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		<title>Rick Sullivan Announces His Retirement as President, CEO of Western Mass Economic Development Council</title>
		<link>https://www.beetlepress.com/rick-sullivan-announces-his-retirement-as-president-ceo-of-western-mass-economic-development-council/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:48:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Client Press Releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EDC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rick Sullivan]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Western Mass Economic Development Council]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.beetlepress.com/?p=8350</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Sullivan served the EDC for 11 years, bringing economic growth and opportunity to the region SPRINGFIELD—Rick Sullivan, president and CEO of the Western Mass Economic Development Council, announced his retirement this morning at a meeting of the organization’s Board of Directors. His last day in the role will be Dec. 31. Sullivan came to the EDC [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/rick-sullivan-announces-his-retirement-as-president-ceo-of-western-mass-economic-development-council/">Rick Sullivan Announces His Retirement as President, CEO of Western Mass Economic Development Council</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com">Beetle Press</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8352" src="https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rick-sullivan-1.jpg" alt="" width="1100" height="732" srcset="https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rick-sullivan-1.jpg 1100w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rick-sullivan-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rick-sullivan-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rick-sullivan-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/rick-sullivan-1-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px" /></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sullivan served the EDC for 11 years, bringing economic growth </span></i><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and opportunity to the region</span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">SPRINGFIELD—Rick Sullivan, president and CEO of the Western Mass Economic Development Council, announced his retirement this morning at a meeting of the organization’s Board of Directors. His last day in the role will be Dec. 31.</span><span id="more-8350"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sullivan came to the EDC as an already-seasoned leader in Massachusetts, and in his 11-year tenure, he focused on growing the organization and its influence with statewide leaders and policy makers. Programming has also greatly expanded, membership has doubled, and the region’s economics are considerably stronger. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most recently, Sullivan led the EDC in publishing a white paper early in 2024, outlining where to make multi-million-dollar investments in the region, which led to a recent $70 million award through the state’s Economic Development Bond Bill. The region is now investing in food science, quantum computing, and clean tech. The award was the largest in the region’s history.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m proud of the work that we’ve done,” Sullivan said. “I’m always very mindful of the fact that we’re a team. I’ve been fortunate to have supportive staff here and a board that is really committed to growing the economy of the region. The strength of the EDC is about the people who sit around the table.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sullivan added that he is excited to be retiring and plans to travel and spend more time with family, but as with all new things, there is also some trepidation. “It’s a new chapter, and there’s always that anxiety of something new and what retirement will bring,” he said.</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Leadership career spanned decades</span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A partner in a law firm early on in his career, Sullivan was mayor of Westfield from 1994 to 2007, and served as president of the Massachusetts Mayors Association in 1998.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before coming on board as president and CEO of the EDC, he was chief of staff in the Massachusetts Governor’s Office in 2014 and 2015 and held leadership roles with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sullivan is 66 and lives in Westfield with his wife, Lisa Oleksak Sullivan, a realtor and Coldwell Banker top agent. They have three children and eight grandchildren. “I could not have done this work if I didn’t have a great support system at home,” Sullivan added. </span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Leaders across the state pay homage</span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sullivan and his work with the EDC are well-respected across the state. After learning the news of Sullivan’s retirement, leaders in a broad spectrum of industries across EDC’s core region—Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties—and in Boston, said Sullivan is a strong leader, a master convener and collaborator who is dedicated to Western Mass.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Christina Royal, chair of the EDC’s Board of Directors, said Sullivan was gift to the EDC and the community. He came on board in January 2015, “when the EDC was a much smaller version of itself,” Royal said. “It is a testament to Rick’s leadership, political acumen, and commitment to this region that it is so hard to think about how we begin to find a successor.