Brenda M. Hall Joins Community Financial System Board to Enhance Insurance Services
Community Financial System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) has strategically appointed Brenda M. Hall as an independent member of its Board of Directors, effective March 1, 2026. Hall, a seasoned executive, previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Standard Lines at Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SIGI). Her experience over 24 years at Selective Insurance enriched her expertise in strategic operational management, industry leadership, and regulatory compliance requirements.
During her tenure as COO from October 2019 to January 2026, Hall managed Selective’s largest business segment with distinction. Her role encompassed spearheading strategic growth initiatives, advancing geographic expansion, and leveraging data-driven operational enhancements. She integrated predictive modeling into underwriting practices, enhancing risk management and compliance efficiency. Hall's substantial experience in enterprise strategy and property and casualty insurance further underscores her proficiency.
Strengthening Board Independence and Risk Management
Hall's appointment expands the number of independent directors on the Board to 13 out of 14 members. She will contribute to the Risk Committee for both Community Financial System and its banking arm, Community Bank, N.A. Her deep industry knowledge and leadership experience are expected to bolster the company's risk management strategies and regulatory compliance capabilities.
Eric E. Stickels, Chair of the Board, stated, “Brenda’s extensive expertise in the insurance industry and senior leadership roles will be invaluable for our efforts to enhance our insurance services.” Dimitar A. Karaivanov, President and CEO, emphasized Hall's proven track record at Selective, anticipating her significant contribution to expanding and strengthening their insurance and financial services.
Diverse Services and Strategic Outlook
Community Financial System, Inc. operates within financial services, focusing on banking, employee benefits, insurance, and wealth management. Its banking subsidiary is among the top 100 U.S. banking institutions and offers diverse financial planning and insurance services through subsidiaries like OneGroup NY, Inc. and Nottingham Financial Group.
The company notes that forward-looking statements in this announcement are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, which could lead to materially different outcomes. Factors influencing these include economic conditions, interest rates, regulatory changes, and competitive pressures. For complete risk factors and financial disclosures, please refer to the company’s SEC filings available on the company and SEC websites.
For further information, the complete announcement is available on Business Wire: Business Wire Source.
For inquiries, contact Marya Burgio Wlos, EVP & Chief Financial Officer, at (315) 299-2946.