Connecticut Banking 4Q 2012 by The Warren Group

Fourth Quarter 2012

HEROES AMONG US

Community Bankers HONORED

ATMs changed banking transactions. The OptevaÂŽ Flex PerformanceSM Series transforms the entire branch operation.

The Diebold Opteva Flex Performance Series redefines what a branch can do, enabling tellers to provide higher-value services and branches to run more efficiently. By bringing together multiple functionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;envelope-free cash and check acceptance, full recycling, cash sorting and note fitness-checkingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this new technology dramatically reduces service and personnel costs. Another innovation. And another reason why Diebold has remained a leader for more than 150 years. For the entire story, visit diebold.com/boldinnovation. 1.800.806.6827 diebold.com requests@diebold.com

Fourth Quarter 2012

HEROES AMONG US

Community Bankers HONORED COVER STORY

Heroes Among Us.............................................................................. 10 Community Bankers Honored

CONNECTICUT BANKERS ASSOCIATION

10 Waterside Dr. Farmington, CT 06032-3083 Telephone: 860-677-5060 • Fax: 860-677-5066 Chairman John J. Patrick, Jr.

Second Vice Chairman Stephen P. Reilly

First Vice Chairman Chandler J. Howard

President & CEO Lindsey R. Pinkham

Chairman, President & CEO Farmington Bank President & CEO Liberty Bank, Middletown

President & CEO Northwest Community Bank

Page 14

Page 17

FEATURES

Four of Our Own are Top Workplaces.................................... 4 Preventing Wire Transfer Fraud............................................. 6 Next Generation Technology Creates

Executive Vice President & Treasurer Thomas S. Mongellow First Senior Vice President & Secretary Colleen E. Clancy

New Advantages for Community Bankers......................... ....8

Senior Vice President & Director of Education Mary Beth Nelsen

Connecticut Banking is an official publication of the Connecticut Bankers Association and is published quarterly by

The Warren Group Design / Production / Advertising www.thewarrengroup.com custompubs@thewarrengroup.com With the exception of official association announcements, the Connecticut Bankers Association and The Warren Group disclaim responsibility for opinions expressed in Connecticut Banking. This publication is intended and designed to provide accurate and authoritative information, not to provide legal, accounting or other professional advice.

CONNECTICUT BANKING

a trademark of The Warren Group Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Advertising, editorial and production inquiries should be directed to: The Warren Group, 280 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210. Call 800-356-8805.

Page 16

Page 22

Banks in the News..................................................................... 14 Bankers in the News.................................................................. 20 CORRECTION: In the previous issue of Connecticut Banking, photos accompanying the article “Get to Know David Ring: Leader of First Niagara’s Foray into Connecticut” (pages 12 and 13) were incorrectly included. The photos were from a financial education seminar hosted by First County Bank. We regret the error.

Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2012

Four of Our Own are

Top Workplaces By Christina P. O’Neill

hree of the Connecticut Bankers Association’s member banks and an associate member were named to the Hartford Courant and Fox CT’s list of Top Workplaces. Of 649 employers invited to submit nominations, 50 companies among the respondents were chosen, based solely on employee responses to detailed forms sent out by WorkplaceDynamics, an independent research firm that has compiled top employer lists for some of the country’s largest media outlets. The CBA member organizations honored are: Liberty Bank, eighth on the large company list, with 557 employees in 45 locations; associate member Connecticut On-Line Computer Center (COCC), third on the medium company list, with 298 employees in two locations; Dime Bank (fourth on the medium company list, with 166 employees in two locations; and Farmington Bank, eighth on the medium company list, with 339 employees in 19 locations. Workplace Dynamics sent surveys to 17,605 Connecticut-based employees at participating organizations with 50 or more employees, and received more than 11,500 responses – an impressive response rate. Companies were divided into three size groupings based on number of employees in their Connecticut counties: small, 50 to 149; medium, 150 to 349; and large, 350 and up. The winners have some impressive back stories. Farmington Bank, for example, has managed to cultivate and preserve employee goodwill despite having doubled in size in the last three years – through organic growth, no less, rather than through mergers or acquisitions. John Patrick, CEO of Farmington Bank and chairman of the CBA, notes that the bank is still growing; it opened its 20th branch at the end of October. The dramatic growth makes it all the more important to qualify for an employee satisfaction award based on employee response, Patrick says. Dime Bank, too, has undergone a lot of change in the last year, according to Senior Vice President Cheryl Calderado. A new CEO, Nicholas Caplanson, formerly the bank’s CFO, had

a tough act to follow – Jim Cronin, a highly popular leader who retired after 40 years with the bank, 24 of them as president. Two other key officers retired in that timeframe. Despite all the changes, Dime Bank’s 93 percent response rate to the top employer survey ranked as one of the highest. Liberty Bank, the only CBA member on the large companies list, got there on its first try. “We were excited, given it was our first attempt at it,” says Chandler Howard, Liberty’s president and CEO and the CBA’s first vice chairman. “It demonstrated that a lot of our employees see their work here as a career and not just a job.” The bank has added 10 new branches in the last three to four years, as well as new electronic banking channels, expanded its online banking services, and installed ATMs that can combine checking and cash deposits. It has begun a small business program and two years ago, completed a successful core conversion program. Howard likens the process to “changing a tire on a sports car while driving down the highway.” The bank invests heavily in training, averaging about 40 hours of training per employee for a total of 25,000 hours overall. Its turnover rate is below 3 percent, while the industry norm is 6 or 7 percent, Howard says. COCC, in addition to its third spot on the medium company list (it had ranked ninth on that list last year), got a special award – “Most Clued-In Senior

Management.” “We were especially pleased to see our ranking among mid-sized companies in Connecticut rise substantially this year. That and our recognition as having the ‘Most Clued-In Senior Management Team’ will boost our efforts to attract and retain the most talented staff to deliver next generation service and technology advantage to our clients,” COCC’S President and CEO Richard Leone said in a statement. “This award draws attention to our greatest asset: our employees who have powered us through the recent economic downturn with record growth and client satisfaction.” u 4

Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2012

MANAGING RISK

Preventing Wire Transfer Fraud By Craig M. Collins

“K

now your customer.” Likely most everyone in banking has repeated this mantra time and time again. In today’s digital age of banking, it may seem impossible to truly know the customer, but it’s as important as ever. Wire transfer fraud is an increasing trend in financial institutions and it looks to continue to grow in the coming years. When hundreds of thousands of dollars can be transferred with just the click of the button, knowing their customer can help banks to be on the lookout for signs that may alert the institution to a potential fraud attempt. Today’s “bank robbers” know it’s far easier to rob someone with a computer or a telephone than with a gun – and it’s safer, too. Electronic theft began in the early ’80s as banks began implementing computer systems to track customer accounts. Criminals quickly learned that getting into a customer’s electronic account is much easier to access “through the front door,” using a customer’s personal information. The same principle holds true today. Wire fraud can occur through the phone, fax, email or online, and the losses average hundreds of thousands of dollars per incident. That’s a lot of money moving around, often without ever hearing the person’s voice. Criminals have countless methods for convincing a bank to wire large sums of money to another account, but the results tend to be similar: • a fax to a bank with a customer’s information that the customer did not send. • a memo from a call with the “customer” which the customer never made. • an email from the customer’s account that the customer didn’t write. • a confirmation phone call to the number listed in the account, only to later find the number has been temporarily diverted by the criminal, meaning the verbal confirmation comes from the thief, not the customer.

