Robert Smyth, former chairman, president and CEO of Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, has been chosen by Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino to fill the vacant fifth seat on the Boston Retirement Board.

During Smyth’s tenure at Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, the bank carried an "outstanding" Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating and was the ranked by the Small Business Association as the number one lender in Massachusetts, according to a statement. Smyth also sits on several boards including Children’s Hospital Boston, Northeastern University’s College of Business and School of Urban Policy, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the Boston History Collaborative.

"Bob wore the hat of fiscal guardian and customer advocate for more than four decades," said Menino. "With so many retirees and the city’s fiscal strength depending on prudent management of the pension system, there isn’t a better Bostonian to fill this role at this important time."

Smyth’s selection is subject to confirmation by the Boston City Council. He will fill the seat vacated by the late Jack Perkins, a member of the board since 1997.