OceanFirst Financial appointed Joseph J. Lebel III president of OceanFirst Bank. Lebel will assume the responsibilities of president from Christopher D. Maher, who will remain chairman of the board and CEO of the company and the bank. Lebel also was appointed to the bank’s board of directors.

Lebel joined the bank in 2006 and is currently executive vice president and chief operating officer. He was previously chief banking officer as well as chief lending officer. In addition to his current responsibilities for all operating regions, business lines and back office operations, Lebel will assume responsibility for the commercial credit function with the chief credit officer and credit administration department, which also reports to him. Lebel has more than 35 years of commercial banking experience.

“Joe and I have worked closely together to build our business over the past seven years and during that time he has demonstrated exceptional skills as a banker and an executive officer. The Bank is fortunate to have his continuing leadership in this new and expanded role,” Maher said.