In The News

Mary Blair

New CFO for The Bank of Bennington

April14, 2023

Bennington, VT – Jim Brown, President of The Bank of Bennington, announced that Mary Blair is the bank’s new Chief Financial Officer. He said, “Mary brings a wealth of experience to this position and we are fortunate to be able to put that financial acumen to work for The Bank of Bennington.”

Mary Blair has lived in Manchester Center for 35 years. Her entire career has been in accounting and finance, initially in public accounting and subsequently as a Director of Finance and Operations at Burr & Burton Academy and Chief Financial Officer for J.K. Adams. Mary said, “I am very excited for this opportunity at The Bank of Bennington, which works so hard at building and supporting the communities it serves.”

She enjoys skiing, bike riding, teaching spin classes, hosting family celebrations, and long walks with her husband Joe and their dog. She also volunteers at the Manchester Community Library on the Finance Committee.

The Bank of Bennington is a mutual bank deeply committed to the area. It is the only bank headquartered in Bennington County, Vermont with branches in Bennington, Arlington, Manchester, and Rutland. Known for its customer service, financial strength, and community involvement, the bank offers financial planning and an array of deposit and loan services for consumers and businesses. Bauer Financial, an independent bank-rating service, has awarded The Bank of Bennington their 5-star ‘superior’ rating for over 30-consecutive years. Visit TheBankofBennington.com online for more information.

The Bank of Bennington Announces Four Promotions

March 27, 2023

Bennington, VT – The Bank of Bennington is pleased to announce new branch managers in Manchester and Arlington as well as promotions in the loan dept. Jim Brown, President of The Bank of Bennington said, “It is always a great pleasure for us to promote from within. Our bank is fortunate that we have the ability to encourage and educate our staff, and we have room for them to grow professionally, as these four promotions demonstrate.

Kati Irwin, who has been with the bank since 2014, has been promoted to Arlington Branch Manager. She started as a teller and has worked her way up within The Bank of Bennington. She said, “I am excited to further my connections with my customers while expanding my horizons in the community itself and becoming more involved. I can’t wait to grow in this position, with The Bank of Bennington, and within the wonderful town of Arlington!” Kati lives in Arlington with her husband and two children.

Alec Nicol, the new Manchester Branch Manager, also started out as a teller with The Bank of Bennington, where he has worked for four years. He is a longtime resident of Bennington, a member of the Bennington Elks, and enjoys frisbee golf, his family, and his dog when not working. He said, “I'm excited for the growth that comes with the new position. I very much look forward to the fresh challenges and to being a part of the Manchester community.”

The Loan Department is growing too. Jason Redden has been promoted into the new Commercial Lender Development Program. Susan Bushee has been promoted into the Residential Lender Development Program.

Jason has been with The Bank of Bennington for five years, starting as a teller, moving to Front Desk Coordinator, and then Assistant Branch Manager in Manchester. He is a North Bennington native who volunteers as a youth basketball coach and enjoys golfing, cooking, and spending time with his dogs. He is enthusiastic about the potential his new position offers “to expand my abilities and allow me to assist community members as they seek to grow their businesses.”

Susan Bushee has been with the bank for more than 2 years. She also started as a teller, became an Assistant Loan Originator, and will now be in Residential Mortgage Development. She said she is “eager to learn all aspects of her department and to grow personally and professionally.” Born and raised in Bennington, Susan loves time with her grandchildren and time in the garden.

The Bank of Bennington is a mutual bank deeply committed to the area. It is the only bank headquartered in Bennington County, Vermont with branches in Bennington, Arlington, Manchester, and Rutland. Known for its customer service, financial strength, and community involvement, the bank offers financial planning and an array of deposit and loan services for consumers and businesses. Bauer Financial, an independent bank-rating service, has awarded The Bank of Bennington their 5-star ‘superior’ rating for over 30-consecutive years. Visit TheBankoBennington.com online for more information.

Mary Callahan

Annick Gwozdz

The Bank of Bennington Announces Promotions for Mary Callahan and Annick Gwodzd

February 21, 2023

Bennington, VT – The Bank of Bennington is pleased to announce the promotions of Mary Callahan and Annick Gwozdz.

Mary Callahan has been promoted to Chief Operations Officer. Mary’s career with the bank began as a teller over 35 years ago and since 2011 she has held the position of Senior Vice President for Retail Banking and Compliance. She is a graduate of the ABA Stonier National Graduate School of Banking at UPENN. In her expanded role, Mary will oversee retail and deposit operations, compliance, and audit. She will work with the Senior Management team to develop and implement the bank’s strategic goals and objectives.

Annick Gwozdz has been promoted to Vice President Business Development Officer and Branch Administrator. Annick joined the bank in 2002 with expanding and evolving responsibilities in branch management, marketing, and business development. She graduated from the New England School of Financial Studies and is a Certified IRA Services Professional. In her new role, Gwozdz will be responsible for branch growth and developing relationships that align with the bank’s mission to Help Build Better Communities.

Jim Brown, President of The Bank of Bennington said, “It is always a great pleasure of mine to promote from within. These two promotions align with our leadership development objectives and open up opportunities for others at the Bank. Mary and Annick have been key to The Bank of Bennington’s ongoing growth and success. The Board of Directors and I recognize their hard-work and dedication with these well-deserved promotions.”

The Bank of Bennington is a mutual bank deeply committed to the area. It is the only bank headquartered in Bennington County, Vermont with branches in Bennington, Arlington, Manchester, and Rutland. Known for its customer service, financial strength, and community involvement, the bank offers financial planning and an array of deposit and loan services for consumers and businesses. Bauer Financial, an independent bank-rating service, has awarded The Bank of Bennington their 5-star ‘superior’ rating for over 30-consecutive years. Visit TheBankoBennington.com online for more information.

AVP Promotions Announced at The Bank of Bennington

June 22, 2022

Bennington, VT – The Bank of Bennington is pleased to announce the promotions of Elizabeth Buckley to Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Stephanie Dunn to Assistant Vice President of Accounting, Elizabeth LaPointe to Assistant Vice President of Retail Banking, and Tammy Trombley to Assistant Vice President of Loan Operations.

Jim Brown, President of The Bank of Bennington said, “We are pleased to recognize the hard work and dedication of these outstanding employees. Our staff is our greatest strength, and it is always an honor to reward those who enjoy the challenges of new roles and responsibilities with well-deserved promotions.”

Buckley joined The Bank of Bennington in 2021 bringing a strong background and experience in Human Resources.

Dunn has been with The Bank of Bennington since 1999. She has held various responsibilities in the accounting department including Accounts Payable and Accounting Supervisor.

LaPointe joined the bank in 2003. She has held various position in the retail area and was most recently promoted to Branch Manager for the Bennington offices in 2020.

Trombley has been with The Bank of Bennington since 2016. She has over 20 years of experience in banking and supervises the loan operations and processing departments.

The Bank of Bennington is a full-service, local community bank headquartered in Bennington, VT with branches in Manchester, Bennington, Arlington, and Rutland, VT. The bank specializes in deposit and loan products including checking, savings, certificates of deposit, retirement plans, and loan accounts for personal and commercial customers. Bauer Financial, an independent bank-rating service, has awarded The Bank of Bennington their 5-star superior rating for over 30 consecutive years.