Richard L. Rowe Jr., the president and COO of Scituate Federal Savings Bank, has been elected chairman of the board of the Financial Managers Society (FMS). The election was held at the group’s  conference in Las Vegas, last month. Rowe has previously served as east coast region director and chairman of the society’s finance council.

"The volunteer leadership of the society plays a vital role in its direct success," said FMS CEO Dick Yingst in a statement. "I’m confident that, as chairman, [Rowe]’s contributions and continued dedication to not just the society, but the financial institutions industry as a whole will enhance our success and further our ability to serve our members and the greater financial institutions community."

Rowe will serve as chairman from June 2012 through June 2013. The board is charged with guiding the society as it fulfills its mission to enhance the professional development of financial personnel within financial institutions – CFOs, controllers, internal auditors and other financial professionals from community banks, thrifts and credit unions across North America.

"FMS has been such a valuable resource to, not just me and my career, but finance and accounting professionals from across the country," said Rowe in a statement. "I am truly honored to take on this position of leadership within such an esteemed organization."

In addition to his role at Scituate Federal Savings Bank, Rowe is a Professor of Accounting for the New England College of Business and Finance and a certified public accountant. He holds a masters degree in business administration from Long Island University and resides in Yarmouth Port.