Country Bank Appoints NY Real Estate Philanthropist to BOD

Country Bank of New York proudly announces the appointment of Louis A. Tallarini of White Plains to its Board of Directors. Country Bank, a leader in the commercial real estate lending business and one of the few family-controlled banks, chose Tallarini for his unparalleled real estate expertise and exceptional dedication to the community.

“Lou brings a wealth of financial experience to Country Bank that will play a key role as we continue executing our vision to build our assets from half a billion to one billion,” explained Chairman Joseph M. Murphy. “As a long time shareholder, Lou is very responsive to the needs of the Bank and has a proven track record in the New York market. His presence on the Board will bring a whole new level of knowledge and insight.”

Since 1991, Tallarini has been the President and CEO of Real Property Investors, Inc. in New York. The realty advisory firm consults with institutions on real estate matters, performs real estate related asset management services and acts as an advisor for debt and equity capital for institutional investors. A trained accountant in the real estate field, Tallarini spent the early part of his career with the international CPA firm Harris Kerr Forster in Manhattan working on commercial real estate audits. He is a licensed New York Real Estate Broker who has owned, operated and consulted on commercial real estate for almost 50 years in the multifamily, retail, office, industrial and hospitality areas. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Fordham University, College of Business Administration.

“To be selected to sit on Country Bank’s Board of Directors is quite an honor,” said Tallarini. “I intend to leverage my real estate experience to enhance their growth strategy and develop new customers for the bank while retaining the Bank’s personalized style and core values.”

In addition to his stellar business resume, Tallarini has served since 1979 as a Board member, past President and Chairman of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, best known for organizing New York City's Columbus Day Parade. Under Tallarini’s leadership, the Columbus Day Weekend celebration expanded to become Columbus Day Week, resulting in millions of dollars being raised for scholarships for students who are of Italian-American descent. The Parade is one of the biggest New York City events in October, with over 35,000 marchers and groups participating.

Country Bank is a sponsor of the Columbus Day parade, and each year staff, friends and family enjoy riding atop Country Bank’s colorful float.

Tallarini’s dedication to the Italian-American community aligns perfectly with Country Bank’s belief in being a good corporate citizen within the communities it serves. Country Bank fosters the spirit of volunteerism and the Murphy’s have been members of Board of Directors of many not-for-profit and charitable organizations. In 2016, the Bank was awarded the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy Award by the Association of Development Officers for its support of Westchester nonprofits and their causes.

Tallarini also shares the Murphy’s support of education as the Co-Founder of the Italian Language Foundation that is dedicated to the high school study of Italian language and culture. Joe and JoAnn Murphy have remained loyal to their alma mater, Iona College, by donating The Murphy Science and Technology Center, The Iona College Art Center and Mazzella Field named after JoAnn’s parents.

Louis is a Vietnam Veteran having served 12 months in combat during the war.
“Our leadership team possesses a lifetime of business, real estate, banking and real world experience that allows us to provide insightful and steady leadership for Country Bank,” concludes Chairman Murphy. “Lou’s outstanding skills and philanthropic activities will benefit our customers and community immeasurably.”

Founded in 1988, Country Bank is an FDIC-insured, full service commercial bank offering products and services for commercial banking and lending customers, small business customers and individual consumers. Country Bank is a regional leader in the commercial real estate lending business devoted to building relationships with their customers. In 2015 it opened its flagship branch on 42nd Street and Third Avenue in NYC. The bank has additional branches in Midtown NYC, Riverdale, Woodlawn and Scarsdale. Consecutively rated one of the top 200 Community Banks in the Country for the past 4 years, the Bank serves the New York City metro area, New York State, New Jersey and Connecticut. Visit www.countrybnk.com or call 212-818-9090 for more information.