Pioneer hired James Murphy as executive vice president and chief credit officer to oversee the quality of the Colonie-based bank's commercial, residential and consumer lending portfolios. Murphy was previously the chief commercial credit officer at Community Bank, where he was responsible for managing all commercial underwriting, loan policy and administration. He replaces Rob Nichols, who has been with Pioneer since 2019.

Nichols is leaving to pursue other opportunities. Nichols is working with the company through August to help with the transition.