FAIR LAWN, NJ – December 11, 2019 – Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO of Columbia Bank, is pleased to announce that Damodaram (“Damu”) Bashyam has been appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Information and Digital Officer.                                                                                                                     

In that role, Mr. Bashyam will be responsible for leading Columbia Bank’s efforts to further enhance its technology and digital banking strategies to support the Company’s growth. 

Mr. Bashyam is a senior information technology executive with more than 23 years of experience. Most recently, he served as Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer at JP Morgan Chase for their Consumer Banking business and previously held leadership positions with Verizon. In these roles, Mr. Bashyam was responsible for several transformational initiatives, including digital and data-driven customer-focused solutions. 

“Damu is an experienced leader in digital, known for his focus on innovation and shaping the customer experience,” Mr. Kemly said. “We are confident his experience is strategically aligned with the future growth of the Bank.” 

Mr. Bashyam has an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Engineering, an MS degree from Stevens Institute of Technology, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Mr. Bashyam also serves on the Board of Directors at Goodwill Industries of New York and Northern New Jersey. He currently resides in Hillsborough with his family.