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She said Sullivan has contributed in significant ways—expanding the vision of the EDC to strengthen businesses, enhance workforce and economic development, and prioritize equity in the initiatives of the EDC; actively partnering in the creation of the Congressman Richard Neal Cyber Security Center in Springfield; supporting the development of a new, three-year strategic plan that launched in January 2025; and engaging stakeholders, supporting regional initiatives and legislation that positively impacts Western Mass in countless areas.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is just a small part of a long list of accomplishments for which Rick has led or was involved in in recent years,” Royal stressed. “His career spanning a decade has elevated our region, created more financial stability and enhanced partnerships with Boston and Worcester that have put Western Mass on the map.”  </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Charles L. D’Amour, executive chairman of the Board of Directors of Big Y Foods, Inc. and a member of the EDC board, said Sullivan’s dedication to the region has been evident since he was mayor of Westfield. “His ability to collaborate, to convene business leaders and state leaders and municipal leaders has really proven out to be very effective and to really benefit the region,” D’Amour said. “A culmination of Rick’s work came about a year ago with the publication of the white paper that focused the region on key areas for growth and development. Rick understands the region’s challenges and its assets. We’re going to miss Rick.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Rick has done a great job of pushing the EDC forward in such a way that we are recognized not only locally but on the state level and nationally,” D’Amour added. “Rick’s also done a great job of bringing more members onto the EDC board. That speaks volumes. People believe in his leadership.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Governor Maura Healey said Sullivan has dedicated his career to advancing economic growth in cities and towns across Massachusetts, especially in Western Mass. “He has been a great partner in our work to support local businesses, create jobs and grow Massachusetts’ leadership in cutting-edge industries,” Healey said. “We wish him the absolute best in his well-deserved retirement, and we look forward to working with the next leader of the EDC to continue to build on his legacy.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said the news of Sullivan’s retirement is bittersweet. “Only mayors know that you have to get things done yesterday, and it was a pleasure to work with Rick. I appreciate his dedicated economic development efforts for Western Massachusetts, and I wish my friend and his family good health and continued success in all his future endeavors.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dominick Ianno, head of State Government Relations at MassMutual, congratulated Sullivan on his impressive career and his dedication to the region. “Rick has always been a strong voice in advocating for Western Massachusetts. Whether as mayor, a senior state government official or the head of the EDC, he has always been a champion for a vibrant and prosperous region. We will miss his leadership and wish him well in his retirement.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Javier A. Reyes, chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, said Sullivan is leaving a profound legacy of collaboration and advocacy for the Western Massachusetts region. “UMass is proud to be a partner in the work of the Western Massachusetts EDC, and we are grateful for Rick’s leadership over the past 10 plus years,” he said.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mary-Beth Cooper, president of Springfield College, said Sullivan has been an incredible partner with higher education. “Rick Sullivan’s leadership has played a vital role in strengthening our region’s economy and fostering community growth. His dedication, vision and ability to unite people have made a lasting impact,” she said. “I want to express my sincere gratitude for his years of service and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Search for new leader has launched</span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Royal said D’Amour has been asked to chair the search committee that will seek a new leader for the EDC. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The EDC Executive Committee has hired Lindauer, an executive search firm with experience in Western Mass, to lead a nation-wide search for the next CEO. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Royal said Lindauer will first hold feedback sessions with key constituents on the priorities of the position and begin to advertise no later than May, conducting early interviews with candidates before making recommendations to the search committee, which will also conduct a series of interviews.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m hoping we can make an announcement in September or October with a projected start date no later than January 1, 2026,” Royal said. “That’s a pretty good timeline.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She added that Sullivan has such a broad range of skills, which you don’t normally find in one person, that the task of finding a new leader is daunting. “That’s why we’re engaging a search firm—to help us find another major unicorn, one I feel the EDC landed on when they landed Rick 10 years ago,” she said. “I’m constantly amazed at how many strengths he brings to the position.”</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Looking ahead</span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sullivan said the next leader of the EDC has exciting growth opportunities in the food science, quantum computing, cyber security and manufacturing sectors. “There’s a lot of good synergy out there that will come together with new energy and vision and grow the initial catalyzing work that we’ve done in those sectors,” he added.