Pioneer Bancorp, Inc., a financial institution in New York’s Capital Region, announced the appointment of James Murphy as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. As a member of Pioneer’s executive management team, Murphy will provide leadership and expertise in all aspects of commercial, residential and consumer credit, ensuring the overall quality of Pioneer’s lending portfolio.

An accomplished and respected executive with more than four decades of banking and leadership experience, Murphy most recently served as Chief Commercial Lending Officer at Community Bank.

“We are delighted to welcome Jim Murphy to the outstanding executive team at Pioneer,” said Pioneer President and CEO Tom Amell. “A recognized leader over more than 40 years in the banking industry, his expertise, experience and exceptional commitment to integrity and innovation will be significant assets in serving our valued clients and supporting the continued growth of Pioneer.”
 
Previously, Murphy held roles as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at National Union Bank of Kinderhook and NBT Bank; Senior Vice President and Credit Executive at JPMorgan Chase; and Vice President and Team Leader at Chase Manhattan.

Murphy replaces Robert Nichols, who has been with Pioneer since 2019 and is leaving to pursue other opportunities. Nichols will remain with Pioneer through August to ensure a seamless transition.

“I’m excited to join Pioneer, and to have the opportunity to collaborate with a talented team that is passionate about serving its customers and community,” said Murphy. “I have long admired Pioneer’s dedication to helping families, businesses and communities prosper, and am proud to be part of a forward-thinking organization that is well-positioned for smart and sustained growth.”

Murphy earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Siena College and his MBA from Russell Sage College.