Wibling Steps Down at Savings Bank of Danbury

Hal Wibling, who led the Savings Bank of Danbury since 1993, will step down on Feb. 28, and be replaced by Kathleen Romagnano, the bank's executive vice president and chief operating officer.

During Wibling's tenure, he helped the mutual bank grow from a limited service bank with $216 million in assets and two locations to a full service financial institution with over $750 million in assets and 13 branches, serving the consumer and business needs in the Greater Danbury and Waterbury areas.

“I’ve enjoyed my longstanding career at Savings Bank of Danbury, being an active member of this community and working alongside colleagues who take such pride in both our bank and the communities we serve,” Wibling said.

Wibling led the Savings Bank of Danbury through the acquisition of the Stamford Mortgage Co. Stamford Mortgage, a wholly owned subsidiary of the bank, provides real estate finance expertise to consumers throughout Connecticut.  Hal served as chairman of the Connecticut Banker’s Association from 2008 – 2009.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Hal not only for his leadership over the last twenty years as President and CEO of the bank, but also for the dedication and commitment that he has shown to our local community,” said Gary Hawley, Chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors.

Wibling is well known in Danbury for his commitment to non-profit organizations. He served as a Board Member of the Western Connecticut State University Foundation, Meserve Foundation, Danbury Library and Jericho Partnership. Additionally, Hal serves as an elder at Walnut Hill Community Church. He will remain a member of the bank’s Board of Directors.

Kathleen Romagnano joined the bank in November of 2011 as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer.  Kathleen has over 25 years of professional bank management experience.  Prior to joining Savings Bank of Danbury, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Amalgamated Bank.

“We plan to continue the banks’ community based culture, expand client relationships and strategically grow the bank in the upcoming years," Romagnano said. Romagnano is a graduate of Baruch College and the National School of Banking.  She serves as an active member of the bank’s ALCO Committee and in 2012 was elected to the Board of Directors of the Housing Development Fund.

“We are pleased that Kathleen will be assuming the role of President and CEO. She has demonstrated sound judgment, proven leadership skills and is deeply committed to building on our strong relationships with customers, employees and the communities we serve," Chairman Hawley said.