FLORENCE—Florence Bank has hired Christopher Fager of West Springfield to serve as vice president / commercial loan officer in the Commercial Lending department.

With 15 years of experience at banks in the region, he is skilled at commercial loan origination and analysis, portfolio management and customer service. 

Over his career, he has worked with companies across all industries and has extensive knowledge with those in construction, manufacturing, nonprofits, auto dealership, logistics, dental, veterinarian and wholesale distribution. 

Fager holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.

He is active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club and Helix Human Services. He is a Distribution Committee member for the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and is so well known as a youth coach in West Springfield that many people call him Coach Fager.

“We are proud to welcome Christopher to our commercial lending team and know that his skills, experience and local network will serve him well in originating and managing loans for our customers,” said President and CEO Matt Garrity.

To learn more about Florence Bank, visit FlorenceBank.com.

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FLORENCE—Florence Bank has hired Meghan Parnell of Holyoke to serve as vice president / credit manager in the Commercial Lending department.

She will lead her team in the analysis of existing and proposed commercial loans and commercial loan portfolio management and assist the senior management team with loan policy, budgeting, strategic planning and external support systems. 

Skilled in commercial credit and lending, financial analysis, team leadership, process improvement and digital strategy, Parnell has served as a chief lending officer, senior financial product manager, business lending manager and commercial credit officer. 

She holds an associate degree in mathematics from Holyoke Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

In the community, Parnell has served Family Outreach of Amherst, the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School and Holyoke Community College Foundation, as treasurer.

She was named a BusinessWest 40 Under 40 in 2014.

“With her 24 years of experience in the industry and a broad range of skills and experience, we are confident that Meghan will work well with our commercial lending team in nurturing commercial relationships,” said President and CEO Matt Garrity.

To learn more about Florence Bank, visit FlorenceBank.com.

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 Florence Financial Group 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 is pleased to announce that Andrew Sullivan of Wilbraham has joined the staff as vice president / commercial lender.

He began his banking career as a credit analyst at a mutual bank in the region, but soon discovered an affinity for relationship building and helping commercial customers achieve their goals. Prior to joining Florence Bank, he served as a portfolio manager, small business loan officer, and commercial loan officer.

Sullivan began his new role at Florence Bank in mid-October. “I like the challenge of meeting customer expectations, all while staying within our bank policy guidelines and adapting to the ever-changing economic environment,” he said. 

“Our commercial lenders, credit analysts, and support staff members work seamlessly to provide our business customers with the best possible banking experience,” Sullivan said. “I appreciate the team atmosphere at Florence Bank.”

The founder of the Andrew Sullivan Swing For a Cure Golf Tournament, which benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Sullivan holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management and a master of business administration from Elms College.

Sullivan is the chairman of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Amanda Sullivan and likes to fish and golf in his spare time. 

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 is pleased to announce that Ryan Hess, of Springfield, has joined the staff as vice president / commercial team leader.

Hired in June, Hess has over 11 years of experience in banking, serving in roles from credit analyst and portfolio manager to leadership in commercial lending. He most recently served as chief lending officer for a locally based startup bank and played a key role in its founding.

He came to Florence Bank for its reputation as a community partner. “It’s an effective bank that’s never strayed away from community involvement and serving the community,” Hess said. 

In his work as a lender, Hess enjoys delivering solutions to business customers. “It’s very rewarding. These are peoples’ livelihoods. There’s an impact and story there,” he said.

Hess’ first few months have solidified his perspective on Florence Bank, and he said, “It’s been evident from the first minute I was in the office that Florence has a great corporate culture.” 

Hess holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Stonehill College. He serves as co-chair of the Ronald McDonald House Golf Committee, a member of the Make-A-Wish Golf Committee and vice-chair of the Springfield Zoning Board of Appeals.

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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NORTHAMPTON—Jake Hooker, a 2012 Northampton High School graduate, has passed the state’s bar exam and joined his father, Michael Hooker, in Hooker’s longtime legal firm, which serves elders and those living with disabilities.

“We are so excited with Jake’s success on the recent bar exam and pleased to have him working in the firm. We will work together to provide the high-quality, personalized services we are known for, and one day, Jake will take over the firm and lead it into the future,” Michael Hooker said.

Jake Hooker is the second attorney at the firm, which also includes a Medicaid specialist, a social worker, a financial specialist and two specialized paralegals as the practice is unique; its services extend beyond the realm of the law to provide financial and social services for elders and their families.

Hooker began interning at the firm while he was attending Northampton High School and continued to assist while at Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. 

Hooker graduated from Northeastern University School of Law in 2022. While there, he completed three internships—two at the law office of Attorney Michael Hooker Elder Law and one with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services at the General Counsel’s Office, where he assisted the MassHealth Estate Recovery Unit as well as the litigation department. 

Jake Hooker’s parents, Michael Hooker and Jeanne Schubmehl, are longtime residents of Florence.