The victims can be individuals, but potential wire transfer thefts before they businesses are more likely to fall prey to happen. these schemes since they tend to carry Consider executing account usage heftier account balances than individuals. agreements. Usage agreements can detail Small businesses are targeted the most things like who is authorized to execute a frequently. They generally lack the transaction, which accounts are eligible complex security measures of larger for transfers, what security measures organizations and criminals find it much and verification steps are in place, which easier to access sensitive information. communications methods are used and The majority of fraudulent foreign wire who is liable for what if fraud were to transfers wind up occur. These in Asia, Eastern agreements can FRAUD OFTEN Europe or Africa. be especially These international useful for OCCURS BECAUSE transfers are the businesses, most dangerous but should be THE PROTECTION because there is considered for PROCESS BROKE DOWN no government individuals as protection and no way well. Another SOMEWHERE ALONG to reverse the process. step to consider Domestic fraud could be THE WAY. isn’t uncommon to require either. In the United individual, States, wire transfers have some safeguards international or first-time transfers to in place to manage fraud, but it should happen in person, or implement digital be assumed that once a transfer is made, security tokens that generate a new unique there is no way to bring the money back. user password every few minutes. Phone The responsibility for the stolen money passwords can also help distinguish the could fall on the account holder and/or the true account holder from a criminal. bank depending on the circumstances. Think about creating transfer procedures. Fraud often occurs because Help Safeguard Against Fraud the protection process broke down There are endless ways criminals will somewhere along the way. As a result, find to transfer someone else’s money banks should consider having a formal into their own bank accounts, but there process for transferring funds and are a few red flags that should help alert training employees to follow all steps in the teller executing the transfer that the process. For example, if the process something may be amiss. Some situations requires a teller to call the number listed to keep an eye out for are abnormally large in the account after a transfer is initiated, transfers, transfers from an account that then a teller should place the phone call. has never wired money in the past and any Often criminals will call immediately after transfer to Europe, Africa or Asia. Another faxing a transfer request to “make sure the warning sign is someone who has excuses fax went through.” Speaking to the person as to why he or she can’t speak with you executing the transfer should not replace over the phone. Banks can help protect calling the number listed in the account. themselves and their customers by paying Know your customer. As mentioned attention to these and other red flags and before, knowing the customer is as by putting safeguards in place to help spot important as ever. Does this customer 6

Fourth Quarter 2012 • Connecticut Banking Magazine

normally transfer money? How big are the transfers? Where does the money usually end up, somewhere local or an international account? In what ways do they typically initiate a transaction and who is the originator? Is the origination account the one that is normally used for transfers? If speaking to someone on the phone, do they sound to be the same gender as the name on the account? Knowing the answers to these questions could help alert bank employees to potential fraud in progress. Consider training employees who are conducting the transaction. Bank employees should trust their instincts when something seems amiss in a transfer request. Consider teaching these employees the warning signs that could help alert them to potential fraud – even if it might be to the temporary annoyance of the customer. While keeping customers satisfied and ensuring quick transactions are important, secure banking is the paramount concern. Ultimately, customers

will appreciate your efforts toward the security of their money more than they will a quick, easy transfer. Encourage employees to trust their gut and follow the security procedures, which may include review with the bank’s security officer. Encourage customers and employees to try to protect sensitive data. It’s incredibly important to protect sensitive data such as social security numbers, account numbers and passwords. In today’s society, it’s unnerving how easy it is to build a complete personal profile of someone using social networks and internet searches. Consider keeping digital information safe by using protected wireless networks, security software and creating strong passwords with letters, numbers and symbols. If a hacker gets into a company email system, he’ll have access to email records that may have past transfer information which gives him a “template” for how to conduct the fraudulent transfer. According to a recent alert from the FBI,

hackers are even initiating transactions using variations of legitimate email addresses – such as changing a letter “O” to a zero. Consider establishing protocols for safe email practices that include avoiding sending account information via email. Wire transfer fraud is a relatively safe and easy way for a criminal to acquire a lot of money in a hurry, and it will likely continue to be the preferred method of theft in banks, at least until the next scheme comes along. It’s impossible to prevent every fraud from occurring, especially as the schemes become more advanced and complex. Taking the proper precautions and educating staff is an important step that could help protect the bank and its customers. u Craig M. Collins is the president of Financial Services for OneBeacon Professional Insurance. He has more than 20 years of experience in the financial institution industry. He can be reached at ccollins@onebeaconpro.com.

Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2012

TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED

Next Generation Technology Creates New Advantages for Community Bankers By Richard A. Leone positioned to introduce the new banking services in demand today. While bankers who use older technology struggle to keep up with today’s pace, community banks powered by new technology are now combining the new products with their deep customer knowledge to create additional market advantages. As a result, community bank customers can choose from the broadest array of products and features we have ever seen. Customers can deposit checks remotely, connect to accounts maintained at global financial institutions, receive real time alerts for potential overdrafts and fraud attempts, and much, much more. Product integration further enables community banks to help their business customers streamline their financial operations. For them, remote deposit capture is just the beginning of a move to unprecedented self-sufficiency. Next generation community bankers are enabling small businesses to reconcile their ACH, wire and checking activity online, and to capitalize on information that had traditionally been confined to big bank “back rooms.”

or many years, community bankers have won new customers with a combination of superior service and aggressive pricing. Today, these market wins are increasingly the result of matching products offered by money center banks. This is about to change as next generation technology enables

All Information, All the Time community bankers to expand their advantage with greater product flexibility and broader access to bank information, all supported by dramatic improvements in back room efficiency.

The Product Big Bang Community banks that have adopted next generation technology are well8

The “new normal” for today’s increasingly mobile customer is a unified experience between the traditionally separate teller, back room, Internet, mobile, payment and archive functions. Customers now expect all channels to carry all the information they need to make their own financial decisions. For example:

Fourth Quarter 2012 • Connecticut Banking Magazine

• A business can receive alerts whenever new items enter its ACH warehouse. Custom views of the warehouse enable the business to manage its payment and investment decisions based on up-to-the-second information. • A consumer can decide whether to make a debit card purchase by accessing her account holds and pending debits as well as available balance. • Bankers can serve their customers in person wherever they might be, activate or customize accounts on the spot, and make the changes instantly across all banking channels. The next generation technology behind these services also enables community bankers to support these solutions without adding to staff. Using automated workflows and integrated document archives, bankers can trace and report every interaction as required by regulation, removing many of the limitations that once prevented them from offering products in flavors beyond vanilla.

