FLORENCE—Florence Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of eight team members.

Sarah Darling of Greenfield was promoted to senior vice president; Tim Deshaies of Holyoke, Elissa Langevin of Wilbraham, Dave Limero of Whately and Erin Prickett of Springfield were named first vice president; and Kim Downing of Wilbraham, Alissa Fuller of Ware and Andrew Tulis of Northampton were elevated to vice president.

Darling joined the bank’s team in 1985 and has 40 years of banking experience. As the bank’s treasurer, she will continue to oversee financial management of the bank and its financial reporting. She currently serves as board member and treasurer for the Lilly Library in Florence.

With 39 years of banking experience, Deshaies manages branch operations to support the bank’s strategic goals. He will continue to manage projects, software programs, vendors and branch risk. Deshaies has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration from Western New England College. 

Langevin joined the bank’s team in 2007 and has 40 years of banking experience. As area manager and retail development director, she will continue to oversee the bank’s branch managers, providing leadership, employee development and training. She serves as treasurer and board member of the Belchertown Day School.

Limero joined the bank in 2015 and has 16 years of banking experience. Using his skills in project management, expense management, vendor contract negotiation and business process automation, he will continue to oversee all aspects of corporate project management, IT operations, deposit operations and business intelligence.

Prickett is a 15-year employee of Florence Bank and will continue to oversee and manage the bank’s compliance programs and digital banking initiatives, combining strategic thinking with extensive knowledge of banking regulations and a strong background in digital transformation. She has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Connecticut and is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies.

With 41 years of banking experience, Downing oversees the Chicopee Branch and will continue to provide superior professional service to internal and external customers. This includes supporting and training her team and handling mortgage and home equity accounts. She serves as a board member for the Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Holyoke and committee member for The Chicopee Boys and Girls Club.

Fuller joined the bank’s team in 2022 and has 25 years of banking experience. She will continue to oversee Florence Bank’s overall compliance program and ensures adherence to federal and state regulations as well as the CRA regulation, which requires the bank to meet the credit needs within the communities it serves, particularly in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. 

Tulis is a 14-year employee of Florence Bank and will continue to be responsible for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations by developing and adhering to policies and procedures that oversee the Bank Secrecy Act program, Anti-Money Laundering program and Office of Foreign Asset Control compliance. 

Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank, said, “We are thrilled to announce these well-deserved promotions. They are all dedicated and valued team members who consistently deliver great results. They have been key assets to the bank for many years.”

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 23 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through Florence Financial Group to consumers and businesses.

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FLORENCE—Florence Bank is pleased to announce that Amanda Constantilos has been promoted to manager of the bank’s King Street branch in Northampton.

Constantilos joined the bank’s team in 2016 as a senior teller, and since, she has served as a teller operations manager in the Granby branch and as a customer service representative and assistant branch manager in Hadley.

She has 19 years of experience in the banking industry and is skilled in customer service, team work, communication, problem-solving and employee development.

In her new role, which she assumed in May, Constantilos is responsible for leadership and team development, decision-making and community engagement. “I will make sure our customers feel welcome and taken care of from the moment they walk in,” she said. “It’s about building real relationships and helping our community with big and small needs.” 

Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank, said, “We appreciate Amanda’s dedication to our customers, and we are proud to see her growing as a bank leader.”

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.

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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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Initiative could inject roughly $60,000 into the local economy

FLORENCE— Keiter Corporation will donate $25,000 to the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce for a promotion that will allow consumers to purchase a $25 Northampton Gift Card and receive $50 in actual spending power.

This is the third consecutive year Keiter has launched the initiative, donating $10,000 in 2021 and doubling the investment in 2022. A $5,000 gift from the chamber’s Neighborhood Revitalization Fund will be added to Keiter’s contribution to continue stimulating the local economy beyond the pandemic.

The 2023 gift card promotion, “Building Our Community Together,” launches on Wednesday, Aug. 9 and runs while supplies last. The $25 Keiter Gift Cards will be sold exclusively at the chamber office at 99 Pleasant St., Northampton, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Consumers must mention that they want a Keiter Gift Card, and the promotion applies only to $25 Northampton Gift Card purchases. (A $50 gift card would not be valued at $100, for instance.) There is a limit of one card per customer, per transaction. 

