Kate Guertin, Author at Country Bank- Made To Make A Difference

May 22, 2025—Mary McGovern, President and CEO of Country Bank, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Bankers Association (MBA) at its Annual Meeting in May. Founded in 1905, the MBA is the only Association representing FDIC-insured community, regional, and nationwide banks serving consumer and business clients across the Commonwealth.

“As a dynamic industry, it is crucial for the Association to incorporate the insights of banking leaders like Mary. Their expertise and experience empower us to fulfill our priorities of delivering exceptional resources, advocacy, and thought leadership to our members, thereby strengthening their ability to serve their clients and communities,” stated MBA’s President and CEO Kathleen Murphy. “The market knowledge that Mary contributes allows the Association to anticipate and address emerging banking needs and economic trends, supporting our members as they cater to a vast consumer and business footprint across the Commonwealth.”

“I am excited to share my election to the Board of Directors for our industry’s Association, which has successfully served banks for 120 years,” said Mary. “Serving on the Board allows me to work alongside fellow banking leaders to help shape the future of our industry while advocating for policies and initiatives that support Massachusetts banks. This role aligns perfectly with Country Bank’s mission to make a difference in the lives of employees, customers, and communities. By contributing to the broader banking landscape, we are better positioned to deliver innovative and responsible solutions that strengthen the local economies we serve with pride.”

May 16th, 2025– Armed Forces Day this year is Saturday, May 17th, dedicated to paying tribute to those who serve in the US Armed Forces.
Our very own Maggie Sullivan served for 20 years, dedicating time to the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force.  Thank you for your service,
Maggie! To mark this special day, Maggie shared some of her story with our DE&I Council.

Maggie shared, “On a fall day in 1984, my twin brother and I skipped a day of school on our seventeenth birthday to enlist into the U.S. Navy. We finished our senior year of high school, went to basic training and continued to serve for many years together. We both switched to the U.S. Air Force mid-way through our service time. I retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2010 after serving 20 years combined service, 10 years in each branch of service. It is difficult to describe the pride that is felt when one serves, not for the notoriety, but for the actual cause of defending our country and the freedoms we are blessed to have.

I have visited about 6 different countries, and we are more than fortunate in the United States. I worked with many different people to protect and serve but what I am most proud of in serving my country is serving my fellow service members and their families. My last 5 years in the military I was in the Family Readiness Support Center at Westover, helping service members and their families, while loved ones were deployed.


I still serve with the American Legion today… same mission, supporting my fellow service members and our community in any way I can.”

Country Bank would like to thank Maggie and all of our community’s veterans this Armed Forces Day and recognize the incredible sacrifice and bravery that they embody, truly making a difference in the lives of others every day.

May 15, 2025 — Mary McGovern, President and CEO of Country Bank, is delighted to announce the promotions of several outstanding team members whose leadership and dedication continue to elevate the Bank and the communities it serves. These individuals exemplify the Bank’s iSTEP values through their exceptional service and impact—Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity.

Jodie Gerulaitis has been promoted to First Vice President of Community Relations. With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Jodie has a long-standing commitment to financial education and community engagement. She consistently represents the Bank with professionalism, warmth, and a strong dedication to making a difference. Her passion for financial literacy is evident in her advocacy efforts, including her recent testimony at the Massachusetts State House supporting mandated financial literacy in schools. In addition to overseeing the Bank’s financial literacy and community relations programs, Jodie serves on multiple nonprofit boards and leads initiatives that strengthen the Bank’s partnerships with regional organizations. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts Bankers Association School for Financial Studies, the American Bankers Association Bank Marketing School, and will graduate from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking this June. Jodie also earned an Executive Certificate in Management and Leadership from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Alyson Weeks has been promoted to First Vice President of Human Resources and Professional Development. With 16 years of service at Country Bank, including the past 10 years in the Human Resources function, Alyson has played a pivotal role in shaping the Bank’s culture and supporting its continued evolution. Her passion for developing people and building meaningful programs has strengthened professional growth opportunities for team members across the organization. In addition to her work at the Bank, she is an active member of the community, serving on the Board of River East School-to-Career, and as a member of the Pathfinder Business Technology Advisory Committee. Alyson holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Worcester State University and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from American International College.

Lorraine Askew has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Retail Banking Officer at the Ludlow Banking Center. A 23-year veteran of Country Bank, Lorraine brings extensive experience in customer service, retail banking, and team leadership. She is known for her strong mentorship and commitment to staff development, helping others grow into leadership roles. She is a dedicated community leader, actively involved with several organizations including the Ludlow Community Center/Randall’s Boys and Girls Club, the VFW Auxiliary, the Get Your Pink On Committee, and the Ludlow Rotary. Lorraine is a graduate of the Massachusetts Bankers Association School for Financial Studies and recently earned her associate degree in Business Administration from Holyoke Community College.

