The Board of Directors of Tompkins VIST Bank today announced that Scott L. Gruber will retire as president and CEO of Tompkins VIST Bank after nearly nine years of service to the company. In anticipation of his retirement, Tompkins VIST Bank worked to assure a smooth transition of leadership and is delighted to announce the appointment of Ginger G. Kunkel to chief operating officer, before she assumes leadership next year upon Gruber’s retirement. He will support the transition process during the early part of the year, retiring in the second quarter, 2022.

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Scott Gruber (Photo: Business Wire)

Gruber joined Tompkins VIST Bank in 2013 as president and CEO. He currently sits on the board of directors of the bank and is an executive vice president of the bank holding company, Tompkins Financial Corp., and a member of its senior leadership team. Gruber is active in community service through various nonprofit boards and other leadership roles throughout the market. He was recently named to the Lehigh Valley Business’ Power 30 for Banking & Finance.

“Scott demonstrated extraordinary business acumen as he grew the bank, strengthened its balance sheet and enhanced shareholder value during his tenure. He leaves the bank well positioned for future growth and continued high performance,” said Tompkins VIST Bank Board Chair Alfred J. Weber. “I would like to thank him personally, and on behalf of the Board, for his contributions to Tompkins VIST Bank.”

Steve Romaine, president & CEO of Tompkins Financial Corp. added, “Scott’s commitment to the communities he serves and the people he leads is truly remarkable. He brings a strong moral code and driving passion to everything he does, continually delivering on his promise to clients, communities and employees. He has been instrumental to the success of the bank. I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

New Leadership, Same Values

A career Pennsylvania banker, Ginger Kunkel is well known throughout the financial services community for her expertise in commercial, retail, operational and executive management. Her experience in driving a full spectrum of revenue generating businesses make her an ideal fit to lead Tompkins VIST Bank well into the future. She most recently was SEVP, chief operating officer for Riverview Bank & Riverview Financial Corporation, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. “Ginger’s collaborative style, digital innovation experience and adaptable approach to problem solving make her an excellent cultural fit at Tompkins,” said Weber. “She shares the same values as Tompkins and demonstrates her deep commitment to our communities through her activities and involvement in various nonprofit boards and business and community organizations. Ginger is well known as an outstanding banking talent in our market and, along with the entire board, I welcome her and look forward to working with her as she builds on the success initiated by Scott Gruber.”

“It has truly been an honor to lead Tompkins VIST Bank,” said Gruber. “The company’s vision and values, as a community bank, closely align with my personal values, so it has been an excellent fit for me. The team of people here at the bank are exceptional and truly committed to serving the needs of our communities and I remain grateful for their support. I look forward to working with Ginger during the transition and I have the utmost confidence in her ability to lead the bank and deliver sustainable excellence.”

Leadership Transition of Chief Lending Officer

In concert with Gruber’s departure, Gary Moyer, EVP & chief lending officer, will also retire during the second quarter of 2022. “Gary has done an outstanding job leading the lending efforts of Tompkins VIST Bank over the past nearly nine years. His disciplined approach to credit quality, knowledge of the marketplace and ability to build relationships has positioned Tompkins VIST Bank well for the future,” said Gruber. James Whitton, SVP & regional market leader, will succeed Gary as chief lending officer. Jim, a long-time banker, has been with Tompkins VIST Bank since 2013, focusing on building business in the eastern counties of Pennsylvania. Gruber added, “Jim has proven to be an outstanding leader during his tenure and, as a key member of Gary’s team, will work with him over the upcoming months to ensure a smooth transition.”

About Tompkins Financial Corporation

Tompkins Financial Corporation is a financial services company serving the Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York and the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Ithaca, NY, Tompkins Financial is parent to Tompkins Trust Company, Tompkins Bank of Castile, Tompkins Mahopac Bank, Tompkins VIST Bank, Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., and offers wealth management services through Tompkins Financial Advisors. For more information on Tompkins Financial, visit www.tompkinsfinancial.com.

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