Michael Affuso was named to replace the retiring John McWeeney as president and CEO of the New Jersey Bankers Association according to a Thursday announcement. Affuso will officially assume the role on July 1, 2022.

McWeeney announced his plans to retire in October of 2021. Since that time NJBankers engaged NJ Bankers Associate Member firm Kaplan Partners of Wynnewood, PA. to assist the Succession Committee in navigating the leadership transition.

After an extensive multifaceted search process involving both external and internal candidates, Affuso was the unanimous choice of both the Succession Committee and Board’s Executive Committee.

“Mike was the natural choice for my successor”, said McWeeney. “His knowledge of the banking industry and legislative process combined with leadership skills will allow him to continue to move the Association and banking industry forward.”

Affuso joined the Association in 2008 as the VP/Director of Government Relations. Since then, he’s been promoted to SVP/Director of Government Relations and eventually to his current role of EVP/Director of Government Relations.

Prior to his career at the Association, Affuso served first as Campaign Manager and then Deputy District Director and General Counsel for Congressman Albio Sires. Before his work with Sires, Affuso served as associate General Counsel for the New Jersey General Assembly Majority Office in Trenton NJ where he provided legal counsel to the Assembly Speaker and Majority Members.

“The Board and I are confident Mike has the knowledge and skills to build on the momentum John McWeeney has made during his successful tenure at NJBankers”, stated John Fitzgerald, President and CEO of Magyar Bank and Chairman of NJBankers. “He is a seasoned leader with significant experience in creating and providing value to the New Jersey Banking industry”.