Currency Automation Solutions and Self-Service Coin Centers Teller Tools for Success

Doing Things the Right Way

ters Cen oin C e c vi -Ser Self

Currency Dispensers

61-201 50 Y E AR S

Currency Recycle rs

The Community Bank Advantage Community bankers have always had the customer knowledge and the vision to tailor services to meet specific customer needs; now they have the technology to do it. Next generation technologies are enabling community banks to rapidly integrate new features and information sources in support of full service banking via all channels. The timing of this explosion of banking capabilities could not align more perfectly with the customer’s explosion in service expectations. The advantages of next generation technology will become strikingly clear as customer expectations outstrip the capabilities of any financial institution restricted by old technology. Next generation technology is the game changer for community bankers who have the vision and courage to deliver next generation services. u Richard Leone is president and CEO of Avon, Conn.-based COCC, Inc., a 45-yearold firm that is completely focused on outsourced technology service and support.

Go-To Resourceto toSolve Solvethe theBenefit BenefitPuzzle” Puzzle” “Your Go to Resource

Executive Compensation/Benefits • Attract/Retain Executives & Directors • Financing Strategies to Offset Costs and Increase to Earnings • Compliance/Monitoring The Pangburn Group Completely Independent fee only record keeper and compliance partner. Represents over 750 financial institutions across the nation.

…. Thirty years of success protecting corporate Human and Financial Resources. and “Solving the Benefits Puzzle” Kaeding & Company - Leader in Integrated Employee Benefits 420 Lakeside Ave | Suite 303 | Marlborough, MA 01752 | 508.460.0165 | www.kaedingco.com

Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2012

HEROES AMONG US

Community Bankers Honored by The Commercial Record set out to find community bankers who stand out from their peers. These individuals not only excel in their careers, but also devote professional and personal time to making the local communities they serve better places for all. Dozens of outstanding nominations poured in. And, after an arduous review, 13 winners were selected. “All of the winners are respected industry professionals who have made a significant impact on their institutions, their employees and their communities,” according to The Commercial Record’s editorial board.” They consistently give back to the industry and the community, giving freely of their time, energy and resources.”

Of the 13 winners, representing banks from across the Nutmeg State, many “work quietly, steering charitable donations from their banks to local nonprofit organizations and individuals in need. Others join in community outreach efforts, working side-by-side with other volunteers, after work and on weekends, to better their communities.” The winners’ “deep involvement in community affairs, awareness of the needs of local families and businesses, and commitment to using local deposits to improve local communities, makes them Community Bank Heroes.” Meet the 2012 winners of The Commercial Record’s Community Banker Hero Awards:

Phyllis Hanlon, Cory Hopkins, Cassidy Murphy, Christina O’Neil and Nora Tooher contributed to this article.

TERRY BOULTON

Terry Boulton

Todd Burton

Senior Vice President, Senior Market Manager

Assistant Vice President, Regional Retail Manager

Simsbury Bank

Thomaston Savings Bank

Ask anyone in town and they’ll tell you that Terry Boulton is Simsbury Bank. A 38-year veteran of the industry with a commitment to community, she’s become the go-to person for both banking and civic matters. In 2004, after several invitations to join Simsbury Bank, Boulton made the move and became chief retail officer. Three years later, she was named market manager and has what she considers the best of both worlds. “I work with individuals, organizations, and the town and help them accomplish their goals. I act with integrity in their interests and in the bank’s interest,” she said. Boulton participates in many civic and social organizations. Her participation in community organizations stems from two passions: “I always want to grow myself,” she says. “I don’t want to be bank president; I want to learn different aspects of things outside of banking.”

It’s all about the small stuff. After graduating from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications, Todd Burton sought employment with a résumé that lacked one important qualification: experience. So he signed with a temporary agency, starting in customer service and then becoming a supervisor. He worked with credit customers and thought he might test those waters. “It looked like an interesting area, so I went into finance and lending,” he recalled. Currently assistant vice president and regional retail manager, Burton oversees five financial centers within Thomaston Savings Bank, where he also serves as business development officer. Burton reports that while the ever-changing economic environment can be very challenging, he thoroughly enjoys mentoring his staff. “There is nothing more satisfying than helping an employee overcome a complex problem, create a performance development plan or implement a new tactic or practice and then see it work,” he said.

TODD BURTON

Fourth Quarter 2012 • Connecticut Banking Magazine

NICK CAPLANSON

DAVID CONRAD

Nick Caplanson

David W. Carswell

President & CEO

Business Development Officer

Dime Bank

Guilford Savings Bank

As a banker, Nick Caplanson naturally enjoys numbers. But, given a choice, he would prefer to be serving pasta to the homeless or walking to raise money for diabetes research. After graduating from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in economics, he attended the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford, where he received a master’s degree in accounting, then worked for a number of banks, eventually leaving TD Bank and spending two and a half years with a consulting firm in Glastonbury. But the banking industry still called to him. In 2005, Caplanson joined Dime Bank as CFO, and last August was named president and CEO. In addition to his banking responsibilities, he actively promotes volunteerism. “We encourage all our employees to be active. And it starts from the top down to the rank and file,” he said. “We are multidimensional people. When a banker can do something outside the bank, it makes you a well-rounded person.”

David W. Carswell is quick to tell folks he is a Leo, so helping people comes naturally. But you really don’t need to tell locals that – they feel the full effects of his unselfish contributions every day. The Virginia native took several business courses at Piedmont Community College in his home state and worked as a manufacturing sales representative for several years before moving to Connecticut in 1995. After a short stint at Citizens Bank, he accepted his current position as business development officer at Guilford Savings Bank, where he has an opportunity to use those all-important people skills. As the face of the bank, Carswell believes one of the best aspects of his job involves getting out from behind his desk. Among other volunteer positions, he co-chairs the Branford Chamber of Commerce Not-for-Profit Council with Jim Lamb of SARAH Inc., helping “folks with intellectual disabilities find employment and housing,” he said.

DAVID W. CARSWELL

David Conrad

Robin DiNicola

President & CEO

Assistant Vice President, Senior Market Manager

The Citizens National Bank

Simsbury Bank

The mission statement of The Citizens National Bank is “to remain an independent community bank, providing quality products and services to our customers and the community with superior value to shareholders,” and it’s a position that the bank’s president and CEO, David Conrad, takes very seriously. The centrality of a community bank appeals to him on a basic level. “Decisions are very local – you don’t have to go up the chain of command,” he said. “Everything is centered within a small network that the bank serves, and decisions are made for their benefit.” As the president of a community bank, he said, one “wears many hats: one day you’re negotiating a million-dollar deal, the next day you’re moving furniture.” It’s all in a day’s work for the president of The Citizens’ National Bank. “The employees, the board and the community have become a large family,” he said. “Where I am now is where I want to be, and where I’ll stay.”