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Continued success will come through population growth, diversification of economies and focusing on becoming cutting-edge in one sector, which he predicts could be food science in this region, where the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is a world leader. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s important to have some centers of excellence that you’re nationally and internationally known for and those opportunities are right here,” he said. “It won’t happen because it makes sense. People will have to work at it every day to make it a reality.”</span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/rick-sullivan-announces-his-retirement-as-president-ceo-of-western-mass-economic-development-council/">Rick Sullivan Announces His Retirement as President, CEO of Western Mass Economic Development Council</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com">Beetle Press</a>.</p>
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		<title>CEO of Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts to Step Down by Fiscal Year End</title>
		<link>https://www.beetlepress.com/ceo-of-womens-fund-step-down-fiscal-year-end/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:47:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Client Press Releases]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.beetlepress.com/?p=8041</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Donna Haghighat has served the philanthropic organization since 2017 SPRINGFIELD—Donna Haghighat, CEO of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, has announced her plans to retire, effective June 30.  Under Haghighat’s leadership, beginning in 2017, the Women’s Fund developed innovative programs, sought out effective partnerships, increased grant-making, grew its corporate and individual donations and focused on [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/ceo-of-womens-fund-step-down-fiscal-year-end/">CEO of Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts to Step Down by Fiscal Year End</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com">Beetle Press</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/ceo-of-womens-fund-step-down-fiscal-year-end/donna-haghighat/" rel="attachment wp-att-8042"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-8042 alignnone" src="https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/donna-haghighat-e1707500604850.jpg" alt="" width="541" height="361" srcset="https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/donna-haghighat-e1707500604850.jpg 541w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/donna-haghighat-e1707500604850-150x100.jpg 150w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/donna-haghighat-e1707500604850-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px" /></a></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Donna Haghighat has served the philanthropic organization since 2017</span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">SPRINGFIELD—Donna Haghighat, CEO of the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> has announced her plans to retire, effective June 30. </span><span id="more-8041"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Under Haghighat’s leadership, beginning in 2017, the Women’s Fund developed innovative programs, sought out effective partnerships, increased grant-making, grew its corporate and individual donations and focused on racial equity and trust-based philanthropy. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Haghighat was also integral in the launch of The Young Women’s Initiative for girls and young women of color in Springfield and The Greater Springfield Women’s Economic Security Hub. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Women’s Fund is a leading philanthropic organization that fuels progress toward gender equity and justice, work that has been ongoing since 1997. It has been making grants to change-making organizations in the four counties of Western Mass for most of its 27-year history. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today, these grants are larger and more likely to be multi-year in duration. The Women’s Fund has initiated research about the lives and prospects for the region’s women, girls and gender diverse individuals, most recently in 2023. An additional focus of the organization is the intersection of race and gender as well as its Young Women’s Initiative. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It has been an honor to lead an exceptional team and our expansive network of partners, donors and corporate supporters,” said Haghighat. Collectively, we have committed ourselves and our work to advancing issues of gender and racial equity in Western Mass and beyond. Although I am retiring, I will happily remain part of this diverse and vibrant community.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Haghighat has facilitated the monthly meetings of The Women Heads of Nonprofits group in Western Mass, which the Women’s Fund hosts, and has served on the state’s Community Reinvestment Fund Advisory Board and the advisory board of the Center for Social Justice at Western New England School of Law. She was appointed by the governor to the Massachusetts Cultural Council this year and is a board member for WAM Theatre in the Berkshires.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lisa Ranghelli and Arwen Lowbridge, co-presidents of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts’ Board of Directors, jointly acknowledged the impact of Haghighat’s leadership. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Donna will be a hard act to follow,” said Lowbridge.