FLORENCE—Florence Bank has promoted Andre Motulski of Broad Brook, Connecticut, to the role of vice president / controller. 

Motulski joined the bank’s team as assistant vice president / controller in September 2019. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Central Connecticut State University and is a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Commissioned Risk Management Examiner. 

In his new role, which he assumed in December 2023, Motulski is responsible for managing financial records, ensuring regulatory compliance and assessing risks associated with lending and investment activities. 

Motulski is involved in the community, serving on the Finance Committee for Hampshire Regional YMCA in Northampton.

Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank, said, “As an evolving leader, Andre can think strategically, delegate, problem-solve and work effectively across multiple departments, always keeping the customer and his colleagues top of mind.”

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutual savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses. Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate.

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Senior Vice President / Director of Marketing Monica Curhan retires

FLORENCE—Florence Bank announced that vice president / director of marketing operations Jim Hickey of South Deerfield has been promoted to lead the bank’s marketing efforts as senior vice president / director of marketing. 

Hickey replaces Monica Curhan, who retired on April 7 after serving as senior vice president / director of marketing for nearly 10 years.

Hickey was hired in November 2021 as director of marketing operations with the explicit plan to one day take the helm as director of marketing. He has 25 years of strategic marketing experience as well as a strong affinity for the Florence Bank brand, which Curhan ushered in in the early years of her tenure. 

“The challenge for me will be sustaining and evolving our unique brand identity,” Hickey said. 

Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank, said, “We are thrilled that Jim is stepping into this role to lead our marketing efforts. He is a creative thinker with a collaborative approach and a proven track record of managing projects from conception to implementation. I’m excited to see where he takes the brand next.”

Hickey holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has experience in areas that include account management, creative development, media plan execution and media buying.

Before joining Florence Bank, Hickey was the vice president of account service at Communicators Group, a marketing communications firm in Keene, New Hampshire. He has also served as vice president and director of marketing for Westbank, a financial institution formerly based in West Springfield. 

He said his experience in financial services marketing and communications will continue to inform his work for Florence Bank. 

“I have managed the marketing and communications efforts for a number of clients in the banking industry. Those experiences have helped prepare me for this role,” he said.

Active in the community, Jim sits on the board for the Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Curhan was pleased to be retiring. She lives in Mattapoisett and was looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren and helping her husband operate his apiary, caring for the bees, selling honey and honey products.

In the 10 years that Curhan represented the bank, she served as a trustee for Cooley Dickinson Hospital, on its board for three years as well as on various committees. She also volunteered for the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, served meals at the Interfaith Emergency Homeless Shelter—COT Shelter in downtown Northampton, and took part in a Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity build day.

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutual savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses. Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate.

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FLORENCE—Florence Bank has promoted Lachlan Harris of Westfield to the position of information security administration officer.

Harris joined Florence Bank in 2016. Prior to his recent promotion, he had served as the information and cybersecurity administrator. In his new role, he will be responsible for security protocols throughout the bank’s information infrastructure.

Harris is a certified information systems security professional and is also a member of the global information assurance certification advisory board.

Kevin R. Day, president and chief executive officer of Florence Bank, said, “We are very pleased to announce Lachlan’s promotion. Lachlan has proven that he is a visionary within the information security space, and we are delighted to continue to watch him progress even further in the years to come.”

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses. Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.  

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FLORENCE—Florence Bank has appointed Jenna Rahilly of South Hadley to serve as vice president / human resources operations director. Rahilly joins the bank as a 23-year veteran in the banking industry with 28 years of professional human resources experience.

Rahilly most recently served as vice president of human resources for a local credit union. Her duties included the overall management of the credit union’s human resources function, which encompassed the development and implementation of policies related to employee relations, organizational development, recruitment, compensation and benefits, training, and human resources compliance. 

“Being deeply rooted within the community in which Florence Bank serves, I have always had an appreciation of the organization and its people,” Rahilly said. “I have always had a deep level of admiration for Florence Bank’s commitment to the community, and I am excited to now be a part of it.”

Rahilly studied at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where she received her bachelor’s degree in English. 

Florence Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin R. Day said, “We are thrilled to have Jenna join our Florence Bank family. Jenna’s vast knowledge of the communities we serve, coupled with her professional skills and expertise will be invaluable to the bank. I know we will see excellent contributions from her in the years to come.”

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses.  Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.  

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FLORENCE—Florence Bank has promoted Andrew Tulis of Northampton to the position of assistant vice president / bank secrecy act officer at the main office in Florence.

Tulis is a 10-year employee of Florence Bank and brings extensive knowledge and skills to his new position. In this role, he will be responsible for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations by developing and adhering to policies and procedures that oversee the bank secrecy act (BSA) program, anti-money laundering (AML) program, and office of foreign asset control (OFAC) compliance.

Tulis studied at New York University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He attended the New England School for Financial Studies at Babson College, graduating with honors in 2016. 

Florence Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin R. Day said, “We are excited to see Andrew’s career advance with the bank as he begins the role of assistant vice president / BSA officer. His consistent outstanding performance, reliability, and expert knowledge have made him an essential asset to the bank.”

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the Bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses.  Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.  

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FLORENCE—Florence Bank has promoted Emily Tower of Montague Center to the position of assistant vice president / branch manager of the West Springfield office.

A graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies, Tower brings extensive knowledge and skill to her new role, having worked in banking for 15 years. Prior to her promotion, she was the senior assistant branch manager at the Florence office. 

Kevin R. Day, president and CEO of Florence Bank, said, “We are happy Emily has taken on this new role as assistant vice president / branch manager. I have no doubt she will serve our West Springfield customers well.” 

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the Bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, West Springfield, Chicopee, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses. Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.  