Robin DiNicola, in her 26 years in banking, has hop-scotched all over Connecticut, working for many of the state’s community banks. But no matter where she goes, the communities she works in and the banks she works for benefit from her time. She is tremendously involved in the Newington community, where she and her husband are raising their two children, and her personal involvement in the community is strongly linked to her professional approach. “I love being in the community, helping the community,” she said. “At a community bank, you really get to know customers, as you work with them one-on-one. You get to know their families. It’s a nice community atmosphere. We can really give good customer service. It’s all part of being a community banker.”

ROBIN DINICOLA

Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2012

MARK MACOMBER

Mark Macomber

Susan Murphy

President & CEO (Retired)

Vice President, Executive Director

Litchfield Bancorp

Liberty Bank Foundation

For Mark Macomber, the survival of America’s community banks is critical to the survival of America’s communities. Macomber retired as president and CEO of both Connecticut Mutual Holding Co. and its Litchfield Bancorp subsidiary at the end of 2011. He remains on the board. But after 18 years at Litchfield and multiple leadership posts in state and national banking organizations, Macomber’s voice still resonates deeply in the Connecticut banking community. He said he fears that banking community may be endangered as steadily rising regulatory and compliance costs divert scant resources from community advocacy. “All the money we’re spending on the compliance function … a lot of that money could very well have gone into the community,” Macomber said. “But it’s being sucked out of the community.”

After Susan Murphy spent a decade spent as a professional musician, then stints in hotel catering, temping and eventually working at United Bank (which became Fleet Bank), and working in the communications department at the University of Hartford, she came to Liberty Bank in 1997. Murphy calls her varied journey to Liberty “a pathway of opportunity,” and now that she’s there, can’t see herself going anywhere else. She started at the bank as the communications manager, and a few short months into the position, began working with the bank’s charitable foundation – which she now calls “the world’s best job.” “I come to work every day, thinking about the people at the bottom end of the income ladder and how we can improve their lives, help them realize the dreams they have,” she said. It is “hugely satisfying work,” she said. “It’s not easy, and not every story is a success story, but it happens often enough that it’s always worth it.”

SUSAN MURPHY

Scott Nardozzi

Robert F. Polito Jr.

Vice President, New Business Development

Senior Vice President, Director of Government Guaranteed Lending

Union Savings Bank

SCOTT NARDOZZI

Webster Bank N.A.

Scott Nardozzi began working at his local community bank the day he turned 16, and never looked back. For nearly 30 years, the joy of working within his community, and giving back to it, has made his job a pleasure. Now on the boards of six nonprofits in the Farmington Valley, he said the interconnection between his position at Union Savings Bank – vice president of new business development – and his volunteer positions is one of the most important parts of his life. “They are really very intertwined,” he said. “I feel very fortunate in my life, and these are great opportunities to give back. I’ve met some great people who are just amazing.” He began his career at Colonial Bank, which was purchased by another bank, and then another, and another, until he found himself employed by what became Bank of America. Eight years ago, he returned to community banking. “I decided to seek out a community bank, where I could give a high level of service to our clients and the community,” he said.

Of his many accomplishments, Robert F. Polito Jr. is most proud of having risen to the rank of captain in the Connecticut Army ROBERT F. POLITO JR. National Guard. As senior vice president and director of government guaranteed lending at Webster Bank, Polito continues to serve the military, veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserves, and their families, through his work with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Patriot Express Program. The program provides loans to help start, maintain or develop a business. “Any banker can talk to a veteran about stuff, but unless that banker is a veteran they’re never going to be able to automatically grab the attention of that veteran and then talk the talk,” Polito said. “We’ve lent to some absolutely true heroes.”

Fourth Quarter 2012 • Connecticut Banking Magazine

BLUNT WHITE

Blunt White

Gregory R. Shook

Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer

President & CEO

Chelsea Groton Bank

Essex Savings Bank

Blunt White doesn’t work banker’s hours. As a sergeant in the Stonington Borough volunteer fire police, he responds to fire and accident calls at all hours. He helps control traffic and protects firefighters while they do their jobs. White, vice president and commercial loan officer at Chelsea Groton Bank, has been a volunteer fire policeman for about 10 years. He is also chairman of the Stonington Economic Development Committee. White joined Chelsea Groton in January after 14 years with People’s United Bank, where he held a variety of positions in the commercial loan department, rising to the rank of vice president. “My 25 years of banking experience in Eastern Connecticut have taught me to stay focused on the customer’s needs,” he added. “It takes time to develop customer relationships, which we do very well here at Chelsea Groton Bank. No two customers are alike, and being a community bank, we don’t have to mass market and use a cookiecutter approach where one size fits all.”

Gregory R. Shook spent much of his 38year career in banking working for publiclyowned companies. As president of Essex Savings Bank, he values the uniqueness of a local mutual savings bank. “It’s just a different mindset,” he said. “Community banks really are from the community. We do what we can to integrate ourselves into the local community, make loans, help businesses prosper.” Shook joined the bank in 1997 as vice president of administration. He was named president and CEO a year and a half later after the sudden death of former bank president John Barr. Shook said he is most proud of increasing the number of employees by 50 percent and tripling the size of the payroll. “To me, that’s helping the community, helping families during a difficult economy,” he said.

GREGORY R. SHOOK

Jorge Santiago Senior Vice President, Branch Administrator

The Milford Bank

JORGE SANTIANGO

Growing up in Bridgeport, The Boys & Girls Club was an important part of

Jorge Santiago’s life. His mother was working two jobs to help make ends meet, and after school it was a safe place for him and his younger brother. “It was a place where we could escape from bullying and negative peer pressure. We could focus on being kids and being a part of something,” he said. “Because of what the club meant to my brother and me growing up, I want to provide that safe haven for the kids of the community I live and work in.” Santiago, who senior vice president and branch administrator at The Milford Bank, is doing his best to ensure other youths have the same opportunities. He is president of The Boys & Girls Club of Milford, and an active supporter of its efforts. 13

BANKSintheNEWS  Bank of America Five local high school students participated in the Bank of America Student Leader internship program. This program recognizes students as exemplary young people, who have an interest in improving their neighborhoods. To further their personal and educational growth, students participated in an eight-week paid internship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford. In addition, each student had an opportunity to attend a leadership seminar in Washington, D.C., where they met with politicians, including Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. John Larson, toured national monuments, watched a debate on the floor of Congress, and participated in a “mock Congress” with 220 other student leaders from across the country.

