Tompkins Community Bank Announces Community Banking Division Leadership Transition

Marking a leadership transition within its community banking division in the Hudson Valley, Tompkins Community Bank (Tompkins) announced that Carol Schmitz, senior vice president and community banking manager, will retire after 24 years of service to the company. In anticipation of Schmitz’s retirement in April 2026, Tompkins also announced that Kristen O’Keeffe, currently community banking operations manager, will be stepping into the role of community banking division manager for the Hudson Valley market.

Schmitz joined Tompkins in 2002 as a manager at the Lagrange branch and held roles at the Brewster and Wappingers branches before ascending into her role as community banking manager. Throughout her two decades with Tompkins, Schmitz exemplified deep community involvement both through her leadership on the bank’s contribution committee and through her own volunteer work as a board member for the American Heart Association, a dedicated volunteer with Dutchess Outreach and Habitat for Humanity and a member of the 2012 Leadership Dutchess class.

“It is difficult to overstate the incredible role Carol has played in the growth and continued excellence of the Hudson Valley. She has brought leadership, expertise, and deep commitment to our customers, communities, and colleagues,” said Dave DeMilia, president of Tompkins’ Hudson Valley market. “Her impact on our organization and the people she has mentored along the way will be felt for years to come. We are grateful for her decades of dedicated service and wish her all the best in her well‑earned retirement.”

Schmitz will be succeeded by Kristen O’Keeffe, who will step into the role of community banking division manager for the Hudson Valley market. O’Keeffe joined Tompkins in 2003 and has held several roles throughout her 23-year tenure, most recently serving as community banking operations manager under Schmitz, where she oversaw the sales and operations of twelve Tompkins branches throughout the Hudson Valley.

“Throughout her Tompkins career, Kristen has demonstrated not only exceptional leadership and expertise, but a continued dedication to strengthening our communities,” said DeMilia. “I can think of no one better to step into this role, as Kristen is an integral part of our team’s efforts to grow and expand our services in the Hudson Valley.”

Through a personal commitment to community service and ongoing professional development, O’Keeffe frequently donates her time to a variety of local nonprofits including Dutchess Outreach, United for the Troops and Habitat for Humanity, has served on the Planning Committee for the Mahopac Relay for Life and is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Dutchess. She resides in Carmel with her husband and two children.

About Tompkins Community Bank:

Founded in 1836, Tompkins Community Bank serves the Central, Western and Hudson Valley regions of New York and the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Through its unique local decision-making model, the bank offers personalized service and exceptional responsiveness while delivering a broad range of products and services for consumers and businesses. Wealth management services are available through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information is available at www.tompkinsbank.com.