Melissa Stefanowich has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Retail Banking Officer at the Belchertown Banking Center. With over 17 years of experience in the banking industry, Melissa has built a career defined by hard work, leadership, and a passion for service. She is currently attending the New England School for Financial Studies and is a dedicated advocate for community causes, serving on the boards of Community Options, Belchertown Day School, and the MA/RI chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. Melissa also serves on the Bank’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Council and has led her branch through consistent growth and success.

“We are excited to announce the well-deserved promotions of Jodie, Alyson, Lorraine and Melissa,” said Miriam Siegel, Chief Culture and Development Officer at Country Bank. “Their hard work, dedication, and contributions have been instrumental to the Bank’s success. We take great pride in supporting our team members’ commitment to continuous professional and personal growth, empowering them to explore the many rewarding career paths in community banking.”

Please join us in congratulating Jodie, Alyson, Lorraine, and Melissa on their well-earned promotions and meaningful contributions to Country Bank’s continued success and mission.

Country Bank welcomes Cristina Consalvo as

Assistant Vice President of Marketing

May 1, 2025 — Country Bank, a leading full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to welcome Cristina Consalvo as the new Assistant Vice President of Marketing.

Cristina brings more than 13 years of diverse marketing experience to the team, with a background spanning the financial services, insurance, and cannabis industries. Her expertise includes marketing communications, digital strategy, media planning, website management, and event coordination. Most recently, she was the Marketing Director for three brands simultaneously in a corporate B2B setting, overseeing everything from lead generation and public relations to website redesigns and advertising campaigns.

Cristina holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing with a minor in Management from Quinnipiac University. She was recently recognized as the 2024 Marketer of the Year by the ADCANN Cannabis Advertising Awards, an honor awarded to just one individual across the country.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cristina to the Country Bank team. Her experience, expertise and vision in bank marketing make her an excellent fit for this role” said Miriam Siegel, Chief Culture & Development Officer. “Cristina’s passion for effective and efficient marketing, teamwork and her digital capabilities are abundant and align with our Corporate Values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity.  We are confident that her energy, skills and leadership will elevate our marketing efforts so that we can continue to drive our strategic initiatives forward.”

Cristina was drawn to Country Bank’s strong reputation and culture as she transitioned back to an in-office setting after five years of remote work. “I love seeing projects through from planning to execution to results,” she shared. “I’m excited to support the Bank’s strategic goals through thoughtful and impactful marketing initiatives.”

Cristina serves as a strategic advisor and board member of TeeHC Open, a nontraditional networking event in the cannabis industry that brings over 500 professionals together annually. She has also been a Brand Partner with Young Living Essential Oils, sharing her passion for living a clean, nontoxic lifestyle for the last four years.

Outside of work, Cristina enjoys gardening and spending time with her husband, son, and their two dogs. She is also a proud Boston Bruins season ticket holder!

Country Bank Observes World Password Day with Cybersecurity Tips for Stronger Password Protection

In recognition of the American Bankers Association’s (ABA) World Password Day, Country Bank is reinforcing its commitment to cybersecurity by encouraging customers to strengthen their digital defenses. As cyber threats continue to evolves, strong passwords remain a critical first line of protection for personal and financial information. To help raise awareness and empower the community, Country Bank is sharing practical tips and best practices for creating secure, reliable passwords that keep your information safe.

Using these tips to create strong passwords and updating your passwords often will help keep your personal information and your money safe!

At Country Bank, we want you to have confidence banking with us – knowing
that your privacy, security and peace of mind are our top priority.

Country Bank is excited to announce the appointment of Kevin Hamel, CISM, to its Board of Trustees.

Kevin brings over 30 years of experience managing information technology, cybersecurity, and risk management in the financial and healthcare sectors. With more than 15 years of direct board interaction at the executive level, he has cultivated a deep understanding of today’s organizations’ strategic and operational challenges.

“Joining Country Bank’s Board of Trustees is a tremendous honor. I’m inspired by the Bank’s mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of its customers and communities. I look forward to contributing my experience in technology, cybersecurity, and risk management to help guide strategic decisions that support innovation, resilience, and continued growth,” said Hamel.

Kevin’s appointment brings a fresh perspective and valuable insights to the Board, particularly as Country Bank continues to operate in an increasingly digital and security-focused environment. His proven ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and organizational strategy, driving meaningful transformation and innovation, is a key asset that will be leveraged for the Bank’s strategic direction.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin to our Board,” said Country Bank’s Chairman of the Board, James Phaneuf. “Kevin’s experience leading IT and risk management, along with his proven ability to lead high-performing teams, will strengthen our governance and enhance the Bank’s strategic direction.” 

Country Bank continues to expand its leadership by hiring individuals who share its dedication to serving, protecting, and empowering the communities it calls home.