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Both Ranghelli and Lowbridge said Haghighat has vision and diehard commitment to gender and racial equity. Ranghelli added, “She has propelled the fund and focused the organization on work that will impact those who are most vulnerable and marginalized.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A succession committee drawn from the board membership is charged with searching for WFWM’s new CEO. The committee’s progress is well underway. Information on the search can be found at </span><a href="https://www.mywomensfund.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">mywomensfund.org</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For additional information regarding the organization’s succession plan, contact </span><a href="mailto:wfwmceosearch@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">wfwmceosearch@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><b>About the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Located at</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">333 Bridge St., in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts fuels progress toward gender equity by funding the most promising solutions, collaborating with results-oriented partners, and by elevating the collective power of local women to take charge, and to lead with purpose. To learn more, visit </span><a href="https://www.mywomensfund.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">mywomensfund.org.</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/ceo-of-womens-fund-step-down-fiscal-year-end/">CEO of Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts to Step Down by Fiscal Year End</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com">Beetle Press</a>.</p>
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		<title>Florence Bank promotes Jim Hickey to Senior Vice President / Director of Marketing</title>
		<link>https://www.beetlepress.com/florence-bank-promotes-jim-hickey-to-senior-vice-president-director-of-marketing/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jun 2023 03:35:20 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>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 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/florence-bank-promotes-jim-hickey-to-senior-vice-president-director-of-marketing/">Florence Bank promotes Jim Hickey to Senior Vice President / Director of Marketing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com">Beetle Press</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/florence-bank-promotes-jim-hickey-to-senior-vice-president-director-of-marketing/jim-hickey-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-7887"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-7887 alignnone" src="https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jim-hickey-scaled-e1688009563314.jpg" alt="" width="1100" height="732" srcset="https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jim-hickey-scaled-e1688009563314.jpg 1100w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jim-hickey-scaled-e1688009563314-768x511.jpg 768w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jim-hickey-scaled-e1688009563314-150x100.jpg 150w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jim-hickey-scaled-e1688009563314-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jim-hickey-scaled-e1688009563314-1800x1200.jpg 1800w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jim-hickey-scaled-e1688009563314-736x490.jpg 736w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jim-hickey-scaled-e1688009563314-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jim-hickey-scaled-e1688009563314-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px" /></a></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Senior Vice President / Director of Marketing Monica Curhan retires</span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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. </span><span id="more-7886"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hickey replaces Monica Curhan, who retired on April 7 after serving as senior vice president / director of marketing for nearly 10 years.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The challenge for me will be sustaining and evolving our unique brand identity,” Hickey said. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He said his experience in financial services marketing and communications will continue to inform his work for Florence Bank. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“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.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Active in the community, Jim sits on the board for the Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p>
<p><b>About Florence Bank</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/florence-bank-promotes-jim-hickey-to-senior-vice-president-director-of-marketing/">Florence Bank promotes Jim Hickey to Senior Vice President / Director of Marketing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com">Beetle Press</a>.</p>
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		<title>Kevin R. Day, President and CEO of Florence Bank, Announces Retirement</title>
