Manasquan Bank announced Oct. 14 that its Chair, President and CEO James “Jim” S. Vaccaro has been named a 2026 recipient of the Warren Hill Award by the New Jersey Bankers Association (NJBankers).
The bank itself was also selected as a recipient of the 2026 NJBankers Community Service Award, recognizing its commitment to volunteerism, charitable giving, and community enrichment.
The Warren Hill Award recognizes a current or former NJBankers committee member who demonstrates an overall commitment to the Association’s mission, including legislative and regulatory advocacy, educational initiatives, and member engagement.
It was established in 1998 in honor of Warren Hill, who served as president of the New Jersey League of Community Bankers from 1966 through 1975.
Vaccaro has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to NJBankers through his leadership, advocacy, and service. He is a former member of the NJ Bankers’ Board of Directors and served as Board Chair in 2017 and 2018.
During his tenure, he emphasized innovation and workforce development, including attracting young professional talent to the Community Banking Industry and understanding evolving consumer preferences, as key priorities.
“Jim’s commitment to the banking industry and to NJBankers is truly exceptional,” said Cathy Franzoni, SEVP, Chief Operating Officer of Manasquan Bank. “He has consistently demonstrated thoughtful leadership, strong advocacy, and a genuine desire to strengthen our industry and the communities we serve. We are incredibly proud to see him recognized with the Warren Hill Award.”
As a leader in both civic and philanthropic organizations, Vaccaro is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of RWJBarnabas Health and former Chair of Monmouth Medical Center.
He is a former Chair of the Visiting Nurses Association of Central New Jersey Board and a former member of the Monmouth University Board of Trustees. Vaccaro is also a past Chair of the New Jersey Bankers Association Board of Directors and a member of the Board of Directors of Four Springs Capital, LLC.
He currently chairs the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council and is President of the Federal Reserve’s National Council (CDIAC).
Manasquan Bank’s recognition with the 2026 NJBankers Community Service Award further reflects the organization’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves. The award recognizes banks that go beyond traditional financial services through impactful community involvement, volunteerism, and charitable investment.
Over the past year, Manasquan Bank colleagues contributed almost 700 volunteer hours through the Bank’s CREW Cares program, supporting food banks, mentoring programs, environmental cleanups, and other community initiatives.
The Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation provided $521,344 in grants to local nonprofit organizations focused on affordable housing, youth development, health and human services, and education. The Bank also continued its financial education outreach through free workshops and seminars on budgeting, credit, fraud prevention, and homeownership.
Together, these honors recognize both Manasquan Bank’s commitment to the communities it serves and Vaccaro’s longstanding leadership within New Jersey’s banking industry.
