YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y., June 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PCSB Financial Corporation (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: PCSB), parent of PCSB Bank (the "Bank"), announced that Michelle A. Nicholas has joined the Bank as Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Community Development. In this newly created position, Ms. Nicholas will be responsible for shaping the Bank’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy, as well as building relationships with key leaders, communities and organizations throughout its lower Hudson Valley footprint.
Ms. Nicholas brings a remarkable range of talent to her new role, with senior-level experience in the corporate, nonprofit and government sectors. Her commitment to DEI initiatives is a hallmark of her nonprofit leadership, which spans Westchester County to her native Guyana.
“Having Michelle A. Nicholas join our team is an exciting opportunity to further elevate our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access,” said Joseph D. Roberto, Chairman, President & CEO, PCSB Bank. “Her unparalleled dedication to community outreach will enable us to build on our core mission of offering the highest level of service to our customers as caring neighbors and business partners.”
Michelle A. Nicholas commented, “I look forward to reaching out to people across all our communities to raise awareness that at PCSB Bank diversity is not on the sidelines—it is a priority. We want everyone to know that we are not only listening; we hear you.”
She added, “With my background in community service, I truly understand the importance of community banking. Knowing that the banker you’re meeting with understands your neighborhood, your family and your concerns is paramount. When customers apply for a mortgage or financial services at PCSB to enable the startup of a business, they are not just viewed as a set of numbers, they are seen as whole people with dreams and goals—and treated with the respect that it brings.”
Prior to joining PCSB Bank, Michelle A. Nicholas served as Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Westchester County, where her achievements included increasing areas of service and the introduction of new programs, raising the organization’s budget by accessing new multi-year revenue streams in her first year, and in partnership with her team being recognized nationally and locally for growth and effective service transitioning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, she held leadership positions at Family Services of Westchester, Healthcare Chaplaincy Network, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. In the financial sector, her experience includes positions with JPMorgan Chase Bank and as the Co-chair of Recruitment and Development of the JPMorgan Employee Diversity group for African American Professionals - Ujima. She holds degrees in economics and social work from the University of Guyana as well as certifications in project management and diplomatic practices.
In addition to volunteering with many Westchester organizations, Ms. Nicholas is the founder and president of Sexual Assault and Family Education (SAFE) Guyana Inc., a human services nonprofit. She has been recognized as one of Westchester Magazine’s 12 Black Leaders Changing Westchester, Business Council of Westchester’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars, Face2Face Africa’s 30 Black Stars and Caribbean Life’s Impact Award recipients.
Her notable commitment to volunteerism as well as her professional nonprofit roles dovetails with PCSB Bank’s history of giving back. Building on the Bank’s legacy of philanthropy and service, the PCSB Bank Community Foundation provides donations to nonprofit organizations in the region that need financial support. Ms. Nicholas will collaborate with the PCSB Foundation Board to help establish a strategic approach to further the Foundation’s goals, community collaboration and partnerships.
Ms. Nicholas concluded, “Community outreach is not just a job; it’s my life’s mission. It is very gratifying to be working with a financial institution that shares this commitment and values the importance of respect, inclusion and representation.”
About PCSB Financial Corporation and PCSB Bank
PCSB Financial Corporation is the bank holding company for PCSB Bank. PCSB Bank is a New York-chartered commercial bank that has served the banking needs of its customers in the Lower Hudson Valley of New York State since 1871. It operates from its executive offices/headquarters and 15 branch offices located in Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester Counties in New York.
This News Release contains a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may be identified by use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would" and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.
Forward-looking statements are based upon various assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of management's experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors (many of which are beyond the Company's control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements . These factors include, without limitation, the following: the duration, extent and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its impact on our business and operations, the impact of lost fee revenue and increased operating expenses, as well as its effect on our customers and issuers of securities, including their ability to make timely payments on obligations, service providers and on economies and markets more generally, the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond the Company’s control; there may be increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or from non-financial institutions; changes in the interest rate environment may reduce interest margins; changes in deposit flows, loan demand or real estate values may adversely affect the Company's business; changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines may cause the Company’s financial condition to be perceived differently; changes in corporate and/or individual income tax laws may adversely affect the Company's financial condition or results of operations; general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all areas in which the Company conducts business, or conditions in the securities markets or the banking industry may be less favorable than the Company currently anticipates; legislation or regulatory changes may adversely affect the Company’s business; technological changes may be more difficult or expensive than the Company anticipates; success or consummation of new business initiatives may be more difficult or expensive than the Company anticipates; or litigation or other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, may delay the occurrence or non-occurrence of events longer than the Company anticipates. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable law or regulation.
Contact: Joseph D. Roberto
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(914) 248-7272