Groton Bank scholarship. Thirteen outstanding high school seniors who excelled academically and volunteered time and talent to improve this community were each awarded a $500 scholarship to support his or her pursuit of higher education. Maintaining good credit, eating healthy on a budget and buying a first home can be difficult for many individuals and families during tough economic times. To address this challenge, Chelsea Groton Bank once again offered Financial Fitness Week to offer sound financial choices and boost economic health to participants.  Dime Bank and the Dime Bank Foundation Dime Bank recently awarded scholarships to 11 local high school students. Nick Caplanson, president and CEO, presented each student with a check at the bank’s annual reception. Dime Bank Foundation awarded a $3,670 grant to the Public Library of New London to help implement “Own the Night,” a national remedial summer reading program.

 The Bank of New Canaan Local not-for-profits benefitted from The Bank of New Canaan’s recent checking promotion, which offered new checking customers the opportunity to designate a donation to one of their favorite charities when they opened an account. Pictured, from left: Heidi DeWyngaert, president, Bank of New Canaan; Frank Fetchet, Voices of September 11th; Leila Howland Wetmore, New Canaan Community Foundation; Peyton R. Patterson, CEO, Bank of New Canaan; Sharon Knechtle, PuraVida for Children; Jim Schaffer, the Carver Foundation; and Wendy Hilboldt, New Canaan Food Pantry.

 Eastern Federal and the Eastern Federal Bank Foundation The Eastern Federal Bank Foundation recently distributed a total of $19,500 in grants to 22 non-profit organizations. The foundation has awarded $315,800 to local non-profit organizations since its inception.

 Chelsea Groton Bank Chelsea Groton Bank, a longtime community partner with the Fairview Odd Fellows Home, has made a five-year, $25,000 financial commitment to Fairview’s Land Development Fund to help offset the cost of new, independent senior housing. The name “Chelsea Cottage” was chosen for the building, which includes four new independent living apartments. Michael Rauh, president and CEO, Chelsea Groton Bank; CEO James Rosenman, CEO, Fairview Oddfellows Home; and Tricia Cunningham, president, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce were featured at the sign dedication.

Eastern Federal employees participated in the Plainfield Pride Day, a fun-filled family day sponsored by the Plainfield Business Association.

Chelsea Groton Bank announced the winners of the 2012 Chelsea 14

 Essex Savings Bank Essex Savings Bank announced that non-profit community organizations will receive $102,250 from the Directors’ portion of the Bank’s Community Investment Program. The bank annually commits 10 percent of its after tax net income to qualifying organizations.  Farmington Bank The Farmington Bank Feastmaker team raised over $3,000 participating in Foodshare’s Walk Against Hunger. The Farmington Bank Community Foundation matched donation efforts and then some, contributing $5,000. With a grand total of over $8,000 donated from the Feastmakers and the foundation combined, Farmington Bank helped feed 270 hungry neighbors for an entire month.

Farmington Bank’s Executive Vice President and Director of Retail Banking Kenneth F. Burns, left, presents new stuffed animals donated by the bank’s customers and employees to 102.9 DRC-FM Big D Morning Show host Jerry Kristafer. The donation was part of Farmington Bank’s leadership role in 102.9 DRC-FM’s 10th annual radiothon benefitting Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The Farmington Bank Community Foundation also donated $1,000 as a “Miracle Maker” of the radiothon, which was held for 41 hours between Aug. 30 and Sept. 1 at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford.

Farmington Bank employees and their families walked a combined 200-plus miles around the Farmington High School track at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The bank’s team raised over $8,000 and the Farmington Bank Community Foundation matched donation efforts donating $5,000, bringing the grand total to over $13,000 donated to the American Cancer Society.

BANK TECHNOLOGY HAVE IT YOUR WAY! The flexibility you’ve always wanted from core technology is finally here. continued on page 15

w w w. c o c c . c o m • 8 8 8 . 6 7 8 . 0 4 4 4 15

Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2012

BANKSintheNEWS

continued from page 15  First Niagara Bank and the First Niagara Bank Foundation First Niagara Bank recently celebrated the grand openings of three new branches. The Plainville branch will be led by Lucinda (Cindy) MacDonald. The Avon branch will be led by Tracey Bleiler. The Rocky Hill branch will be led by Michelle Sawyer. The bank celebrated with three grand opening ceremonies and charitable donations to support the Wheeler Regional Family YMCA in Plainville, Gifts of Love in Avon, and the Rocky Hill Education Foundation. Pictured, from left, First Niagara’s Plainville staff: Yolanda Gomes, relationship banker; Cindy MacDonald, branch manager; Linda Polletta, assistant teller supervisor.

 First County Bank and the First County Bank Foundation Three high school seniors were recently recognized as winners of the Richard E. Taber Citizenship Award administered by the First County Bank Foundation. Claire Linegar, Darien High School, Isaiah Mohammed, Stamford’s Academy of Information Technology & Engineering, and Kate Donohoe, Westhill High School each won a $5,000 scholarship for being recognized as outstanding citizens in their communities.

The First Niagara Bank Foundation supported the Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS) with a $25,000 grant to launch Financial Avenue, a free, online financial education program to help adults and young adults better manage their money and assets through a variety of online financial literacy courses.

More than 55 First County Bank employees turned out to support the 35th Annual Norwalk Seaport Association’s Oyster Festival, a longstanding landmark event in Fairfield County. Pictured, from left: Gerald “Jerry” Toni, chairman of the Oyster Festival; Sen. Bob Duff; Richard A. Moccia, mayor of Norwalk; Rey Giallongo, chairman and CEO, First County Bank; Katherine Harris, president and COO, First County Bank; and Irene Dixon, president of the board of trustees for the Norwalk Seaport Association.

The First Niagara Bank Foundation sponsored the Family Empowerment Institute’s first Urban Business Expo. Pictured, from left: Oliverio Oramas, mortgage specialist; Angel Bonilla, branch manager, Parkville; and Paul McCraven, senior vice president of community development.

First County Bank joined the Westport Y Pointto-Point Swim as the sponsor of the Kid’s Swim, cheering on children who participated in the Open Water Swim.

 Liberty Bank and the Liberty Bank Foundation Members of the Southeastern CT Funders Collaborative, including the Liberty Bank Foundation, presented a joint grant of $25,000 to the Eastern Workforce Investment Board to support its Summer Youth Employment program. Pictured, from left: John Beauregard, executive director, Eastern Workforce Investment Board; Nancy Bulkeley, community affairs representative, Dominion Resources; Kevin R. Hennessy, director, federal, state and local affairs, New England, Dominion Resources; Vince Santilli, executive director, People’s United Community Foundation; Nick Caplanson, president and CEO, Dime Bank, and president, Dime Bank Foundation; Alice Fitzpatrick, president, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; Sue Murphy, executive director, Liberty Bank Foundation; and Rep. Joe Courtney.

