News

2023 Charities of Choice
May 1, 2023
Each year the employees of Rondout Savings Bank pick two charities to fundraiser for throughout the year. This year the two charities are…..
- R.Y.A.N– The mission of R.Y.A.N is to promote substance abuse awareness, share our family’s journey to dispel the myths of addiction, eliminate the stigma that is attached to it, and to support organizations that provide healthy programs for the youth of our community.
- Mid Hudson Recovery Centers- Bolger House Community Residence– is a Non-Profit Drug Rehabilitation Facility in Poughkeepsie, NY. Providing Drug Rehab, Residential Treatments for people struggling with Opioid Addiction, Substance Abuse. They provide comprehensive substance abuse and addiction treatment programs in Poughkeepsie, NY to help you or a loved one return to a healthy, productive life

EVP, Chief Financial & Information Officer Charles Cullen Elected to Anderson Center for Autism Board of Trustees
November 2, 2022
Congratulations to EVP, Chief Financial & Information Officer Charles Cullen on joining the Anderson Center for Autism Board of Trustees! The Anderson Center for Autism’s core philosophy is that all people deserve to live a life of quality. To find out more about this great organization check out their website: https://www.andersoncenterforautism.org/
#RondoutCares

Cheryl Bowers Elected to Serve on the American Bankers Association Board of Directors
October 4, 2022
Cheryl Bowers, President and CEO, has been elected to serve on the 20-member American Bankers Association (ABA) Board of Directors for 2022-2025. Bowers was one of the six nominees nationwide selected by ABA to serve for the three-year term.
“Cheryl Bowers has served with distinction on the Board of the New York Bankers Association, bringing her infectious passion for service to her community and her keen industry knowledge. Cheryl is a true leader, who strives to forge a path for future women leaders in banking. The ABA has made an extraordinarily smart choice in electing Cheryl Bowers to its Board. As New Yorkers, we are excited for bankers across the country to get the benefit of Cheryl’s expertise,” said Clare M. Cusack, President and CEO, New York Bankers Association.
Bowers has more than 35 years of banking experience. She is the first woman to be appointed President and CEO of Rondout Savings Bank in its 154-year history. She is a founding member and co-chair of the New York Bankers Association’s Women’s Leadership Conference, where she regularly speaks, moderates, and participates as a panelist. Bowers is dedicated to civic participation and volunteerism, serving on the boards of numerous local non-profit organizations in the Hudson Valley region of New York. She has a deep commitment and passion for developing female leaders and diversity in the financial services industry.
Cheryl Bowers is a high honors graduate from the American Bankers Association’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania and attended Wharton Business School, where she earned her Leadership Certificate.
About the ABA:
The American Bankers Association is the voice of the nation’s $24 trillion banking industry, which is composed of small, regional, and large banks that together employ more than 2 million people, safeguard $19.4 trillion in deposits, and extend nearly $11 trillion in loans.

SVP, Chief Lending Officer Kathleen Pless Joins the Board of Directors for Rebuilding Together Dutchess County
August 17, 2022
We are happy to announce SVP, Chief Lending Officer Kathleen Pless has joined the Board of Directors for Rebuilding Together Dutchess County. Rebuilding Together Dutchess County started from neighbors helping neighbors and now rehabilitates, on average, 20 homes a year! Find out more about this organization here: https://brev.is/RBKeF

AVP, Director of Retail Banking Joins Habitat for Humanity Dutchess County Board of Directors
August 8, 2022
We are proud to announce AVP, Director of Retail Banking Sean Soliva has joined the Board of Directors for the Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County! Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Sean exemplifies the Rondout Savings Bank mission of giving back to our community and is excited to get to start his work with Habitat for Humanity. #RondoutCares

Rondout Savings Bank 2023 Calendar Call For Art
June 23, 2022
Calling all photographers! We are excited to announce that for our 2023 community calendar we will be partnering with The ARC Mid-Hudson and Cornell Creative Arts Center! Submit your photographs for a chance to be featured in the calendar here: https://cornellcreativeartscenter.com/rondout-art…/

