Joseph LaPella was named chief executive officer of RSI Insurance Agency, bringing more than three decades of experience to the position.

Columbia Bank announced the leadership move by its Rahway-based subsidiary Oct. 18.

The Fair Lawn financial institution completed its acquisition of RSI Bank earlier this year. LaPella will provide oversight for the newly acquired agency.

He comes to the role from Plymouth Rock Assurance Co., where he most recently served as a senior business development manager. According to Columbia Bank, there LaPella collaborated across business units to develop and launch a go-to-market strategy that in its first 18 months resulted in the appointment of more than 300 agents and developed a “significant book of business.”

Previously, he was territory sales manager at The Hanover Insurance Group, where his work included expanding the company’s distribution channel in the state and partnering with other agencies to increase total premium volume. His other experience includes as a sales producer and owner of an Allstate New Jersey Insurance Co. agency, and as an independent owner of Goins & Hewitt Insurance Agency in Pennsylvania, where he managed and expanded his personal and commercial portfolio of product offerings and clientele through organic growth, acquisition and strategic partnerships, according to Columbia Bank.

Columbia Bank highlighted LaPella’s community involvement as well, including with Save a Suit, a nonprofit that assists military members in their transition to the civilian workforce.

RSI Insurance Agency was founded in 1999; it offers a range of insurance products, investment solutions and advice from industry professionals.