		<link>https://www.beetlepress.com/kevin-r-day-president-and-ceo-of-florence-bank-announces-retirement/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Beetle Press]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2022 03:08:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Client Press Releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florence Bank]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new leader]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.beetlepress.com/?p=7512</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Board of Directors launches search for new leader FLORENCE—Florence Bank announced yesterday that President and CEO Kevin R. Day will retire on November 25, and a focused search is underway for a new leader. Day took over as president in January 2020 and became CEO in May of the same year.  When Day took the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/kevin-r-day-president-and-ceo-of-florence-bank-announces-retirement/">Kevin R. Day, President and CEO of Florence Bank, Announces Retirement</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com">Beetle Press</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-7513 alignnone" src="https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kevin-day-1-7.7.22-scaled-e1657249512515.jpg" alt="" width="1100" height="733" srcset="https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kevin-day-1-7.7.22-scaled-e1657249512515.jpg 1100w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kevin-day-1-7.7.22-scaled-e1657249512515-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kevin-day-1-7.7.22-scaled-e1657249512515-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kevin-day-1-7.7.22-scaled-e1657249512515-150x100.jpg 150w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kevin-day-1-7.7.22-scaled-e1657249512515-330x220.jpg 330w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kevin-day-1-7.7.22-scaled-e1657249512515-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kevin-day-1-7.7.22-scaled-e1657249512515-736x490.jpg 736w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kevin-day-1-7.7.22-scaled-e1657249512515-621x414.jpg 621w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kevin-day-1-7.7.22-scaled-e1657249512515-414x276.jpg 414w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kevin-day-1-7.7.22-scaled-e1657249512515-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px" /></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Board of Directors launches search for new leader</span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">FLORENCE—Florence Bank announced yesterday that President and CEO Kevin R. Day will retire on November 25, and a focused search is underway for a new leader.</span><span id="more-7512"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Day took over as president in January 2020 and became CEO in May of the same year. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When Day took the helm at age 64, he promised that nothing would change at the bank. Little did he know, he’d be called upon to usher Florence Bank through some of the most tumultuous times in history, including a pandemic and the resulting financial strife. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Day led the bank in ensuring that countless homeowners and businesses were able to defer their payments during the pandemic and in helping business customers connect to grants and other available funding. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These measures helped customers navigate the financial turmoil and gave them much-needed time to adjust to new financial situations. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The bank also expanded over these past two years, opening a branch in Chicopee; creating a work-from-home program for employees; and granting hundreds of thousands of dollars to nonprofit organizations in the Valley.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Day takes pride in the bank’s stability but shares the credit with the full banking team. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Our goal in this transition is to identify an individual to lead the bank into the future while preserving the values and mission of the past that have proven so successful here,” he said. “I am proud to say that Florence Bank is fundamentally sound in every way. We have an experienced executive management team, a solid officer team, and a dedicated staff. I am confident that the bank will continue to prosper for many years to come.”  </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Day joined Florence Bank in 2008 as chief financial officer, responsible for finance, facilities, and risk management. His responsibilities expanded to include compliance in 2013, residential lending in 2014, and retail banking in 2016. He was also promoted to executive vice president in 2016.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He lives in Easthampton with his wife, Laurel. He has three grown children and eight grandchildren whom he’s looking forward to spending more time with.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Florence Bank Board of Directors has launched a search to find the next bank leader. “We plan to be thorough in our work and have as a major part of our mission seeking to hire an individual who is as committed to the bank’s mutual form of ownership as we are,” said Board Chair John Ebbets. “We can ensure the community that Florence Bank will remain a local, independent bank for years to come.”</span></p>
<p><b>About Florence Bank</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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 <em>Valley Advocate</em>. </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/kevin-r-day-president-and-ceo-of-florence-bank-announces-retirement/">Kevin R. Day, President and CEO of Florence Bank, Announces Retirement</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com">Beetle Press</a>.</p>
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		<title>Bold Leader, Exponential Growth</title>