Last year’s “Strengthen the Community” promotion was a huge success. In three days, the cards sold out, and the program infused $50,000 into the local economy — a welcome boost to area businesses. Inspired by the community’s enthusiasm and participation, Keiter plans to build on the momentum.

“After the campaign’s success over the last two years, we’re thrilled to invest even more in our community this year to keep Northampton thriving,” said Scott Keiter, founder and president of Keiter.  “Our community matters to us.”

Based in Florence, Keiter has provided general contracting and construction management services in the Pioneer Valley since 2010 for its commercial and residential projects. Keiter Builders, the commercial and industrial division of the company; Keiter Homes, offering residential construction; Hatfield Construction, providing site work; and Keiter Properties, the real estate arm, are all under one Keiter umbrella at keiter.com.

Scott Keiter is a member of the Greater Northampton Chamber’s Board of Directors and its Finance Committee, so he is personally aware of the financial challenges that area businesses can experience. 

The Northampton Gift Card is currently accepted at more than 100 local businesses, including restaurants, shops and spas.

To learn more about the Keiter card, visit Keiter.com or call the Chamber at 413-584-1900.

For more information about Keiter, visit www.hatfieldconstruction.com.

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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 Candace Pereira of East Longmeadow to the role of vice president / commercial lender. 

Since 2018, she has worked at Florence Bank as assistant vice president / commercial portfolio manager in the Commercial Lending department. In her new role, Pereira will concentrate on commercial and industrial lending, and lending to women-owned businesses. 

Pereira holds an associate degree in finance from Springfield Technical Community College and a bachelor’s in business administration from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is currently pursuing an MBA from Isenberg as well.

Pereira began her career in banking in 2003 and has held various roles at mutually held and stockholder-owned banks in Western Massachusetts in both residential and commercial lending. 

Working at Florence Bank as a lender excites Pereira because she believes customers are better served with a mutual bank. “Decisions are made locally. The management team knows the market,” she said. “A mutual bank is also more invested in the community and its overall success. We give back to the community.”

Recently named an ambassador for the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, Pereira is also a member of the 2017 class for BusinessWest’s 40 under Forty, and she attended the Springfield Leadership Institute. Pereira has served on various local boards over the last several years and has also volunteered as an athletic coach in East Longmeadow, where her daughter is a student. 

Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank, said of Pereira, “Candace has a solid foundation in working directly with customers and understanding their financial situations. We are pleased to welcome her to our team of commercial lenders.”

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 Emily Tower of Bernardston to the position of vice president / branch manager of the bank’s main office in Florence. Prior to her promotion, she was the assistant vice president / branch manager in the Florence branch.

A graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies, Tower brings over 15 years of banking experience to her role. She has been with Florence Bank since 2006 and has worked in the Belchertown and West Springfield offices as well.

 “Emily has consistently shown exceptional customer service and team-leading skills. Her promotion is well-deserved,” said Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank.

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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Monska replaces outgoing manager Anita Sedlak 

FLORENCE—Florence Bank announced recently that longtime employee Jean Monska has been promoted to lead the Easthampton branch as branch manager. She replaces Anita Sedlak, who retired on July 1. 

Monska, of Florence, has worked for Florence Bank since 2002. Before the promotion to branch manager, she served as assistant branch manager in the Hadley location for 14 years. In March 2020, she was promoted to senior assistant branch manager before transferring to the Easthampton branch in the same role. 

She holds an associate degree in business administration from Holyoke Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She is also a graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies.

In 2005, Monska was named to the Florence Bank President’s Club. The honor recognizes superior performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank.  

“We are thrilled that Jean will be taking over the reins of our Easthampton branch,” said President and CEO Kevin Day. “Jean has built great relationships with customers and community members in Easthampton, and we know she has the skill and experience to lead.”

Sedlak became assistant vice president and assistant branch manager in 1999. She was promoted to vice president branch manager in 2021 and is retiring after 22 years of service. 

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 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 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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