First County Bank joined car and music lovers alike at the city of Norwalk’s 2012 summer concerts. The sponsorship ensures all 11 concerts are free and open to the public. Pictured, Norwalk Summer Concert Series volunteers with Norwalk mayor Richard A. Moccia. First County Bank rolls out mutual solutions for nonprofit professionals. The program will help enable nonprofit institutions to operate more effectively and efficiently by integrating investment management and fiduciary administration services into one suite.  First National Bank of Suffield The First National Bank of Suffield fights cancer as a sponsor of the first annual PMC Kids Ride On. 83 area kids between the ages of 3 and 15 rode their bikes to raise $10,450 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund. 16

Fourth Quarter 2012 • Connecticut Banking Magazine

Liberty Bank donated $5,000 to the Saint Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen. Ron Krom, executive director, Saint Vincent De Paul (left), accepts a donation from Chandler J. Howard, Liberty Bank president and CEO.

 Salisbury Bank Salisbury Trust Wealth Advisory Services, a division of Salisbury Bank, has chosen four finalists in its second annual Sportsmanship Award contest, which is open to horse and rider pairs of all ages and skill levels. A committee at Salisbury Trust selected the finalists, who the bank will sponsor to compete at three events. Each participant’s scores will be tallied throughout the sponsored events and the horse and rider with the lowest average score will receive the Salisbury Trust Sportsmanship Award.  Savings Bank of Danbury and Savings Bank of Danbury Foundation Employees at the Savings Bank of Danbury participated in a community outreach project with the Save A Suit Foundation. All items donated will be given to U.S. soldiers. Delivering over 20 men’s suits and assorted business attire is John DiBiaso (right), branch manager and assistant vice president, to Leslie Tracey (left), community outreach coordinator.

 The Naugatuck Savings Bank Foundation The Naugatuck Savings Bank Foundation has donated a total of $10,000 to the Saint Vincent DePaul Mission in Waterbury. The homeless shelter received $6,000 and the soup kitchen received $4,000.

The Savings Bank of Danbury participated at the recent New Milford Village Fair Days. Employees from the bank handed out balloons, tote bags, crayons and coloring books. Distributing items at the fair are, from left: Dawn Dean, assistant branch manager; Yadiry Rodriguez, teller manager; and Nancy Boroughf, mortgage originator.

 Quinnipiac Bank & Trust Company Construction began on Quinnipiac Bank & Trust Company’s new corporate headquarters. Among the attendees at the ceremonies were Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson, the bank’s board of directors, Mark Candido, bank president, Dick Barredo, executive vice president, and members of the bank’s staff.

The Savings Bank of Danbury Foundation awarded the following grants:

• $2,500 to the Latino Scholarship Fund. The grant will be used for

student scholarships. • $2,500 to Technology Solutions for Non-Profits. The grant will be used to provide services to meet the needs of non-profits to purchase hardware and software systems. • $2,000 to the Danbury Schools and Business Collaborative (DSABC). The grant will be used to support recruiting efforts for new mentors. • $2,000 to the Danbury Museum and Historical Society. The grant will be used to support the spring 2012 educational program series. • $2,500 to Preserve New Fairfield. The grant will be used to fund the purchase of equipment for special events. • $2,500 to Literacy Volunteers on the Green. The grant will be used to fund tutor training workshops. continued on page 18

 The Rockville Bank Foundation At the Manchester Memorial official lobby opening, made possible as part of a $157,500 grant from the Rockville Bank Foundation, cutting of a ribbon of hospital gauze with surgical scissors are, from left: Dr. Dennis O’Neill, chairman of the ECHN board of trustees; Leo V. Diana, mayor of Manchester; Tom Scanlon, chairman of the ECHN Foundation board of trustees; Richard J. Trachimowicz, Rockville Bank executive vice president and president of the Rockville Bank Foundation; Marino J. Santarelli, Rockville Bank executive vice president and chief operating officer; and Peter J. Karl, ECHN president and CEO. 17

Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2012

BANKSintheNEWS

continued from page 17

• $4,000 to Housatonic Habitat for Humanity. The grant will be used to support Habitat services in the community. • $2,500 to The Hord Foundation, Inc. The grant will be used to fund student scholarships. • $1,000 to support the Danbury Dance Initiative in the Danbury school system. • $3,000 to The Children’s Center of New Milford. The grant will be used to improve computer technology at the center. • $2,500 to Ability Beyond Disability (ABD). The grant will be used to support the Independent Living Program. • $2,000 to Family and Children’s Aid. The grant will be used for the Adolescent Boy’s Therapeutic Group Home. • $3,000 to Catholic Charities a $3,000 grant. The grant will be used to fund the Morning Glory Breakfast Program.

Union Savings Bank employees participated in the United Way of Western Connecticut’s 2012 Day of Action, an annual day of volunteerism to revitalize communities around the area. Pictured, Union Savings Bank employees at the kick-off breakfast for the United Way of Western Connecticut’s 2012 Day of Action. Nearly 40 bank employees volunteered this year, which marked the 18th year the bank participated in the event. Union Savings Bank was also a platinum sponsor of this year’s event. Union Savings Bank and the law firm of Ventura, Ribeiro and Smith hosted a successful blood drive that collected 55 pints of blood – the equivalent of saving 165 lives.

 SI Financial Group Foundation The SI Financial Group Foundation, Inc. awarded $27,000 to 11 Eastern Connecticut charitable organizations. The bank’s Employees’ Caring & Giving Program has also awarded contributions to 17 additional Eastern Connecticut non-profits. Union Savings Bank celebrated the relocation of its South Main Street branch in Danbury with a ribbon-cutting event.

 Start Community Bank Start Community Bank presented an iPad to the winner of their annual Youth@Work summer savings contest. Tyler Gallman, a student at the Eli Whitney Technical High School, worked this summer with the city of New Haven’s Elderly Services Department.

Union Savings Bank is pleased to announce a donation in the amount of $7,500 to the Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance (HVCA). HVCA is the largest regional arts organization in Western Connecticut and the proceeds will help support their mission of leveraging regional resources in art, culture and history to energize the economy and improve the overall quality of life.

 Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation The Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. presented a check in the amount of $150,000 to the Boys & Girls Club and Family Center of Bristol’s Capital/Endowment Campaign. A primary goal of the recently launched campaign is the construction of a new building.

Union Savings Bank hosted a Community Shred Day event, which resulted in 10,000 pounds of paper – the equivalent of 85 trees – being shredded and later recycled.  Webster Bank Mark Sanchioni, senior vice president and region manager for retail banking, and Kellie Jandreau, vice president and market manager, Greater Waterbury Market, help lead a delegation from the Bank of Taizou in China on a tour of Webster Bank. The group is visiting the United States and Webster to observe American banking practices. Webster Bank received the United Way of Greater Waterbury Spirit of

 Union Savings Bank Union Savings Bank sponsored Roxbury’s annual Pickin’ n Fiddlin’ Contest, a competition among country and bluegrass musicians to benefit the Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department. As part of its event sponsorship, Union Savings Bank donated $2,200 to be used as prize money. 18

Fourth Quarter 2012 • Connecticut Banking Magazine

Excellence Award. The honor is presented to a company that completes a well-organized, effective campaign that yields a positive and enduring legacy for years to come.