Christina Myers VP, Director of Human Resources named to the ICBA, Emerging Leaders 40 Under 40 list
June 1, 2022
Christina Myers VP Director of Human Resources for Rondout Savings bank was named to the 40 under 40: emerging Community Bank Leaders.
Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), announced its 40 Under 40: Emerging Community Bank Leaders. The award recognizes up-and-coming innovators, influencers, and civic servants that represent the future of community banking.
“ICBA congratulates and recognizes the success of these exemplary community bankers for their innovative spirit, along with their hard work and dedication as they continue to grow their potential and impact as community bankers,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “Their determination and commitment to the values of community banking continues to make a positive impact on the customers and communities they serve.”
Read More here: https://independentbanker.org/…/40-under-40-emerging…/
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) is the nation’s voice for community banks with its mission to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We are dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and innovative products and services.
With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute roughly 99 percent of all banks, employ nearly 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding nearly $5.9 trillion in assets, over $4.9 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.5 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.
About Independent Banker
Independent Banker is the number-one source of community banking news for ICBA members. Published monthly, the magazine features best practices from experts, stories from community banks themselves, thought-provoking features and news of how ICBA is fighting for the industry on Capitol Hill. Learn more at www.independentbanker.org

Rondout Cares 2021 Winners Announced!
December 29, 2021
The Rondout Cares Voting Campaign was created to help our local nonprofit organizations during the holidays. Congratulations to the 2nd Annual Rondout Cares Voting Campaign winners- Family Services, Breast Cancer Options, and Hope on a Mission! Each nonprofit receives $1,000! Be on the lookout for the 3rd Annual Rondout Cares Voting Contest beginning in November 2022!
To learn more about each organization click the links below:
Family Services https://familyservicesny.org/
Breast Cancer Options https://www.breastcanceroptions.org/home_page0.aspx
Hope on a Mission https://www.hopeonamission.org/
Rondout Savings Bank Celebrates 150th Anniversary with Donation to Kingston
May 31, 2018
KINGSTON – “I like to think of the City of Kingston as a city of firsts”, said Kingston Mayor Steve Nobel. He was referring to the first lighthouse on the canal back in the 1800’s, and the first woman to operate it; bringing us to the first woman president of Rondout Savings Bank, Cheryl Bowers.
“Its a little bit less about being the first woman as much as it is being the first president that starts the next 150 years.”, said a very humble Cheryl Bowers. Bowers was named the bank’s fourteenth president back in November of 2017.
The evening began with a reception at the Homeport Barn at the foot of Broadway in Kingston. After hor d oeuvres, a welcome from Cheryl Bowers, and cake the crowd moved to the Visitor’s Center. Situated on the grassy knoll, next the the Visitor Center building, the structure stood wrapped in a blue cloth, awaiting its unveiling.
Hundreds gathered around the 10 foot structure that only revealed the blue stone base of the monument. Ulster County Chamber of Commerce President Ward Todd MC’d the event with quick congratulatory words from himself, mayor Noble, and Rich Kleban who came to represent the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, where a Rondout Bank Hyde Park location resides.
After the speeches, Bowers cut the ribbon and behind her, the cloth was snapped away from the structure to reveal a five foot steel lighthouse as a symbol of Rondout’s mission throughout its 150 year history to be a beacon of trust and to provide guidance to the community it serves. Local artist Johnny Poux was commissioned by Rondout Savings Bank to create the lighthouse.
“Two words”, said Tony Marmo, owner of Normann Staffing. “Customer Service. That’s why the bank has been a cornerstone of this community for so long. The staff and management provides consistent and unmatched customer service.”, he said.
Original article posted on hvnn.com



Events




Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce December Breakfast
December 13, 2022



Seasoned Gives Thanksgiving Food Donation
November 22, 2022
The Rondout Team was happy to donate food and supplies including homemade mashed potatoes! The Seasoned Gives Thanksgiving giveaway helped to feed our local community!



RUPCO Community Lunch, Boys & Girls Club Steak & Burger Dinner, and Boy Scout Distinguished Citizens Dinner
November 16, 2022
Last week we attended a few community events including the RUPCO Community Lunch, the Boys & Girls Club Steak & Burger, and the Rip Van Winkle Council, Boy Scout Distinguished Citizens Dinner. #RondoutCares



ULDI Hall of Fame
November 10, 2022
Congratulations to Joe Beichert of Timely Signs and Jess Davis of the Ulster Regional Chamber of Commerce for being inducted into the ULDI Hall of Fame! We are a proud sponsor of the ULDI program and all they do to help develop future leaders in Ulster County! #RondoutCares



MyKingstonKids Halloween Fest!
October 30, 2022
We had a great time celebrating Halloween last Saturday at the MyKingstonKids Halloween Fest! #ProudSponsor


Ulster Community College Foundation Gala
October 14, 2022
Last Thursday we sponsored and attended the Ulster Community College Foundation Annual Gala! Congratulations to all the honorees and scholarship recipients!


