Columbia Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLBK) announced that Allyson Schlesinger has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Head of Consumer Banking for Columbia Bank, the Company's wholly-owned banking subsidiary. In that role, Ms. Schlesinger will be responsible for the retail banking, retail lending, wealth management and marketing divisions of the Bank. Ms. Schlesinger was previously with Citigroup, Inc. for 25 years, most recently as its Managing Director, U.S. Retail and Division Manager for Citi's New York City and New Jersey markets.

"Allyson brings a wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set to her new role," said Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO. "We are confident her experience is strategically aligned with the future growth of the Bank."

Ms. Schlesinger holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan.

About Columbia Financial, Inc.

Columbia Financial, Inc. is a Delaware corporation organized as Columbia Bank's mid-tier stock holding company. Columbia Financial, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of Columbia Bank, MHC. Columbia Bank is a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. The Bank offers traditional financial services to consumers and businesses in our market areas. We currently operate 49 full-services banking offices.