Bank President Caught Up In Resume Controversy

by Dana Infantino

Resumes. Interviews. Background checks. This is what usually occurs when applying for and obtaining a job. However, a recent investigation by a Com660 Drexel student revealed that a West Orange, New Jersey bank president might have faulty information on his resume.

Lewellyn Edison Savings President, James D. Smith, is accused of listing a false degree on his resume. Smith’s resume suggests he graduated from Rutgers University, Newark Campus in 1981 with a degree in Business. However, an investigation into his background suggests he never graduated at all.

Com 660 student, Dana Infantino, contacted Rutgers University Alumni Relations Director, Lisa English, to confirm Smith’s degree. She was shocked when English reported Rutgers had no record of Smith’s graduation. In an email, English confirmed that the last James D. Smith attended Rutgers University in 1975 and did not receive a degree.

Close friend and colleague of Smith’s, Deborah DeRose, was shocked at the discovery. DeRose said, “Jim has been a great colleague and president. Regardless of the outcome, he has served and will continue to serve in the banks best interest.”

Smith, President of Lewellyn Edison Savings since 1987, commented on the situation in a phone interview with Infantino. Smith said, “Rutgers is a huge university with thousands upon thousands of graduates a year. I did graduate from Rutgers in 1981 and I’ll take the appropriate measures to make sure they correct that in their database.”

Smith is attributed to the recent expansion of Llewellyn Edison Savings. Under his supervision, the bank has two new branches, one in Livingston, New Jersey and the second in Sussex County, New Jersey. Also, he has been an extremely active member of the West Orange community for years. He served on such committees and organizations as the West Orange Rotary, the West Orange Main Street Committee, and the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. In addition to these committees, Smith was active in several church projects and banking organizations in and around the area. His activeness has led to such awards as The Good Scout Award and an induction into the Essex County Hall of Fame.

Infantino confirmed all other listings on Smith’s resume and reported that, “All of Smith’s other resume listings are correct. It will be interesting to learn how this controversy plays out in the near future.”