		<link>https://www.beetlepress.com/bold-leader-exponential-growth/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Beetle Press]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2020 10:00:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Client Press Releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florence Bank]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.beetlepress.com/?p=6547</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Florence Bank President and CEO John F. Heaps Jr. announced plans to retire after 25 years FLORENCE—Florence Bank announced today that President and CEO John F. Heaps Jr. will retire on May 1, 2020—25 years to the day he took the top job, making him the bank’s longest-serving CEO. Heaps leaves an expansive legacy as [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/bold-leader-exponential-growth/">Bold Leader, Exponential Growth</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com">Beetle Press</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6548" src="https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-f.-heaps-jr.-scaled-e1580437107142.jpg" alt="" width="1100" height="733" srcset="https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-f.-heaps-jr.-scaled-e1580437107142.jpg 1100w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-f.-heaps-jr.-scaled-e1580437107142-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-f.-heaps-jr.-scaled-e1580437107142-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-f.-heaps-jr.-scaled-e1580437107142-150x100.jpg 150w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-f.-heaps-jr.-scaled-e1580437107142-330x220.jpg 330w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-f.-heaps-jr.-scaled-e1580437107142-900x600.jpg 900w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-f.-heaps-jr.-scaled-e1580437107142-736x490.jpg 736w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-f.-heaps-jr.-scaled-e1580437107142-621x414.jpg 621w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-f.-heaps-jr.-scaled-e1580437107142-414x276.jpg 414w, https://www.beetlepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/john-f.-heaps-jr.-scaled-e1580437107142-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px" /></span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Florence Bank President and CEO John F. Heaps Jr. announced plans to retire after 25 years</span></i></p>
<p>FLORENCE<span style="font-weight: 400;">—Florence Bank announced today that President and CEO John F. Heaps Jr. will retire on May 1, 2020—25 years to the day he took the top job, making him the bank’s longest-serving CEO.</span><span id="more-6547"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heaps leaves an expansive legacy as a bold leader. Staff and businesspeople alike credit Heaps with bringing tremendous growth to Florence Bank in an era when other independent banks across the country were falling victim to buy-outs and mergers with larger banks. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He has grown the bank in terms of staff, the number of branches, the geographic regions it serves, and capital and assets. Florence Bank is a top-performing bank in the industry in the state, with record results over the past five years, according to both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Depositors Insurance Fund.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We’ve kept our focus on the customers, the community, and the employees,” Heaps said. “We are committed to our status as an independent, mutual bank, which allows us to keep that focus. That gives us strength.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heaps will be succeeded from within by Kevin Day, Florence Bank’s executive vice president. Day joined the bank 11 years ago as its chief financial officer. Heaps will serve as CEO, and Day will become the bank’s president. When Heaps retires on May 1, Day will become CEO as well.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since Heaps came on board as president and CEO on May 1, 1995, dozens of mutual banks in the Pioneer Valley have been bought out by or merged with larger banks. “There are only a few mutual banks left,” Heaps said. “In light of the economic downturns we’ve seen in the past few decades, that is significant. We are able to continue to focus on what’s right for the community and remaining mutual.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During Heaps’ tenure, Florence Bank’s capital has grown from $24 million to $161 million, and assets have grown from $283 million to $1.4 billion. The bank grew from four branches in 1995 to 11 now—and soon to be 12, in 2020. The staff has doubled from 112 full-time employees to 221 now.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was very methodical growth,” said Robert Borawski, a 30-year member of the bank’s Board of Directors and its current chair. He explained that Heaps intentionally targeted commercial lending as a growth opportunity and built the lending team from one person in 1995 to nine now.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heaps also invested in marketing to raise awareness about Florence Bank, and his strategy for expanding into Hampden County promoted growth as well. “John had deep, local roots,” said Borawski, president of Borawski Insurance in Northampton. “He has great commercial connections and is well-respected, full of energy, very engaging.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heaps is proud of Florence Bank’s community giving, which totals nearly $600,000 annually. One component of the bank’s giving that Heaps is particularly proud of is the Customers’ Choice Community Grants program. He recalled the year that his late wife, Jane, suggested the concept for the program, through which bank customers can vote on one nonprofit they’d like the bank to support with a grant. “It was such a unique idea,” he said.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since 2002, the program has provided over $1.1 million to hundreds of Valley nonprofits. This year the bank will be giving another $100,000 through the program to more than 50 nonprofits. