Country Bank, a leading full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Clare Ladue as the Assistant Vice President of the Customer Care Center. With an impressive thirty years of financial service expertise, Clare brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her new role. She graduated from Massachusetts Bankers Association – New England School of Financial Studies. She has a Commercial Lending Certificate from Massachusetts Bankers and numerous professional leadership certifications.

Throughout her career, Clare has gained extensive experience in banking, including retail banking, deposit operations, commercial lending, and regional management. This diverse background makes her the ideal candidate to lead Country Bank’s Customer Care Team. Her connection to the local community is evident through her previous involvement as an executive committee member of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Clare’s commitment to community service is commendable. She has actively participated in numerous charitable initiatives, including the Walk of Champions, Junior Achievement, Rays of Hope, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, and Link to Libraries. Her dedication to making a positive impact aligns perfectly with Country Bank’s core values.

“I am thrilled to join Country Bank and utilize my leadership skills and experience to support our valued customers,” said Clare Ladue. “I will focus on their financial wellness, ensuring a superior customer experience from our exceptional Customer Care Team and I am eager to make a difference and contribute to the continued success of Country Bank.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Clare to the Customer Care Center team; her experience in retail and commercial banking, combined with her leadership roles make her a perfect fit for Country Bank.  We look forward to Clare’s enthusiasm and dedication representing Country Bank, and supporting our iSTEP Corporate Values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence and Prosperity, and we are pleased that she has chosen Country Bank to be her Employer of Choice.”

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, proudly reported more than 1.2 million in donations for 2023. The bank’s philanthropic efforts supported local non-profits throughout its communities, with 463 organizations receiving grants in 2023.

In addition to financial support, Country Bank’s team members dedicated their time and expertise to make a difference. They volunteered 1,255 hours of community service, demonstrating their commitment to giving back. Furthermore, 37 team members served on 65 non-profit boards and committees, actively contributing to the success of these organizations.

As a community bank, it recognizes the importance of supporting financial literacy; Country Bank held four Credit for Life Fairs for 1,500 High School Seniors to educate them on credit, budgeting, and how their decisions impact their financial wellness. Classes were also held at Christina’s House and within various schools throughout the community. In partnership with Greenlight, the bank launched a debit card for kids to support parents in teaching children early on how to spend, share, and save. The bank also introduced a new program to support financial literacy, Money School, to support local schools with educational opportunities for in-classroom teachings for all ages, and an online financial educational program on the bank’s website.

One of the highlights of Country Bank’s philanthropic efforts in 2023 was its partnership with the Wonder Fund during the “Season of Difference” Campaign. This collaboration aimed to support kids and families in Central and Western MA’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) system. By joining forces with the Wonder Fund, Country Bank demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families in the community with over $30,000 in support.

Some of the organizations receiving donations were The Ronald McDonald House, Christina’s House, The YWCA, The Boys and Girls Clubs, Behavioral Health Network, The United Way, Salvation Army, The Food Bank of Western Mass, The Worcester County Food Bank, Be Like Brit, Juniper Outreach, Springfield Revitalize CDC, Friends of the Homeless, and 21 Senior Centers and 19 Food Pantries across the region.

Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank, emphasized the bank’s dedication to its communities. He stated, “As a community partner, we care deeply about the sustainability of our communities. We are honored to support many organizations through donations and volunteerism to help them with their work. Supporting and enriching our communities is not only a part of our mission; it’s who we are as an organization, and we know that it makes a difference for so many.”

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts recently announced a $25,000 pledge to the EcoTarium. This pledge aims to support the development of a cutting-edge gallery for traveling exhibits and contribute to the establishment of the new Early Childhood Science Learning Center, showcasing the Bank’s commitment to education and community enrichment.

“The EcoTarium is deeply grateful for Country Bank’s generous gift to our Third Century Campaign which will build a new state-of-the-art gallery for traveling exhibits and develop an Early Childhood Science Learning Center for children up to age 6”, stated EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Johnson Smith. “These vital projects will ensure the Museum continues to offer transformative experiences that promote science literacy and learning about science and nature as we prepare the next generation of leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.”

