Canandaigua National Bank exec retires; successor named by institution

Canandaigua National Corporation (CNC) has announced the retirement of its esteemed Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer, Karen Serinis, effective December 31, 2023. Serinis, celebrated for her impactful 26-year tenure, is recognized for her pioneering leadership and significant contributions to CNC’s growth and success.

As CNC’s first female Executive Vice President, she led the bank’s strategic expansion into Monroe County and held various influential positions since joining in 1997. Under her leadership, which included overseeing Corporate Marketing, Communications, Consumer Lending, and Small Business Banking, CNB experienced transformative growth and maintained its high standards of customer service. Serinis’s commitment to a “people-first” philosophy greatly influenced CNB’s workplace culture, fostering a team with a strong work ethic and dedication to excellence.

Serinis’s legacy extends beyond CNB, with her active involvement in the Rochester community, particularly in initiatives supporting women and youth. Her community contributions have earned her multiple recognitions, including the “Women of Excellence” award by Rochester Business Journal and the “Woman of Distinction” title from Professional Women of the Finger Lakes. Following her retirement, Serinis will continue her distinguished banking career by joining the Board of Directors for CNB Mortgage.

Succeeding her as Executive Vice President, Chief Retail Officer is Gwen Crawford, a 12-year member of CNB’s retail management team. Crawford, who has been preparing for this transition alongside Serinis, praises her predecessor for her transparent, empowering leadership style and is poised to continue Serinis’s legacy at CNB.