To learn more about the firm, visit www.elderlawservice.com.

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FLORENCE—Florence Bank has hired Kyle Toelken of Belchertown to serve as assistant vice president / branch manager of the Belchertown branch.

Toelken was hired in May and has 12 years of banking experience.

A Ware native committed to community involvement, he has volunteered with Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, helping present lesson plans to school-aged children. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Franklin Pierce University.

“I am very excited to join Florence Bank and the Belchertown branch team,” Toelken said. “I look forward to working with the community and ensuring customers have a great experience.”

“We are excited to welcome Kyle to the Florence Bank team,” President and CEO Kevin R. Day said. “He has a great deal of experience, and we are pleased that he will be helping to lead our Belchertown branch.”

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 is pleased to announce that Alissa Fuller has joined the bank as assistant vice president, compliance and CRA manager. Fuller has more than 20 years of experience in retail banking, consumer lending, and compliance.  

Prior to joining Florence Bank, she was a compliance specialist at a local community bank. Her duties included ensuring that the organization’s operations complied with relevant laws, regulations, and policies. 

In her new role at Florence Bank, Fuller’s primary responsibilities will include the oversight of programs to ensure compliance with all federal and state laws that govern the bank’s operations. In addition, she will play a vital role in the encouragement and development of the bank’s Community Reinvestment efforts.   

“I am excited to join the Florence Bank team,” Fuller said. “It is known for its strong culture of caring for employees and the community. The opportunity to join and contribute to such a dynamic team is an honor.”

Fuller graduated from the New England College of Business and Finance in 2016 with an associate degree in business administration with a concentration in management.

“Alissa is an incredibly valuable addition to the Florence Bank team,” President and CEO Kevin R. Day said. “Her expertise in compliance and community reinvestment will serve as an excellent resource for us in those critically important areas.”

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 hired a Greenfield native with 25 years of strategic marketing experience with a focus in the banking sector to serve as vice president / director of marketing operations.

Jim Hickey of South Deerfield stepped into the new role in mid-November after keeping his eye on Florence Bank for many years because he respects its creative marketing strategy, customer-focused approach to banking, and community engagement.

“I value what the bank stands for,” Hickey said. “Customer service drives everything we do here. That’s refreshing. Also, the level of community support the bank provides is impressive. It steps up and pitches in. I like associating myself with organizations that put people and the community first.”

He added, “Florence Bank is dedicated to the community. It creates relationships based on trust and not those based on meeting certain goals and selling certain products.”

Previously, 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 best 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.

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.

He said Florence Bank has a well-established brand, and the challenge for him and the marketing team moving forward will be paying homage to that brand and evolving it. 

“Our goal is to keep the brand fresh and take it to the next level,” he said. 

Kevin R. Day, president and chief executive officer of Florence Bank, said, “Jim is a creative, analytical thinker with a collaborative approach and a proven track record of managing projects from conception to implementation. We are excited to have him on the team.”

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 recently announced the appointment of Erin Defoyd to the position of marketing communications officer. Defoyd, who lives in Hampshire County, comes to the bank with more than 20 years of banking experience and deep connections in the communities the bank serves.  

She most recently served as marketing officer at a local community bank. Her duties included implementation of marketing strategies to increase brand awareness, creation of communications materials, support of media planning, website management, and social media administration. 

“I have always been drawn to the Florence Bank brand and admired the commitment the bank has to its employees, customers, and the community,” Defoyd said. “I am excited to be a part of the team and look forward to fostering and building upon the deep relationships that the bank has established within the local communities.”

Defoyd graduated from the New England School for Financial Studies in 2018 and is currently pursuing a degree in marketing at Southern New Hampshire University.    

“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Erin Defoyd to our Florence Bank family,” President and CEO Kevin R. Day said. “Her extensive background within the community banking space as well as her knowledge of the communities we serve aligns with the ongoing commitment to our customers. I look forward to watching her success.”

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, a mutually-owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through 12 branch locations, today announced the appointment of Douglas Gilbert of Agawam to the position of vice president / commercial lending.

Gilbert comes to Florence Bank with more than 27 years of banking experience, most recently at Country Bank, where he served as first vice president and team leader in the Commercial Lending Department. His duties there included managing the commercial lending team and an extensive loan portfolio. His experience also includes serving as vice president and head of commercial lending at Easthampton Savings Bank and as assistant vice president in commercial lending at Westfield Bank.

Gilbert is a certified public accountant who earned an undergraduate degree from Westfield State University and a master’s in business administration from the University of Connecticut. He also serves on the board of the Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corporation.

Gilbert said, “It is a great opportunity to be affiliated with Florence Bank, which has such an excellent reputation and does so much good in the community. Everyone here has made me feel right at home from the beginning.”

Kevin R. Day, president and CEO of Florence Bank, said, “Doug is a great addition to the Florence Bank team. His significant lending experience coupled with his knowledge of the communities we serve will be a tremendous value to our business customers.”

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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