To learn more about the EcoTarium, visit https://ecotarium.org.

The Board of Trustees of Country Bank announced today the appointment of Mary McGovern as President and Chief Operating Officer, effective April 1, 2024. In her new role, Mary will oversee the bank’s operations and drive its strategic growth initiatives. Paul Scully who has been the President and Chief Executive Officer will remain as the CEO.

Mary brings over thirty years of experience in the banking industry, making her a valuable asset to Country Bank. She holds degrees from Emmanuel College and Babson College, and her extensive knowledge and expertise have been instrumental in the bank’s success. Mary joined Country Bank in 2011 as its Chief Financial Officer and has since been an esteemed member of the Bank’s Leadership Group.

Mary recently attended the American Bankers Association (ABA) Wharton Leadership Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, earning an ABA Wharton Leadership Certificate. This accomplishment further solidifies her commitment to excellence and continuous professional development.

“We are thrilled to announce Mary’s appointment as the next President of Country Bank,” stated James Phaneuf, Chair of the Board. “Mary’s proven track record, dedication, and strategic vision make her the ideal candidate for this role. We are especially proud to break the proverbial glass ceiling by appointing the first female president in Country Bank’s 174-year history.” Mr. Phaneuf further stated “The Board is confident that Mary’s leadership will drive the bank’s continued success and growth. With her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to excellence, Mary is poised to lead the bank into a new era of innovation, and customer satisfaction while maintaining its position as one of the most highly capitalized financial institutions in the region.”

Mary, a resident of Wilbraham, is married to Stephen, and they have two children, Abigail and Aidan. Her deep roots in the community and passion for serving others makes her an exceptional fit for Country Bank’s customer-centric approach.

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Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, announced a $10,000 donation to the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC) to support various programs to help local communities in the region.

“The Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation is grateful for this generous donation from Country Bank. We appreciate Country Bank’s support for our initiatives and its investment in the economic growth and stability of the Quaboag Region,” stated Melissa Fales, QVCDC Executive Director.

To learn more about the various support programs the QVCDC offers, visit www.QVCDC.org.

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce recent promotions of several key team members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in their respective roles. These promotions reflect the bank’s commitment to recognizing and developing talent within the organization.

Shane Elder has been promoted to First Vice President, Business Banking Team Lead. With over 11 years of experience in commercial lending and eight years in commercial lending management, Shane has proven himself as a valuable asset to the Business Banking Department. In addition to his role as Team Leader, he also oversees the Cash Management Sales Department.

Brett LoCicero has been promoted to First Vice President, Facilities and Security. With seven years of service to the bank, Brett’s expertise in managing facilities and security operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Nichols College and is pursuing his PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.

Justin Calheno has been promoted to Vice President, Retail Lending Business Development Officer. With an impressive 20 years of lending experience, including the last seven years with Country Bank, Justin brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Westfield State University and is currently attending the American Banker Association – Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Antonio Palano has been promoted to Vice President, Retail Lending. Tony’s 15-year tenure at Country Bank showcases his commitment and dedication to the organization. Having progressed through various roles, he currently manages the Retail Lending Servicing and Operations Departments. Tony holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Springfield Technical Community College and is a 2023 graduate from the New England School of Financial Studies.

Cuc Nguyen has been promoted to Retail Banking Officer of the Paxton Banking Center. With over 16 years of banking experience, Cuc brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. Her previous experience at Commerce Bank, Berkshire Bank, and DCU has equipped her with a deep understanding of frontline management and customer satisfaction. Cuc holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Finance from Southern New Hampshire University.

“We are excited to announce the promotions of Shane, Brett, Tony, Justin, and Cuc,” said Miriam Siegel, First Senior Vice President, Chief Culture and Development Officer of Country Bank. “We are thrilled to be able to recognize their hard work, dedication and contribution to the Bank’s success.  We are proud to support the commitment of all of our team members to their ongoing professional and personal growth leading them down all of the many career paths in community banking today.”

Country Bank congratulates these individuals on their well-deserved promotions and looks forward to their continued success in their new roles.