Small Business Week Spotlight: Black Rose Barber Shop
Where Style Meets Inclusivity in the Heart of Ware

In honor of Small Business Week, Country Bank is proud to shine a light on one of our vibrant local business customers: Black Rose Barbershop, owned and operated by master barber Emily Ashman in Ware, MA. With a bold sense of style and a commitment to community, Emily is redefining what it means to step into the barber’s chair.

A Chair for Everyone
“I serve anybody with short hair—men and women,” Emily says with a smile. “If you have short hair, you’re welcome in my chair!” With over a decade of experience in the barbering industry, she officially opened Black Rose Barber Shop in September 2024, bringing her vision of an inclusive, alternative, and female-owned space to life.

Breaking the Mold
Emily’s journey began with a dream of entrepreneurship and a strong desire to offer something different. “Growing up in a middle-class family, working for myself was always a dream,” she shares. “When I was apprenticing, I realized how impactful a welcoming space could be—especially for the LGBTQ+ community. There weren’t a lot of places like that here.” Now, Black Rose Barber Shop stands proudly as a female-owned, alternative barber shop in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

What Makes Black Rose Unique?
“It’s the energy,” Emily says. “Being female-owned in a male industry and offering a unique, alternative style—that really sets us apart.” Her clients not only leave with sharp, stylish cuts, but also with the sense that they’ve been heard, seen, and celebrated.

Smart Money Advice
Her financial advice for fellow small business owners? “Invest back into your business and pay your taxes quarterly. And most importantly—use your resources. Whether it’s an accountant or your bank, don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

A Lifelong Connection with Country Bank
Emily’s relationship with Country Bank runs deep. “Oh my gosh, I’ve had a Country Bank account since middle school!” she laughs. “The support of a local bank and community has been incredible while starting my business. Having a bank believe in you is both inspiring and reassuring.”

At Country Bank, we’re honored to stand beside hardworking, passionate entrepreneurs like Emily Ashman. Black Rose Barber Shop isn’t just a place to get a haircut—it’s a space where individuality is celebrated, and everyone is welcome.

Visit Black Rose Barbershop at 40 E. Main Street Ware, MA, inside of the Fitness Factory or visit them on Facebook at Black Rose Barbershop and experience the difference.

“The support of a local bank and community has been incredible while starting my business. Having a bank believe in you is both inspiring and reassuring.”

Small Business Week Spotlight: Empire Motor Sports Uxbridge, MA
Driven by Passion. Fueled by Community.

This Small Business Week, Country Bank is proud to highlight one of our valued small business customers: Empire Motor Sports, a full-service automotive, motorcycle, and ATV repair shop serving the Blackstone Valley and surrounding Rhode Island area. At the helm is TJ Yacino, whose lifelong love of engines and hands-on experience powers the business every day.

Turning Passion Into a Profession
TJ launched Empire Motor Sports in 2017, but his journey began much earlier. “I always loved dirt bikes and motorcycles,” he shares. After attending Blackstone Valley Tech and Mass Bay Community College for automotive repair, TJ honed his skills during an eight-year tenure as a master technician at Lexus. Eventually, the desire to be his own boss and serve his local community led him to open his own shop.

More Than Just a Garage
What sets Empire Motor Sports apart is its ability to handle a wide range of engine repairs—cars, motorcycles, and ATVs—combined with personalized, small-business service. “We’re not just focused on one type of vehicle. And our customers aren’t just a number. They get the attention to detail you’d expect from a big shop, with the personal touch of a small one,” TJ explains.

Advice from the Garage
When asked to share a financial tip for fellow business owners, TJ keeps it real: “Pay attention to your numbers and do it often. It’s easy to get into hot water if you’re not ahead of things. You can be busy but still running out of money.” It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about being booked—it’s about managing cash flow wisely.

A Banking Partner That Gets It
TJ credits Country Bank with being a true partner in his journey. “They’ve helped me out with loans and consolidation that significantly improved my cash flow. Everyone at Country Bank is super friendly and helpful—it’s great customer service.”

At Country Bank, we’re honored to support hardworking entrepreneurs like TJ and the Empire Motor Sports team. Their dedication to craft and community represents the spirit of Small Business Week—and we’re proud to be part of their story.

Learn more about Empire Motor Sports by visiting them at 160 Ironstone Rd Uxbridge, MA or visit their website at www.empireautorepairs.com

“They’ve helped me out with loans and consolidation that significantly improved my cash flow. Everyone at Country Bank is super friendly and helpful—it’s great customer service.”

For our 175th year, we’re giving back to the community that got us here. We’ve always had a heart for investing in our community, but our 175th anniversary called for something special.

Throughout the year, we’ll be giving 175 gifts to community members, nonprofits, charities, and local folks in need.

Consider it a celebration of appreciation. Thank you for 175 years.

Click through to view the gifts we’ve given so far

Country bank is dedicated to donating to local organizations throughout the year, not only through this initiative but as a daily effort to make a difference in the communities we serve. As of May 27th, we have donated $222,210 to 172 organizations!