The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) has welcomed Rebecca O’Connell and Nicholas Rafanello to its board of trustees. NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka said the new members bring substantial experience in business and banking to the board.
According to a NJBIA press release, O’Connell serves as president and head of Middle Market at Citizens Commercial Bank. Rafanello is president and CEO of Eastern Janitorial Company. They both have committed to a three-year term.
O’Connell leads Citizens Bank in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and Northern and Central New Jersey. Her responsibilities include guiding the bank’s regional strategic direction, which encompasses heading a team of expert middle market bankers and collaborating with colleagues to strengthen client relationships throughout the region. Before joining Citizens Bank, O’Connell held positions at JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America.
Rafanello has headed Eastern Janitorial Company—a second-generation, family-owned company that provides janitorial and maintenance services to public and private facilities in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut—since 2013. Under his leadership, the company re-branded as a deeply experienced service provider, emerged as a market leader in the region, and expanded its services to bolster relationships with clients.
"Both Nick and Rebecca bring very informed voices from their respective fields, and we are very fortunate and grateful to have them join our expanding board," Siekerka stated in the press release. "The expertise and experiences they bring to the table are a perfect match for our highly engaged and valued board of trustees. We are honored that they are joining us to bring more support to our mission of advancing the competitive excellence and success of New Jersey businesses."