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, recently announced its partnership and $20,000 in support of the Wonderfund of Massachusetts. The Wonderfund helps kids and teens served by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to enjoy childhood’s magical moments during the holiday season. The Wonderfund organization is an ordinary group of people on an extraordinary mission to bring the magic and meaning of childhood into the lives of children who have been impacted by trauma, abuse, and neglect.

Join the Wonderfund and Country Bank in making magic this holiday season for kids in foster care by donating a new unwrapped gift at any of its banking centers until December 15. Country Bank’s team will shop for gifts to join in the efforts, and donations will be delivered to DCF Offices in Springfield and Worcester to be distributed throughout Western and Central Mass.

“We are delighted about this partnership with the Wonderfund and the opportunity for our team and our communities to help us make a difference for children by putting a smile on so many faces,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank.

In addition to the toy drive, Country Bank donated over $100,000 to 17 local food pantries and $42,000 to local senior centers to support food insecurities, homelessness, and elders in its local communities during its annual Season of Difference Campaign.

If you would like to help make some magic, please visit https://wonderfundma.org.

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, recently announced donations to 21 local senior centers throughout the region.

Supporting communities has been part of Country Bank’s mission since 1850, the bank is committed to the people, businesses and non-profits it serves.  A total of $42,000 in donations were made to local senior centers. These donations are made without restriction for those necessary items that may not be met within annual budgets.

“We are so fortunate to have a community partner like Country Bank. Countless members of their staff have volunteered at our events and special projects that have ranged from holiday parties at the senior center to personally delivering boxes of food items to seniors in need. This donation helps to sustain our meal program, which over the past five years, has provided in excess of 38,000 home cooked meals for the seniors. Their commitment to service, volunteerism and community is what makes Country Bank the gold standard when it comes to being true “Difference Makers”, stated John L. Zienowicz, Ware Senior Center Executive Director

“We know what a difference this makes for the senior centers and we are honored to be able to support the great work that they do to help our seniors”, said Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank.

In addition to its annual monetary support, Country Bank also sends teams of its “Difference Makers” to volunteer at local senior centers on a monthly basis.

About Country Bank

Country Bank is a full-service $1.7B with 17.0% Tier 1 Capital mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton and Worcester. Country Bank is a member of FDIC, DIF, and the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.  

Country Bank Board Chair, James Phaneuf, is pleased to announce that the Bank’s Board of Directors recently became the first fully certified Board through Bank Director’s Certification Program.

The certification provides participants with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that greatly enhance the performance of individual directors. The Board completed the comprehensive training program this past year and was certified in September.

Participants must complete 31 designated online training videos and board briefs focused on the role of the Board, audit and risk, compensation, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. In addition to Bank Director’s Online Training Series, participants must attend a day-long Corporate Governance Workshop in the Bank Director Certification Program or, alternatively, complete a virtual version of the program.

Completing the program and becoming a certified bank director sends a clear message to state and federal regulators that board members take their fiduciary duties seriously and want to be top-performing members of the Bank’s Board.

“Country Bank’s Board of Directors is deeply committed to the Bank’s continued growth and prosperity. They understand their responsibilities to ensure Country Bank remains one of the strongest Community Banks in the region. I look forward to the future with great optimism, knowing that we have such a dedicated group of business professionals and the difference they make for the Bank’s long-term success,” said James Phaneuf.

“Bank Director is grateful for Country Bank’s enthusiastic support for the Certification Program,” said Editor-at-Large Jack Milligan, who created the course curriculum. “This sends a very powerful message that the Country Bank Board of Directors takes its governance responsibilities seriously. It is a testament to our motto that ‘Strong Boards Build Strong Banks.’”

About Country Bank

Country Bank is a full-service $1.8B with 17.0% Tier 1 Capital mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton and Worcester. Country Bank is a member of FDIC, DIF and the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.

About Bank Director

Bank Director reaches the leaders of the institutions that comprise America’s banking industry. Since 1991, Bank Director has provided board-level research, peer-insights and in-depth executive and board services. Built for banks, Bank Director extends into and beyond the boardroom by providing timely and relevant information through Bank Director magazine, board training services and the financial industry’s premier event, Acquire or Be Acquired. For more information, please visit BankDirector.com.