Sawyer Savings Bank Announces changes to Senior Management and Board of Trustees
Sawyer Savings Bank, in business since 1871, is proud to share news of the following changes to Senior Management and to the Board of Trustees as of January 1, 2019.
With leadership capability and the importance of continuity across every aspect of the bank’s service, we announce the naming of Douglas P. Sturges as the new President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Mr. Sturges has worked at Sawyer Savings as Chief Financial Officer for over 20 years. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Siena College in 1984 as an Accounting major and obtained a Master’s Degree in Banking from Louisiana State University in 2006. He is a CPA and a member of both the AIPCA and NYSSCPA.
Mr. Sturges and his wife live in Saugerties and enjoy the community immensely. He looks forward to continuing to work with the dedicated staff at Sawyer Savings and to grow the Bank in the years ahead.
Gabriel F. Sottile has stepped down as President of Sawyer Savings and remains Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Sottile’s 40-year tenure has included posts from Auditor to AVP, VP, EVP, President and Trustee, as well as his current positions.
Mr. Sottile is and has been an active member of the Hudson Valley Community, serving as Chairman of the Board for Benedictine Hospital and continuing as Trustee and Chair of the Finance Committee for Ulster County Community College.
James P. Whitaker has been appointed Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Sawyer Savings. He has held positions with the bank in customer service, underwriting for commercial loans, IT and more for over 18 years. He has an Associates’ Degree from UCCC.
Mr. Whitaker is a lifelong resident of Saugerties and graduated from Saugerties High School. He is a member of both the Sons of the American Legion and the Kiwanis Club where he serves on numerous committees.
Cynthia Saporito, currently Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been elected to the Sawyer Savings Board of Trustees. Over the past 33 years, she has held positions as an Internal Auditor, AVP Lending, VP of Operations, CRA and Compliance Officer prior to her becoming SVP and COO in 2005. She is a graduate of SUNY Ulster and Marist College with a BS in Business.
Ms. Saporito is a resident of Saugerties who serves on the Board of the Saugerties Public Library and is a member of the Kiwanis Club. She was also on the Board of the Kingston Boys & Girls Club for over 10 years.