Jeff Bank Announces Recent Promotions 2026

Jeff Bank Announces Recent Promotions

Jeffersonville, NY (March 2, 2026) — Jeff Bank announced at its Organizational Meeting held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the following promotions: Amber Benson to the role of Senior Vice President; and Melinda Stratton, Edwin Neumann, and Melanie Karkos to the roles of Vice President.

Amber Benson has been with Jeff Bank since 2004 and currently serves as the Compliance Officer and Audit Coordinator. Over the years, she has progressed through several positions including Teller, Staff Auditor, Assistant Vice President, and Vice President. Mrs. Benson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics and has earned the accreditations of Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager and Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer. She is also a recent graduate of the prestigious Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Mrs. Benson’s leadership and regulatory expertise continue to play a vital role in guiding the Bank’s strategic initiatives and maintaining its strong compliance culture.

Melinda Stratton is the Branch Manager III of the Monticello Route 42 Office and has been with Jeff Bank since 2016. She graduated early from Monticello High School and attended Orange County Community College for Business Management. Ms. Stratton brings 31 years of banking experience to her role. She regularly attends Monticello Rotary and is a member of the Monticello Elks Lodge. Ms. Stratton also serves as Auditor for the Monticello United Methodist Church and is a Leadership Sullivan alumna. Her approachable leadership style and strong rapport with both customers and employees have helped foster meaningful relationships and continued growth within her branch, the community, and the Bank as a whole.

Edwin Neumann is the Senior Credit Analyst / Commercial Portfolio Manager and has been with the Bank since 2011. Mr. Neumann holds Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Finance from King’s College. He is also a member of the Kenoza Lake Fire Department and Kenoza Lake Fire District. His analytical expertise and dedication to serving the Bank’s commercial clients have been instrumental in supporting the Bank’s lending operations.

Melanie Karkos is the Deposit Operations Manager and has been with the Bank since 1999. Throughout her tenure, she has held a variety of roles including Teller, Head Teller, Customer Service Representative, Card Representative, Senior Deposit Operations Assistant, and Deposit Operations Supervisor. Mrs. Karkos has her Supervisory Certificate from the Center for Financial Training, completed Jeff Bank’s internal RISE leadership program, and earned her ACH Accredited Professional certification in 2024. Her long-standing commitment to operational excellence and leadership has contributed greatly to the Bank’s continued success.

“Amber, Melinda, Edwin, and Melanie each exemplify the leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence that define Jeff Bank,” stated George W. Kinne, Jr., President and CEO. “Their continued growth within the organization reflects both their individual accomplishments and the strength of our team. We are proud to recognize their contributions and look forward to their continued impact on the Bank and the communities we serve.”

About Jeff Bank

Jeff Bank is an independently owned bank that is headquartered in Jeffersonville, NY and was founded in 1913. The Bank is an FDIC insured corporation that provides deposit and lending products in nine full-service branches throughout Sullivan County and one branch in Orange County. Jeff Bank – Rooted in Community. Growing With You. Find out more information at www.jeff.bank.

Media Contact
Kelsey Conklin
kconklin@jeff.bank