fairfield County.”
Kim Rodney joins First Niagara from Wells Fargo/Wachovia Bank where she worked since 2005, most recently serving as Vice President, Business Banking. She has been a Women’s Business Development Council of Connecticut Board member for the last four years, serving as a member of the finance committee, and is slated to become Vice Chairwoman of the Board. Rodney received her B.A. from New York University (NYU). She currently resides in Bridgeport with her husband.
“As a resident of Fairfield County, I was attracted to First Niagara’s commitment to drive growth in the region,” Rodney said. “They are making loan decisions locally and efficiently, delivering customized loan packages that meet the specific needs of local businesses.”
Chad Stewart joins First Niagara from HSBC Bank where he served as Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for St. Vincent’s College in Bridgeport and is a member of the Joint Finance Committee for St. Vincent’s Health Services. Additionally, Stewart is a member of the Investment Committee of the Fairfield Rotary Foundation and a Vice President of Fairfield National Little League. He received his B.A. from the University of Connecticut, a graduate degree in Banking Studies from Stonier Graduate School of Banking and earned his certified financial planner (CFP®) designation in 2007. Stewart resides in Fairfield with his wife and son.
“I’ve worked for over 20 years in banking, the last 12 of which have been in Fairfield County, providing commercial lending and private banking services for privately-held businesses and their owners,” Stewart said. “I look forward to using my experience to help businesses throughout the region achieve their financial goals.”
Stewart and Rodney will serve clients from First Niagara’s Norwalk office, located at 40 Richards Avenue.