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jonathan Wright, owner of Wright Builders, Inc., and a commercial customer of the bank, as well as a corporator, said the Customers’ Choice program is brilliant and in keeping with Heaps’ energy and focus. “He has a passion for his work and also actively shares in and relishes the passions that we, as customers, have for our own path and commitments,” Wright said. “His encouragement is infectious, respectful, and unbureaucratic.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wright said Heaps is loyal to customers and celebrates their success. “Simple maybe, but unusual,” he said. “For me, it has been loyalty and respect through thick and thin.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Suzanne Beck, who retired in 2019 as executive director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce after 26 years of service, said, “John made an incredible impact on the organizations and communities of Hampshire County by dedicating the bank’s resources and, more importantly, creating a culture of community service at Florence Bank.&#8221; Beck worked with Heaps in 1995 as co-chairs of Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s business campaign to fund a new birthing center. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beck said Heaps has been a board member and community chair for the chamber, adding, “Florence Bank was the leading investor in the chamber every year and a founding Chamber Partner, invested in growing the chamber’s influence and impact. It’s been an invaluable partnership.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heaps grew up in Springfield and began his banking career in 1971 in marketing at Valley Bank, later Bay Bank, in Springfield. In 1987, he was first named a bank president for Bank of Boston, also in Springfield. He was 37 at the time, and the Springfield </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Union-News</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> reported he was the youngest bank CEO in Western Mass. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At 71, Heaps said the time is right for him to retire.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We have a strategic plan in place that will guide the continued growth of our bank in Western Mass. The marketplace is wide open for us. We have an exceptional senior management team, a dedicated board of directors, and committed employees.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Long active on various nonprofit boards, Heaps began his bank tenure at the same time that Carol Leary became president of Bay Path College—now University. Six years ago, Leary was pleased that Heaps became a member of the Bay Path Board of Trustees as well as chair of the Finance Committee. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“John has been a strong, effective bank president who had the community he served at the center of every decision he made. His impact on our region and on Bay Path have been extraordinary,” Leary said. “He led the bank through two recessions, and it has grown exponentially since those difficult times.  This is a sign of true leadership and bold, strategic actions.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">John Doleva, president and CEO of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, first met Heaps when Heaps took over as chairman of the Western Massachusetts Sports Commission in 2013; the commission was charged with bringing more sporting events to the region.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I had heard great things about him,” Doleva said. “And he did set the commission up very sturdily. Now it is very successful. He opened up a lot of doors for the commission. He is a leader who is well-respected and had a significant impact.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The basketball hall of fame was one of Florence Bank’s first commercial customers in Hampden County, and Doleva said the bank has been wonderfully responsive, helping recently to fund a major reconstruction at the organization. Doleva added, “John’s personality flows through the entire bank—the attitude and energy. It permeates the entire organization.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to serving on countless other nonprofit boards, Heaps has also sat on many boards in the banking industry, including the Connecticut On-Line Computer Center Inc. (COCC), which provides core data processing to banks, including Florence Bank. “COCC allows Florence Bank and other community banks to compete with the largest banks in America,” Heaps said. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In retirement, Heaps will spend time with his 10 grandchildren, play golf, and travel. He will continue to sit on the board of directors for the Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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. Additionally, they offer 26 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 <em>Valley Advocate</em> and the <em>Daily Hampshire Gazette.  </em></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com/bold-leader-exponential-growth/">Bold Leader, Exponential Growth</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.beetlepress.com">Beetle Press</a>.</p>
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		<title>Retiring Glenmeadow President and CEO to be Honored for 23 Years of Service</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Janice Beetle]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:25:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Client Press Releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Glenmeadow Retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Glenmeadow Staff Education Fund]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Longmeadow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[president]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Timothy V. Cotz]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.beetlepress.com/?p=3276</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Staff, residents and community members to pay tribute LONGMEADOW—On Wednesday, Oct. 5, the Glenmeadow community will bid farewell to Timothy V. Cotz, who has served as president and chief executive officer for the past 23 years. This week, in advance of the celebration, Cotz learned that $16,000 has been raised in his honor by staff, [&#8230;]</p>
