Connecticut Banker Appointed Chair of ABA's American Bankers Council

The American Bankers Association today announced that John R. Ciulla has been appointed chair of ABA’s American Bankers Council for the 2022-2023 membership year. Ciulla is the president and chief executive officer of Webster Bank and Webster Financial Corporation, a leading commercial bank based in Stamford, Connecticut, with more than $65 billion in assets. He also serves on ABA’s Board of Directors. 

Ciulla joined Webster in 2004 as senior vice president for Middle Market Banking and has held several executive management positions with increasing responsibility, including Chief Credit Risk Officer from 2008 to 2010. He became CEO of Webster in 2018 and was elected Chairman in January 2020, and served as Chairman, President & CEO of Webster until its merger with Sterling National Bancorp. 

"I am honored to chair the ABC group and look forward to working with my fellow midsize bank CEOs to identify the major policy issues and opportunities facing us in the year ahead," said Ciulla. "Banks of all sizes are essential to our country’s economy, and our efforts will help ensure that we have a policy environment that will allow ABC members and the industry to meet the needs of our customers and communities going forward." 

The American Bankers Council is ABA’s banker-driven peer group for midsize bank chief executives. The council provides feedback and direction to ABA on key regulatory and legislative issues critical to midsize banks. The council also participates in regular meetings with their peers to exchange information and share best practices on issues affecting their banks.

"We appreciate John’s willingness to represent midsize banks from across the country while also providing his perspective and leadership on ABA’s Board of Directors,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “John’s tremendous banking knowledge and experience make him an ideal choice to represent this critically important industry segment.” 

Prior to joining Webster, Ciulla was with The Bank of New York, most recently as managing director. He practiced law in New York as an associate with McDermott Will & Emery and Hughes Hubbard & Reed. 

Ciulla recently served on the Federal Reserve System’s Federal Advisory Council as a representative for Boston-First District. He also serves on the board of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA). 

Ciulla earned a bachelor's degree in political science and history from Williams College, an MBA from the Columbia Business School, and a law degree from Fordham University School of Law.