In The News
The Bank of Bennington Donates to Bennington Little League to Construct Year-Round Indoor Facility
November 26, 2024
Bennington, VT - The Bank of Bennington Foundation is proud to announce a $50,000 donation toward the construction of a year-round indoor Little League facility in Bennington.
"Youth sports is an area The Bank of Bennington finds great value in supporting. It fosters teamwork, character, and athleticism, all of which are essential for developing healthier young people," said Jim Brown, President of The Bank of Bennington.
Now in its 66th year of offering youth baseball programs, Bennington Little League is excited to expand its offerings to local kids, allowing them to hone their skills and foster a lifelong love of America's pastime.
“Bennington Little League is excited, thanks in part to The Bank of Bennington, to share an update on our highly anticipated indoor training facility. We expect to use this new addition to our program as early as February,” said Geoff Metcalfe, Bennington Little League Board President. Metcalfe further explained that the complex, made possible by the community's support and The Bank of Bennington's donation, would be available for various community uses.
The building will consist of 4000 square feet of wide open, turfed space, housing 3 net-style cages for batting and pitching. All of the cages are retractable, allowing a large room that can be used for baseball activities, as well as other sports and activities. This versatility opens up a world of possibilities for the community.
The capital campaign is still ongoing, and we invite the public to join us in making this dream a reality. Visit benningtonlittleleague.com to learn more and be a part of this exciting project.
The Bank of Bennington, the only bank headquartered in Bennington County, Vermont, has a long history of supporting the local community. Known for its customer service, financial strength, and community involvement, the bank offers a wide range of deposit and loan services for consumers and businesses.
To learn more about The Bank of Bennington, visit thebankofbennington.com.
Heather Kinney
Elizabeth Buckley
The Bank of Bennington Announces Two Promotions to Vice President
October 23, 2024
BENNINGTON, VT — The Bank of Bennington is pleased to announce the promotion of two distinguished employees to Vice President positions: Heather Kinney and Elizabeth Buckley. These promotions reflect the bank's commitment to recognizing exceptional talent and fostering professional growth within the organization.
Heather Kinney has been promoted to Vice President of Deposit Operations after 25 years of dedicated service to the bank. A Bennington native, Kinney began her career as a receptionist in May 1999 and has advanced through various roles within the Deposit Operations Department, including Operations Manager and Assistant Vice President. In her new role, Kinney will focus on expanding and enhancing the bank's product and service offerings to meet evolving customer needs.
Elizabeth Buckley has been promoted to Vice President of Human Resources, building upon her successful tenure as Assistant Vice President. Since joining the bank three years ago, Buckley has demonstrated exceptional leadership in transforming the HR department, implementing strategic initiatives, and enhancing employee development programs. Her promotion recognizes her significant contributions to organizational growth and talent management.
"These promotions represent our commitment to recognizing excellence and developing talent within our organization," said Jim Brown, President of The Bank of Bennington. "Both Heather and Elizabeth have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to our mission."
"I'm excited to continue developing innovative solutions that provide real value to our customers," said Kinney, who enjoys spending time with her family and traveling when not at the bank.
Buckley added, "I am committed to emphasizing the human in human resources by fostering a culture of empathy, connection, and innovation."
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.
New Rutland Branch Manager at The Bank of Bennington
August 16, 2024
Bennington, VT - The Bank of Bennington is pleased to announce the appointment of Niki Rhoades as the new Branch Manager of its Rutland, VT location. With seven years of experience at The Bank of Bennington and in the banking industry, Rhoades brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her new role.
Rhoades began her career at The Bank of Bennington as a Teller and has spent the last five years as a Customer Service Representative. Her promotion to Branch Manager reflects her commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of customer needs. “We are thrilled to have Niki step into this leadership position,” said Jim Brown, President and CEO of The Bank of Bennington. “Her experience and passion for community banking make her the ideal person to lead our Rutland branch.”
A resident of Rutland Town for 12 years, Rhoades is deeply rooted in the local community. Outside of work, Rhoades enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
She expressed enthusiasm about getting to know more people in the area through her new role. Her connection to the community and her professional expertise position her well to serve the banking needs of Rutland residents and businesses. “I'm excited about this new opportunity to serve our customers and contribute to the growth of our community,” said Rhoades. “I look forward to building strong relationships and helping our customers achieve their financial goals.”
The Bank of Bennington is a mutual bank deeply committed to the area. It is the only bank headquartered in southwestern 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 for more information.
New Vice President at The Bank of Bennington
July 8, 2024
Bennington, VT The Bank of Bennington recently announced that Kerry Mazzariello has joined the bank as a Vice President of Business Development of their Rutland Branch at 143 Woodstock Avenue. Mazzariello joins The Bank of Bennington with 35 years of banking experience. Her tenure includes experience in front end deposit operations, bank and branch management, mortgage origination and small business lending.
“I am excited to join The Bank of Bennington, an institution that understands the value of community banking. I look forward to growing relationships in the Rutland market.” Mazzariello said.
Shannon McLenithan, Senior Vice President of Residential Lending, said, “We feel privileged to welcome Kerry to our team. We are delighted to have hired someone who shares the same passion for community banking as we do. Kerry’s experience and knowledge will continue to support our community banking philosophy, style, and involvement in the communities we serve.”
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.
New Branch Manager in Arlington
May 14, 2024
Bennington, VT – The Bank of Bennington is pleased to announce that Ashley Setzer has been promoted to the position of Branch Manager. She will be overseeing operations at the Arlington branch. Jim Brown, President of The Bank of Bennington said, “We are pleased to give Ashley this new opportunity and delighted to promote from within.”
Ashley has been with The Bank of Bennington since 2014. She began as a teller, moved to a Customer Service role, and shortly after that, became Head Teller at the Main Office in Bennington. She said, “I am so grateful to be a part of such a loving, supportive work family. With the help of the bank, I was able to complete my Associates Degree program in Business Administration. I am very excited for this new opportunity.”
The Bank of Bennington is a mutual bank and the only bank headquartered in Bennington County, Vermont. The bank has 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 more than 30 consecutive years. Visit TheBankofBennington.com for more information.
The Bank of Bennington Announces Community Donations
December 11, 2023
Bennington VT - President of The Bank of Bennington, announced this week that the Bank has completed its 2023 annual giving to community food cupboards and fuel funds. This year, The Bank of Bennington donated more than $30,000 to over 20 area organizations in 11 towns.
Primarily supporting the vital work of food cupboards and heating assistance programs, these donations help low-income Vermonters during the holidays and beyond into winter. Brown said, “Our corporate structure as a mutual bank means we do not have shareholders, and we can focus on our mission of helping build better communities. We believe these donations make a real difference throughout the region.”
Over the past ten years, The Bank of Bennington has shown its commitment to the people in the towns it serves by donating more than $1,000,000 to area non-profits in support of the needy, the arts, children, and education.
The Bank of Bennington is a full-service mutual bank headquartered in Bennington, VT with branches in Manchester, Bennington, Arlington, and Rutland. Known for its customer service, financial strength, and community involvement, the bank offers financial planning services and an array of deposit and loan products. Bauer Financial, an independent bank-rating service, has awarded The Bank of Bennington a 5-star superior rating for over 30 consecutive years. For more information call 802.442.8121 or visit online at TheBankofBennington.com
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.
Alec Nicol
Kati Irwin
Jason Redden
Susan Bushee
Mary Callahan
Annick Gwozdz
The Bank of Bennington Announces Promotions for Mary Callahan and Annick Gwozdz
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.
Elizabeth Buckley
Stephanie Dunn
Elizabeth LaPointe