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]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Staff, residents and community members to pay tribute</em></p>
<p>LONGMEADOW—On Wednesday, Oct. 5, the Glenmeadow community will bid farewell to Timothy V. Cotz, who has served as president and chief executive officer for the past 23 years.<span id="more-3276"></span></p>
<p>This week, in advance of the celebration, Cotz learned that $16,000 has been raised in his honor by staff, residents and community members for the Glenmeadow Staff Education Fund, which makes scholarship funds available for employees returning to school. In addition, the largest gathering room, formerly known as Great Hall, has been renamed Timothy V. Cotz Hall.</p>
<p>Reflecting on his time at Glenmeadow, Cotz said much has changed in the industry since he began, including that residents are coming to the life plan community later in life, they expect more in terms of quality, and they are healthier and more active.</p>
<p>Cotz also noted that the nonprofit itself, known for its holistic mission and innovative programs and outreach to the wider community, has greatly expanded. Once offering services only to residents, the organization now provides services to people living across the greater Springfield area. Through such innovations as Glenmeadow at Home, the Lifestyle Pass and Glenmeadow Learning—all programs Cotz helped found—area residents have access to services from transportation and care management to education.</p>
<p>“We serve more people who don’t live on site than we do who live on site,” Cotz said. “By expanding the number of people we’re serving, we’re better able to fulfill our mission of meeting the needs of elders. That’s been a real positive.”</p>
<p>What has not changed over several decades, Cotz said, is Glenmeadow’s mission, vision and values. “Our mission of providing premier services and meeting the needs of the whole person has not changed, and the organization’s values of caring, compassion, quality, integrity and stewardship remain very much in place.</p>
<p>These guiding principles, coupled with the longevity that’s evident in the staff team, and a committed Board of Directors, will provide consistency and stability as Glenmeadow transitions to a new president and CEO, Cotz said.</p>
<p>“The 200 employees of Glenmeadow are diverse in so many ways, but they all share one commonality—genuine compassion and kindness,” he said, adding, “Our board members are so willing to share their talent and expertise. They bring such a depth of knowledge and talent in areas that are not my areas of expertise.”</p>
<p>Glenmeadow has always operated from a strategic plan, and lending further stability is the fact that the board recently approved a new, two-year strategic plan that offers a guideline for the organization through October 2018.</p>
<p>“The plan is focused on further expansion of community services, staffing levels—because we know that if you look at projected numbers of elders compared to projected numbers of available workers, there’s an ever-growing gap between the two,” Cotz said, noting, “We are also going to be looking more closely at how we provide services to people with cognitive loss. As people live longer and longer, the older people live, the odds of developing cognitive loss increase.”</p>
<p>Cotz said his work over the past 23 years has been both a passion and a joy. “The absolutely enriching part of this job is getting to know both the people we serve and the people we employ. It’s been a real gift to me to share the life’s wisdom of the people we serve—they’re role models for me on how they deal with loss, how they age with dignity.”</p>
<p>Cotz, of Longmeadow, plans to spend the next three months traveling with his husband, Ken Moffett. He continues to sit on the board for Girls Inc. of Holyoke, and he is a lay reader and member of the altar guild at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holyoke, where is also serves as a trustee of the church’s investment portfolio.</p>
<p>To learn more about Glenmeadow and the history and offerings of its various programs, visit <a href="http://www.glenmeadow.org" target="_blank">www.glenmeadow.org</a>.</p>
<p><strong>About Glenmeadow </strong></p>
<p>In the 1800s, elderly individuals without family or means were sent to live at what was called “the poor farm.”  In 1884, a group of civic leaders raised funds among themselves and other area families and purchased a house on Main Street in Springfield’s south end. Quickly outgrowing that house, land was purchased on the corner of Chestnut and Carew streets, where a new home was constructed and opened in 1900.  In 1960, the name was changed to Chestnut Knoll, and in 1992, it began to admit men.</p>
<p>In 1993, the organization purchased a 23-acre parcel in Longmeadow to build a new community that would provide both independent living and assisted living in one building with various common areas. This was a new concept known as a continuing care retirement community.  Existing residents from the old Chestnut Knoll property were moved to the new campus in 1997.  Shortly after the move, the board voted to change its legal name to Glenmeadow to coincide with the name being used by the developer of the property.</p>
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