Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
As the New Year rings in, it also brings in new officers for the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. New energy brings new ideas, and Frank Cerrone, as the newly installed president of the Joint Civic Committee, will certainly inspire us all to new heights.
As Vice Chairman, President and co-CEO, Mr. Cerrone’s incredible combination of experience, knowledge, vision and passion for banking has resulted in a significant role in the incredible success story of Pan American Bank.
As a first generation Italian-American, Mr. Cerrone credits his Italian heritage and his parents for showing him the meaning of determination. “Witnessing my Father and Mother work two or three jobs in order to pay for my schooling and put food on the table made me understand at a very early age the importance of hard work and my work ethic reflects that,” states Cerrone.
Mr. Cerrone began his banking career at a young age working miscellaneous jobs for a local community Bank. It was at that time that he realized the power of benevolence. Prior Banking positions Mr. Cerrone held include Compliance Officer, CRA Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Executive Vice President and President.
While continuing his banking career in 1995, Mr. Cerrone graduated from Elmhurst College specializing in Business and Finance. In the year 2000, Mr. Cerrone completed his master’s degree in Banking from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Outside of the office, Mr. Cerrone serves as director of the Community Development Bankers Association, a national trade association of the community development bank sector. Mr. Cerrone also serves as the First Vice President of the Italian American Political Coalition, an organization that provides a political voice for the Italian American community.
Mr. Cerrone is also a Director of the Columbian Club, an organization that promotes the adoption and the application of higher social, business, professional standards and civic welfare. Mr. Cerrone was a former Director of the Triton College Foundation. Cerrone also participates in several other organizations to promote community support and improvement.
Mr. Cerrone and his wife, Antonietta, feel strongly about keeping their Italian heritage alive. They do their best to teach their three sons — 7-year-old Gino Joseph, 5-year-old Marco Gaetano and 2-year-old Luca Franco — the Italian language, culture and the importance of family which is demonstrated at their weekly Sunday gatherings. They also travel to Italy as often as possible to expose their children to their roots and maintain tight bonds with family who live there
Mr. Cerrone has received the following awards:
* The David Award in 2000 from the Italo American National Union
* The Man of the Year Award in 2006 from the Flowers of Italy
* The Humanitarian Award in 2007 from the Order Sons of Italy
* The Man of the Year Award in 2011 from the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast Committee
In addition to Mr. Cerrone, the 2013-2014 JCCIA administration includes:
Mauro Glorioso, 1st Vice President
Christine Cerami, 2nd Vice President
Enza Ranieri, 3rd Vice President
Joseph Rago, 4th Vice President
Arlene Elia, Secretary
James Marnos, Treasurer
Ralph Imbrogno, Sergeant-at-Arms
Our heartfelt thank you goes out to Antonio Romanucci, who guided us throughout the last two years. His articulate speaking ability and people skills inspired the members to become more united and conscious of our Italian culture. All scheduled activities successfully took place. Antonio ablly hosted the Italian government’s reception at Loyola University honoring the prime minister of Italy on behalf of the Joint Civic Committee. More than 300 people gathered to welcome and hear the words of the prime minister. Without Antonio’s initiative, those of us present would never have had the opportunity to meet the Italian Prime Minister. Finally, we thank Angela Rinaldi and Eugene Renda for their services in the past administration. They have always been strong supporters of the Joint Civic Committee and we look forward to their continued presence at the JCCIA.