 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Wells Fargo team members kicked off Connecticut Community Week by presenting $73,000 in grants to local non-profits. This is part of the Wells Fargo Community Partners program, which was established to give local store managers an opportunity to make a $1,000 charitable contribution on behalf of Wells Fargo to a non-profit of their choice.

Webster Bank is recognized as the #1 Bank for Workplace Giving by the Greater Hartford Arts Council. The announcement was made at the most recent meeting of the board of directors for the GHAC. Webster Bank is recognized for customer service and transparency for adopting disclosure forms reflecting recommendations from the Pew Safe Checking in the Electronic Age Project. The effort makes account terms and fees easier for customers to understand. Pew and members of Congress acknowledged Webster’s leadership in this area.

 Windsor Federal Savings Bank Windsor Federal Savings Bank held a ground breaking ceremony to commence construction on its new Bloomfield branch, with a planned opening in early 2013. Bloomfield officials, along with representatives from Windsor Federal Savings, were on hand to officially kick off the project.

Webster Bank is now the official bank of UConn. The partnership spans all UConn constituencies, including: alumni and the alumni association; students; all sports; youth and community relations; media marketing and branding; and the new UConn Basketball Development Center.

ABA TRAINING

Flexible. Affordable. Bankable. Need help developing your employees’ skill sets?

Training and Professional Development from the American Bankers Association

2013 Course and Product Catalog

ABA Training offers hundreds of courses in flexible online and classroom formats, enabling you to establish career paths for employees, manage training plans and monitor your bank’s training expenses.

eLearning

Instructor-led courses

Frontline Compliance Training

Classroom materials

AIB diplomas and certificates

From banking fundamentals like AIB Principles of Banking to pre-certification education, ABA has professional development options for every employee. 1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036 1-800-BANKERS aba.com

Catalog #3007999

To request a copy of our 2013 Course and Product Catalog, with course descriptions and credits: Visit aba.com/2013Catalog or call 1-800-BANKERS. American Institute of Banking

from the American Bankers Association

Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2012

BANKERSintheNEWS Peyton R. Patterson

Robert J. Palermo

Diane Bredehoft

George P. Bauer

Sheryl L. McQuade

Eric Bauer

Chelsea A. Corn

Rob Hirt

Robert Buckley

Cheryl Calderado

Laraine Cellucci

John Keating

John Allard

Kevin Owren

Lynn Roberts

Heather Smith

Nancy Potter

Darlene Serra

BNC Financial Group, the bank holding company that owns and operates The Bank of New Canaan, The Bank of Fairfield and Stamford First Bank, a division of The Bank of New Canaan, announced that Peyton R. Patterson has transitioned into the role of chief executive officer of the holding company and its subsidiary banks. She has also joined the board of the holding company and the boards of the subsidiary banks. She succeeds Merrill Jay Forgotson, who will remain with the company for some time as an advisor to the CEO. Robert J. Palermo was promoted to president of The Bank of Fairfield. The Bank of New Canaan announced Diane Bredehoft was promoted to first vice president. BNC Financial Group announced George P. Bauer joined the company’s board of directors. Berkshire Bank welcomed Sheryl L. McQuade as senior vice president and commercial regional leader. Bank of America Merrill Lynch named Eric Bauer business banking market executive for Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. Kathy Bechtle was named business banking senior client manager for the Central Connecticut market. U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, announced that Gillian Howell, national private philanthropy executive, will take

on additional responsibilities for the New England and Central regions. Chelsea Groton Bank announced Richard Cascio joined the commercial lending department as senior vice president and commercial loan manager. Chelsea A. Corn has joined the bank to serve as an ambassador to the community. Bill Lidestri joined the bank as senior vice president and director of operations and technology. Peter Rogan was promoted to assistant vice president, and Dawn DeCristofaro, a CSFM graduate, was promoted to vice president. The Community’s Bank promoted Wendy Regets to the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer. Darien Rowayton Bank named Rob Hirt vice chairman of the board of directors. Dime Bank announced the appointment of Robert Buckley as vice president and commercial loan officer. Cheryl Calderado, senior vice president of administration, sales, service and marketing, was selected by The Commercial Record as a 2012 Women of FIRE award winner. The bank announced the appointments of four new assistant vice presidents. Laraine Cellucci is responsible for the daily operation at her branch. Peter Lampasona, a CSFM graduate, serves as the bank’s retail operations manager. 20

Kathy Bechtle

Gillian Howell

Brian P. McNamara & Anthony (Tony) Joyce III

Lisa Griffin

Christi Hallstrom

Richard Cascio

Kimberly Misenti

Jason Callahan

Julie O’Connor is the credit department manager. Christopher Gauthier, a CSFM graduate, serves as a commercial loan officer. The bank hired John Keating, responsible for strategic forecasting, generating reports for ALCO committee meetings, bank-wide budget preparation, and financial analysis support. Charles O. Treat Jr., senior vice president of residential lending, is retiring. Leading the newly consolidated lending department will be Brian P. McNamara, who was promoted to senior vice president and CLO. Leading the new credit administration function is Anthony (Tony) Joyce III, who was promoted to senior vice president and chief credit officer. Robert C. Giffen will remain senior vice president and senior loan officer until his retirement in 2013. In addition, Denise Magario and Karen Roman, both residential loan officers, assumed the roles of senior residential loan officers. The bank announced the appointments of Kimberly Misenti as vice president, loan operations and John Allard as corporate officer and financial advisor with Dime Investment Services affiliate. Diane G. Papadakos has assumed the role of vice president and director of marketing and sales. Kevin Owren was promoted to assistant vice president. Dime also promoted four others to corporate officer. Lynn Roberts, in the trust department; Heather Smith in the accounting department; Nancy Potter, assistant branch manager; and Darlene Serra in human resources.

Fourth Quarter 2012 • Connecticut Banking Magazine

Nate Ciraulo

Carolyn Rider

Irene Ropicki

Virginia Turnbull

John Bonora

Rich Barry

Lisa DiStasio

Joy Rogers

Laurie Bourgoin

Kyle Eagleson

Heidi Samuelson

Ernest Muccio

Bondeson-Ciccarello

Marcie Clark

Donna Flynn

Thomas Hylinski

Scott Miller

Dwayne Stallings

Ginger Fennell

Vincent Saggese

Brian Amey

Ken Weinstein

Joann Brogis

Steven Zarrella

Elizabeth Wynnick

Carla Balesano

Melanie Joy

The New England Financial Marketing Association (NEFMA) announced that local community banker Lisa Griffin, senior vice president, chief retail banking officer and director of marketing for Eastern Federal Bank, was named president for the 2012-2013 term. In addition to serving on the NEFMA board, Griffin is a trustee for the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and serves on the Forum Council for Center for Financial Training (CFT). Eastern Federal Bank bid farewell and happy retirement to Christi Hallstrom, who held the position of administrative services officer. Nancy Roberts was hired as assistant vice president and branch manager of the Jewett City branch. Fairfield County Bank announced the appointment of Jason Callahan to senior vice president and IT manager. Nate Ciraulo was appointed to staff system support specialist and technology officer. Carolyn Rider, a recipient of the John C. Shortell award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in the CSFM class of 2002, was appointed to assistant vice president and underwriting manager. Irene Ropicki, a CSFM graduate, was appointed to vice president of secondary markets and loan quality control. Virginia Turnbull was appointed to vice president of commercial lending. John Bonora joined the bank as first vice president, director of operational risk and compliance.