Hyde Park Independence Day Parade
July 4, 2022
We had a great time celebrating the 4th of July at the Hyde Park Independence Day Parade! This year’s theme was Keeping Hyde Park Beautiful celebrating the anniversary of the Hyde Park Visual Environmental Committee! Each year we sponsor the Hyde Park Parade and this year we had the honor of hosting the judges stand!




People’s Place Solid Gold Sip & Sail
June 20, 2022
We were honored to sponsor People’s Place Solid Gold Sip & Sail event on Thursday! It was a wonderful event with great music, people, and food! Congratulations on 50 years People’s Place! To learn more about People’s Place and the amazing work they do click here: https://www.peoplesplace.org/



Ulster Leadership Development Institute Program Graduation
June 17, 2022
Congratulations to the 2022 graduates of the Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Ulster program. And a special congratulations to the Rondout graduates Cheryl James, Accounting Specialist and Pedro Milla, Assistant Branch Manager!




Michael B. Finnegan Golf Classic
June 15, 2022
Rondout Savings Bank is a proud sponsor of the Michael B. Finnegan Golf Classic and this year the event celebrated its 40th anniversary! The Michael B. Finnegan Golf Classic supports local programs and services for cancer patients in Ulster County.



The Inaugural Ulster County Black Business Achievement Awards
June 15, 2022
The Ulster Chamber, in partnership with Ulster County Tourism, hosted the Inaugural Ulster County Black Business Achievement Awards and Community Connect on June 15th. Congratulations to all of the 2022 Black Business Achievement Awards honorees!



United Way of Ulster County Raising Hope Celebration
June 10, 2022
We celebrated Jennifer Fabiano AVP, Director of Marketing & Merchant Services and all the honorees for the United Way of Ulster County Raising Hope Celebration! Raising H.O.P.E. (Help, Opportunity, Passion, Empowerment) is a women’s mentoring program created by the United Way. Learn more about this program here: https://www.ulsterunitedway.org/raising_hope-main/




DCRCC Athena Awards
December 2, 2021
The Rondout Team was excited to attend and support President and CEO Cheryl Bowers as she was a nominated honoree for achieving the Athena Leadership Model . The Athena Award represents having a high level of professional excellence, contributing time and energy to improving the quality of life for other in the community and by actively assisting others, particularly women in realizing their full potential. Congratulations Cheryl Bowers!
Community Involvement
Money is important, but we’ve also noticed that the idea of giving back encourages others to give, too, sometimes in terms of time and enthusiasm.
Many of us at the bank are also involved in the community in our spare time. We serve as volunteers as well as board members. Some of the organizations we volunteer our time for include:
- American Cancer Society
- Arts Society of Kingston
- Bardavon / UPAC
- Benedictine Health Foundation
- Boys & Girls Club of Kingston
- Boy Scouts of America – Rip Van Winkle Council
- Center for Spectrum Services
- Gateway Foundation
- Hudson Valley Senior Residence
- Jewish Federation of Ulster County
- Kingston Hospital Foundation
- Kiwanis Club of Kingston
- Lions Club of Kingston
- Mental Health Association
- Rotary Club of Kingston
- Ulster County Community Action
- Ulster County Development Corporation
- Ulster County Girl Scouts
- Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
- United Way of Ulster County, and more!
- YMCA of Kingston & Ulster County
- Hope’s Fund
- Roosevelt- Vanderbilt Historical Association
- Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce
- Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce
- Community Foundation of Hudson Valley
Charitable Contributions
Our Board of Trustees, staff and their families live here and share neighborhoods, schools, houses of worship and charities with you and your families.
All decisions are made locally with local interests in mind by what we believe are the best in the business. Rondout Savings Bank is committed to our friends and neighbors. We work every day to earn the business of individuals and organizations in our community, in turn, we return a significant portion of our profits back in to the community.
Thinking in banking terms, we decided to call it our “Dividends to the Community Program.” Each and every year we donate 10% of our earnings to hundreds of area non-profit organizations for a wide range of worthy purposes.
To apply for our Dividends to the Community program click here.
Rondout Savings Bank Scholarships
Rondout Savings Bank, located in Kingston, sponsors an annual scholarship to be awarded to Business majors enrolled as freshmen or returning to Ulster County Community College. A special application is available for interested candidates and the scholarship recipient is chosen by Rondout Savings Bank.