Columbia Bank is proud to announce that Nicole Gonzalo, Operations Manager, Onboarding and Account Setup, has been named a 2025 New Jersey Bankers Association “Rising Star” Award recipient. The annual award recognizes emerging banking professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, a strong commitment to the industry, and meaningful community engagement.
Nicole was recognized for her leadership in Treasury Operations, where she has played a key role in modernizing processes and strengthening the customer experience.
This year, Nicole led the rollout of a new suite of Treasury Management products designed to meet evolving client needs and sharpen Columbia Bank’s competitive edge. Leveraging her deep expertise in ACH operations, she identified ways to simplify implementation and automate manual steps, reducing turnaround times and improving accuracy. Under her guidance, the Bank introduced enhanced digital tools that increased payment security, streamlined workflows, and improved data integration. These changes helped clients operate more efficiently and led to greater adoption of Treasury services.
“Nicole is an exceptional leader who brings equal parts technical skill and collaboration to everything she does,” said Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO of Columbia Bank. “She leads by example, empowers her team, and consistently looks for ways to improve how we serve our customers. We’re proud to see her contributions recognized by New Jersey Bankers.”
Before stepping into her current role, Nicole mentored developing leaders within Treasury Management and ACH Operations, helping to build a strong internal talent pipeline. She also partnered with the Learning & Development team to create a certification program for more than 35 branch employees, training staff to identify cash management needs and strengthen relationships with local businesses.
Outside of work, Nicole volunteers at her local elementary school and participates in charitable initiatives including the March of Dimes. Her example encourages others across the Bank to give back and stay connected to the communities Columbia Bank serves.
Nicole earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Professional Security Studies from New Jersey City University. Her leadership, customer-first mindset, and community involvement continue to reflect the values of Columbia Bank and the future of community banking.