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FLORENCE—FSB Financial Group, the investment division of Florence Bank, announced that Nicole Domnarski, after working two years as an assistant financial advisor, has transitioned to financial advisor.

Domnarski began her career in the financial services industry 24 years ago and has been employed by FSB Financial Group for the past ten years, helping advisors protect and preserve clients’ wealth. As a financial advisor, she will work directly with individuals and business owners to develop strategic, long-term financial plans to help customers achieve their financial goals and objectives.

A resident of Monson, Domnarski is a graduate of Springfield Technical Community College and is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor certified by the College for Financial Planning. She is an Investment Advisor Representative with Commonwealth Financial Network. She holds Series 6, 7, 31, 63, and Series 65 registrations. She is also licensed to sell both life and health insurance.

Kevin R. Day, president and CEO of Florence Bank, said, “I am pleased to congratulate Nikki on her accomplishment. I know she will ensure that every FSB Financial Group client receives the highest degree of service and best possible investment advice in the Pioneer Valley.” 

About FSB Financial Group

FSB Financial Group has been providing individuals and organizations with financial guidance since 2002. Located at 85 Main St., Florence, MA, 01062, the advisors of FSB Financial Group pride themselves on crafting unique strategies for each client. For more information, please visit www.fsbfg.com. 

Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Investments are not insured by the FDIC and are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, any depository institution. Funds are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal investment. Florence Savings Bank is not a registered B/D or Registered Investment Adviser. Florence Savings Bank and Commonwealth are separate and unaffiliated entities.

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LACONIA— Jennifer Kelley, the coordinator of the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction since October 2018, was recently named executive director of the nonprofit by its Board of Directors.

“I’m thrilled to be continuing my work with the auction,” Kelley said. “I am so inspired and amazed at the level of community engagement in this region. The Lakes Region is like no other community I’ve ever seen—so giving and connected—and that’s truly impressive.”

Kelley came to the Children’s Auction with a great deal of experience in managing a nonprofit. 

She previously served as executive director of Kids Helping Kids in Stamford, Connecticut, which she founded with her daughter, Lexi, in 2009. That organization has a mission to develop leadership through youth-led service projects to help under-resourced children. 

Kelley has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Vermont and a master’s in education from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. She is also obtaining Diversity Equity and Inclusion certification at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Children’s Auction, and Kelley is excited at the auction’s growth over the years. She is also impressed that the organization thrives with a 16-member board of directors, and that the annual event is organized and staffed entirely by volunteers. 

Since she began working at the auction, Kelley has obtained a Platinum GuideStar rating for the organization, improved communications through a monthly newsblast, blog, and increased social media presence, as well as redesigning the website. She has also developed stronger relationships with leaders of local nonprofits by personally visiting almost all the organizations the auction has funded. 

Kelley said, “It’s powerful for us to know more about them, learning more about their needs, their struggles, and what they are accomplishing in the area. I’m always looking for ways to share additional resources and recently hosted a webinar to help assist nonprofits in obtaining grants from local corporations and foundations.”

As a child, Kelley spent summers in Moultonborough and moved full time to Gilford five years ago. She has enjoyed that her auction work got her out in the community. “I’ve enjoyed becoming part of the fabric of the area. Being part of the Children’s Auction has allowed me to learn so much and to get to know the community,” she said. “I love making an impact.”

In addition to deepening relationships with local businesspeople and increasing sponsorship, Kelley’s biggest goal is expanding the circle of people who know about and support the auction.  

“There are many homeowners in the area who are not aware of this amazing event and our mission to engage the community to financially support children in need in the Greater Lakes Region. I feel confident that when they learn about our impact, they will completely support us.”

Learn more about the auction at www.ChildrensAuction.com, where you can discover more about sponsorship opportunities and ways to donate. 

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FLORENCE—Florence Bank has promoted Anita Sedlak of Easthampton to the position of vice president / branch manager of the Easthampton office.

Sedlak brings extensive knowledge and skill to her new role. Prior to her recent promotion, she was the senior assistant branch manager at the Easthampton office. During her tenure at the bank, she has been the recipient of the Florence Bank Community Support Award, which is granted to employees who demonstrate superior levels of involvement in the community. She is also a graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies. 

Sedlak proudly serves her community as treasurer of Easthampton Dollars for Scholars, finance committee member for Easthampton Helping Hand Society, and as a board member of the Florence Bank Easthampton Branch Charitable Foundation. 

Kevin R. Day, president and CEO of Florence Bank, said, “We are happy to have Anita take on this new role as vice president, branch manager. Her knowledge of the Easthampton community and rapport with our customers make her the perfect choice to serve in this capacity.” 

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the Bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 11 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, West Springfield, and Springfield. Florence Bank recently opened its twelfth branch in Chicopee. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses.  Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.  

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FLORENCE—Florence Bank has promoted Jeanne Woods, of Greenfield, to the position of assistant vice president / branch manager for the bank’s Amherst location.

Woods joined Florence Bank in 2001 and previously served as assistant branch manager of the Amherst office.

Woods is a Development Committee member for the Amherst Survival Center.  

Florence Bank President and Chief Executive Officer John F. Heaps, Jr., said, “We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Jeanne Woods. She is a dedicated and valued employee who consistently delivers great results. She has been an asset to the bank for many years, and I look forward to watching her progress even further in the years to come.”

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through nine full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown and Granby as well as through 27 ATMs and a new full-service Banking Center in West Springfield.  Florence Bank offers a wide range of financial services including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses.  Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.  John F. Heaps Jr. is the Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Main headquarters are at 85 Main St. Florence, MA 01062. For additional information about the Bank or its services please visit www.florencebank.com or call 413.586.1300.

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