New Century Bancorp, the holding company for New Century Bank, has named Celia DeBiase as the company's first chief risk officer. She also will serve on the company's executive management team.

"We are adding this position as a proactive response to an increasingly complex regulatory and economic environment," said William Hedgepeth, president and CEO. "Celia's experience, expertise and commitment to New Century Bank make her the right person for this role."

DeBiase's responsibilities will include managing a comprehensive process for assessing, identifying, monitoring, and reducing business risks that could interfere with the company's objectives and goals. Her areas of oversight will include the newly formed risk management department, as well as the bank's certified public accountant and general auditor.

With over 34 years of financial services experience, DeBiase joined New Century Bank in 2008 as chief compliance officer before being promoted to senior vice president in 2010. Prior to joining New Century, she served as compliance officer for Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and, before that, as vice president and executive communications manager for Dime Savings Bank of New York.