Montebello, N.Y.-based Sterling Bancorp appointed COO Rodney Whitwell chief administrative officer of the company and unit Sterling National Bank, effective July 5, according to a Form 8-K filed June 8.

Whitwell had served as COO of the company since November 2013, after Provident New York Bancorp completed its deal with Sterling Bancorp.

Also effective on the same day, Christina Favilla will take over as COO. She previously was COO of GE Capital.

Her employment agreement stipulates a term ending Dec. 31, 2018.