The board of directors of Pathfinder Bancorp, the bank holding company of Pathfinder Bank, appointed James A. Dowd interim president and CEO, effective immediately, to replace Thomas W. Schneider following his resignation.

Schneider, who also resigned from the company’s board of directors, will transition to a new position as director of capital markets and corporate strategy. Schneider’s desire to seek a less time-consuming role due to recent health issues and personal loss contributed to the timing of the decision.

Dowd joined Pathfinder Bank in 1994 as controller and has since held other prominent roles within the organization. He was promoted to CFO in 1999 and named chief operating officer in 2017. Most recently, Dowd held the position of executive vice president and chief operating officer. He has played a role in the physical expansion of the bank into Onondaga County in New York, adding three full-service brick-and-mortar branches and a loan production office in Utica, NY, in Oneida County. Additionally, in the five years he served as chief operating officer and oversaw branch operations, the bank’s deposits increased 73%.

“Jim’s contributions to Pathfinder have demonstrated that his unique combination of skills, experience, passion for the industry and masterful ability to develop people have positioned him to lead the bank forward,” Chris R. Burritt, chairman of the board for Pathfinder Bank, said. “His 28 years in the banking industry and highly-regarded community leadership will continue to contribute to the strategic execution of our growth initiatives. While Tom is leaving his position as CEO, he will continue to play a vital role in the bank’s long-term success. Since Jim joined the bank in 1994, he has worked very closely with Tom and together they have helped grow the organization into what we know today. Going forward, Tom will serve as a valued resource for Jim.”

“I am humbled, honored and excited to accept the position of interim president and CEO of Pathfinder,” Dowd said. “Tom Schneider has done a remarkable job preparing the organization for our next phase of growth. I am thankful he will continue to play an important role in the ongoing success of the bank. I am looking forward to working with our executive team and our staff of tremendously dedicated professionals to find ways to continue to serve our customers and the communities we serve.”

Schneider joined Pathfinder Bank in 1988. Prior to his appointment as president and CEO in 2000, he served as the bank’s CFO and controller. Under his leadership, Pathfinder’s total assets grew from $216 million in 1999 to nearly $1.3 billion as of Dec. 31, 2021. During that period, Pathfinder grew from a five-branch footprint, located solely in Oswego County in New York, to its current 10-branch footprint, which included expansion into Onondaga County in New York and a loan production office in Oneida County in New York.