TOMPKINS COMMUNITY BANK WELCOMES JOHN PERATE AS CHIEF LENDING OFFICER

TOMPKINS COMMUNITY BANK WELCOMES
JOHN PERATE AS CHIEF LENDING OFFICER - PENNSYLVANIA
Perate to Succeed Jim Whitton Upon His Retirement
WYOMISSING, PA (May 7, 2025) – Tompkins Community Bank (Tompkins) has welcomed John Perate as Chief Lending Officer for the Pennsylvania market. Perate, who served M&T Bank for the past decade, will succeed Jim Whitton, who has been with Tompkins 12 years. The pair will work together – overseeing commercial lending and business development functions for Tompkins’ Pennsylvania market – as Whitton transitions into retirement in June 2025.
“John’s extensive industry experience and expansive network throughout the region makes him an ideal fit for this position,” said Whitton. “I am confident in his ability to step into my role upon my retirement and look forward to watching him steer Tompkins toward continued success.”
With nearly 30 years of experience in the banking and finance industry, Perate brings an extensive background in commercial and retail lending, risk management, financial operations and more to his new role. His commercial lending expertise, which spans business banking to middle market corporate lending, makes him especially well-suited to lead Tompkins’ team of commercial bankers across a wide geography. Perate will work closely with the commercial lending team across central Pennsylvania and greater Philadelphia, including commercial regional executives Peter Rowley in Berks County, Angelo Ramirez in greater Philadelphia and Harry Ciavarella in Schuylkill/Lehigh Valley to develop and deepen commercial relationships. Additionally, Perate will partner with Travis Werley, agricultural lending leader to strengthen Tompkins’ dedicated agricultural lending programs.
A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Perate holds a certificate from the Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s School of Commercial Lending, in addition to his bachelor’s degree. An active member of his community, Perate serves as a board member for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, Berks Business Education Coalition and the Law Foundation of Berks County. He is also a dedicated member of Alvernia University’s president’s advisory council and the Penn State Berks Advisory Board, in addition to his role on the United Way of Berks County’s campaign cabinet. Perate currently resides in Bern Township, PA with his wife and three children.
“Jim and I worked together to find the right successor for his role,” said Ginger Kunkel, president of Tompkins’ Pennsylvania market. “John is the right fit, not only because of his breadth of knowledge and leadership experience, but also for his community-first philosophy, which is an intrinsic part of Tompkins’ culture. He is a well-respected community leader and I look forward to collaborating with him as he embraces his new role.”
 
About Tompkins
Founded in 1836, Tompkins Community Bank serves the Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York, and the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Through their 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. Insurance services are offered through Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and wealth management services are available through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information is available at www.tompkinsbank.com.