First Niagara promoted Rich Barry to chief risk officer, a new position that will have oversight of all risk-related functions. Lisa DiStasio was featured in the best-selling book “All In,” which sheds light on how the best managers create a culture of belief and drive big results. Joy Rogers, vice president of business banking, was appointed to the board of the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. Laurie Bourgoin joined Guilford Savings Bank as consumer loan officer. Kyle Eagleson was appointed vice president and finance manager. Heidi Samuelson joined Guilford Savings Bank as the branch manager for the main office. Jewett City Savings Bank announced Ernest Muccio was hired as vice president and credit administrator. Liberty Bank promoted Kim BondesonCiccarello to assistant vice president of small business lending. Marcie Clark was appointed assistant vice president of the bank’s individual retirement account portfolio. Donna Flynn was appointed first vice president, responsible for the bank’s new small business solutions group. Thomas Hylinski was appointed executive vice president of consumer lending business. Scott Miller and Dwayne Stallings were appointed assistant vice presidents, responsible for assisting customers in planning their financial futures. 21

Naugatuck Savings Bank welcomed back Jason Gallagher from his deployment last year to the Navy. He spent 11 months in the United Arab Emirates, south of Iran, as a port security and harbor defense officer. Ginger Fennell, vice president and controller, recently graduated from the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking. The bank awarded its quarterly customer service commendation to Priya Ramsammy, staff accountant. Vincent Saggese was promoted to vice president of wealth management and the Infinex program manager. Brian Amey, assistant vice president at Newtown Savings Bank, was recently installed as Rotary District 7980 Governor for 2012-2013. Ken Weinstein was promoted to senior vice president and senior risk officer, overseeing the investment area. Joann Brogis joined Northwest Community Bank as assistant vice president and commercial loan officer. Steven Zarrella was promoted to senior vice president and chief lending officer. Joining Rockville Bank are: Elizabeth (Betsy) Wynnick, Esq., CPA, CFSA, senior vice president and director of internal audit; Carla Balesano, senior vice president and executive credit officer of commercial banking; and Melanie Joy, vice president and senior continued on page 22

Connecticut Banking Magazine • Fourth Quarter 2012

BANKERSintheNEWS David B. Farrell

Judith L. Kiessling

Lindsay Maranzano

Pat Phelan, Kathy Romagnano, John Bach, Colleen Johnson, Toni French, Jennifer Clark and Greg Kavovit

Deborah Jacobson

Jerry Plush

Michele Martin

James Rusiecki, Jr.

Larry Selnick

commercial real estate banking officer. Salisbury Bank & Trust Company announced the appointment of David B. Farrell to the board of directors. Judith L. Kiessling joined the bank as assistant vice president and electronic services and customer support manager. Lindsay Maranzano, head teller and customer service representative, was named employee of the quarter for the second quarter of 2012. Rheo Brouillard, president and CEO of Savings Institute Bank & Trust Company, was named vice chairman of the American Banking Association Community Council. Jonathan Wood joined the bank as senior vice president, retail. Teaming up with the bank’s commercial lending department is Eric Bacong, vice president and commercial lender. Cheryl McGlynn, Jennifer Height and Kathryn Playdon joined as the bank as branch managers. Nicole Hallisey comes to the bank’s wealth management division, SI Financial Advisors, as a trust officer, and Mike Urgo was named mortgage specialist. Four employees from the Savings Bank of Danbury received numerous diplomas and certificates at the Center For Financial Training

continued from page 21

Rheo Brouillard

Jonathan Wood

Eric Bacong

Cheryl McGlynn

Nicole Hallisey

Terry Connors

John L. Friend

Jason R. Georgini

Mark P. Milligan

Alex Sanders-DaVeiga

Geraldine Turkington

Mark A. Petrino

Greg Woods

Tara Gregson

Graduation Ceremony, including graduate Colleen Johnson, credit administration coordinator; graduate Toni French, loan closer; graduate Jennifer Clark, customer service representative; and graduate Poliana Nazareth, teller manager. Ron Linden joined the bank as vice president and credit risk manager. Simsbury Bank announced Terry Connors joined the bank as a mortgage loan officer. John L. Friend was named divisional president of Stamford First Bank. TD Bank named Jason R. Georgini as the the Avon store manager and Mark P. Milligan as vice president, senior commercial lending officer, commercial banking. Alexandra Sanders-DaVeiga was promoted to assistant vice president and merchant services representative. Thomaston Savings Bank announced the hiring of Cindy Cipriano, branch manager. She will succeed Lorraine Barber, who is retiring after 46 years. Union Savings Bank announced the promotions of: Christine Bascetta, commercial loan officer; Deborah Jacobson, vice president and compliance officer; Michele Martin, senior vice president and marketing manager; James Rusiecki, Jr., senior vice president, corporate services; and Geraldine Turkington, vice president and senior commercial lending officer. Mark A. Petrino was hired as vice 22

Rosemary Gaidos

Ron Linden

Cindy Cipriano

Denise Kaufman

president of commercial lending. Webster Bank promoted Danielle Altieri to vice president and branch manager, and Mark Dowling to senior vice president and senior credit executive. Greg Woods is senior vice president and chief procurement officer, andTara Gregson is senior vice president of affinity marketing and will oversee the UConn partnership. Philip C. Picillo was announced as senior vice president of treasury services. Rosemary Gaidos, senior vice president of bank operations, security and facilities, is one of the Hartford Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business. Denise Kaufman, senior vice president and regional manager, retail banking, was named a member of the associate board of the Western Connecticut Health Network Foundation. Jerry Plush, president and COO, is chairman of the board of directors of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England. He is now also a trustee for the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network. Larry Selnick, director of treasury and payment solutions, was named to the hall of fame of the Connecticut Mentoring Partnership, an initiative of the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. Windsor Federal Savings announced Bill Chiodo has retired as chairman of the board of directors after 25 years, and Robert A. (Bob) Verrengia, longtime corporate secretary, was selected as the new chairman. u

Learn About Risk Management In Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regulatory Environment. Visit woldandco.com/banking