Orange Bank Promotes Regional Architect Joseph Ruhl to Senior EVP, Signaling Deeper Push into Hudson Valley

MIDDLETOWN, NY – March 02, 2026 – Orange Bank & Trust Company today announced a significant leadership move, promoting Joseph A. Ruhl to Senior Executive Vice President in a decision that underscores the bank’s commitment to an aggressive growth strategy in the fiercely competitive Westchester and Lower Hudson Valley markets. The promotion elevates the man credited with spearheading the bank's successful commercial expansion and deposit growth since he joined in 2015.

This move is more than a simple corporate reshuffle; it is a clear signal of the bank's intent to double down on its relationship-based, community-focused model. Ruhl’s ascent from Regional President for Westchester County to the C-suite’s upper echelon recognizes a decade of strategic wins and positions him to apply his successful formula on a broader scale. In his previous role, Ruhl was instrumental in expanding the bank's commercial footprint, bolstering deposit-gathering efforts, and driving business development across the region.

“Joe has been a tremendous leader for our organization,” said Michael J. Gilfeather, President and CEO of Orange Bank & Trust. “His leadership in expanding our presence in Westchester, his deep commitment to our clients, and his ability to cultivate strong relationships across the Bank make him exceptionally deserving of this promotion. We are grateful for his dedication and excited for the impact he will continue to have in this role.”

The Architect of Regional Expansion

Since Ruhl came aboard in 2015, Orange Bank & Trust has executed a methodical and successful expansion. This strategy is perhaps best exemplified by the opening of its Yonkers office in January 2024, the bank's sixth full-service branch in Westchester County. The move was a deliberate push into a key urban center, and Ruhl was a central figure in its execution, notably through the formation of a new Business Advisory Council designed to embed the bank within the local business ecosystem.

While the bank operates across the Hudson Valley, the growth during Ruhl's tenure has been notable. The institution now holds over $2.7 billion in assets, a significant increase that reflects a healthy growth trajectory. Recent financial reports from its parent company, Orange County Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: OBT), show a steady climb in both deposits and loan portfolios. In the year leading up to Q1 2025, the bank's deposit base grew from $2.15 billion to $2.29 billion, while its loan portfolio expanded from $1.71 billion to $1.83 billion. This consistent growth, achieved amid a challenging economic climate, is the backdrop against which Ruhl's contributions are being recognized.

A Strategy Rooted in Community and Competition

Orange Bank & Trust's strategic playbook stands in contrast to its larger, national competitors like Chase Bank and TD Bank that also have a strong presence in the region. The bank, which ranks as the 33rd largest in New York State, differentiates itself by emphasizing local decision-making and deep community integration—a philosophy Ruhl embodies. His promotion solidifies this 'relationship banking' ethos as the institution's core competitive advantage against a backdrop of regional credit unions and disruptive fintech companies.

His extensive civic and legal network is a testament to this strategy. Ruhl serves as the secretary of the Italian American Forum, a director of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County, and Chairman Emeritus of the St. Philip the Apostle Foundation. His board memberships extend to the Westchester County Bar Foundation and the paralegal program at Mercy University. This deep-seated community involvement is not just a personal pursuit but a strategic asset, creating inroads and building trust in a way that advertising alone cannot achieve. It allows the bank to connect with and serve niche but vital economic sectors, such as the legal profession, with an authenticity that larger, more impersonal institutions often lack.

From Law to Lending: A Unique Skill Set

The promotion also highlights the value of Ruhl's unique professional background. Before his tenure in banking, he practiced law, having earned a Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law. His career includes a significant period at Hudson Valley Bank, where he was a First Senior Vice President overseeing the Legal Services Division. This legal acumen provides a distinct advantage in the world of commercial finance, particularly in the bank's target areas of commercial lending, wealth management, and specialized services for industries like construction and trade.

His expertise is particularly relevant to the bank’s focus on providing services to attorneys, as he is a frequent lecturer on complex topics like IOLA (Interest on Lawyer Accounts) and escrow management. This specialized knowledge allows Orange Bank & Trust to cater to the legal community with a high degree of proficiency, turning a regulatory requirement for law firms into a relationship-building opportunity for the bank. This synergy between legal expertise and financial services is a key differentiator in a crowded market.

Accepting his new role, Ruhl affirmed his commitment to this model. “I’m incredibly honored to take on this new role and continue supporting the exceptional teams and clients that define our Bank,” he stated. “Orange Bank & Trust’s commitment to relationship banking and community partnership inspires everything we do, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help drive our next phase of growth.”

As Orange Bank & Trust continues to navigate the dynamic Hudson Valley market, Ruhl’s promotion sends a clear message: the path to growth lies in deepening its roots, leveraging specialized expertise, and empowering leaders who are as invested in the community as they are in the balance sheet. His expanded role will be critical as the 133-year-old institution writes the next chapter of its story in the region.