Noticias de nuestros miembros

Fidelity Bank Donated More Than $400,000 in 2021 through its LifeDesign Community Dividend

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Fidelity Bank today announced it donated more than $400,000 to more than 220 worthy organizations, events, and causes in several Central and Eastern Massachusetts communities in 2021 through its LifeDesign Community Dividend, which is money the bank sets aside for this purpose each year.

As communities began to slowly recover from the pandemic over the past year, Fidelity Bank utilized its gifts to reflect on the positive impact organizations bring to the communities they serve while also encouraging colleagues to utilize their unique abilities and talents to improve the world they touch.

“This past year of giving back to our communities offered the opportunity to realize the collective impact we can have not only as an organization, but also through small acts of kindness we can provide as individuals every day,” said Ed Manzi, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “Our LifeDesign Community Dividend allows us to put our mission into action in the communities we serve by using our hearts and our heads to help those in our community get where they want to be.”

Organizations receiving contributions in 2021 included Indian Hill Music of Littleton (soon to be Groton Hill Music Center when the organization opens its new home in Groton) to support outreach programs and provide scholarships for students at public schools across Fidelity Bank’s service area as well as Entrepreneurship for All, Inc., Black Box Theatre, Heywood Healthcare, Reliant Foundation, WooSox Foundation, March of Dimes Foundation, Needham Community Council, NewVue Communities, Inc., The Shine Initiative and the Worcester County Food Bank to name a few, as well as several causes promoted through Fidelity Bank’s weekly Caring Casual Fridays.

Fidelity Bank has given out approximately $2.75 million since the program was renamed in 2013.

Mount Wachusett Community College Names Stephanie Williams Inaugural Chief Diversity Executive

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We are pleased to announce that Stephanie Williams is joining Mount Wachusett Community College in the newly established role of Chief Diversity Executive.

Williams joins MWCC after severing as the Chief Diversity Executive for the City of Worcester where she was responsible for leading the City Manager’s diversity agenda. Prior to joining the City of Worcester, Williams held positions at the Department of Transitional Assistance, Anna Maria College, and Becker College.

“I am looking forward to bringing my experience both in and outside of higher education to MWCC,” Williams shared. “I’ll be working collaboratively with colleagues and students at the college to build upon the work their teams have done and develop something that will be as successful and equitable for everyone.”

Williams holds an MBA from Anna Maria College. She earned her associate degree in liberal studies at Quinsigamond Community College and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Becker College.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce Ms. Williams has accepted our offer to join the college as our first Chief Diversity Executive,” stated MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “As we progressed through our nationwide search, it became very clear that Stephanie’s experience and passion have prepared her to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead here at the Mount. I would like to thank the search team, The Diversity Equity and Inclusion team, and the students who participated in the search and provided significant feedback throughout.”

As Chief Diversity Executive Williams will report directly to President Vander Hooven and serve as a member of the President’s Leadership Team. The Chief Diversity Executive will provide vision, leadership and oversight to programs, policies, and procedures related to MWCC’s commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and facilitates the integration of equity and cultural appreciation across all aspects of the college.

Exchange Authority announces relocation to Worcester

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Financial services leader moving from Leominster in response to growing market needs

Exchange Authority, a leading consultant and facilitator for Section 1031 exchanges and a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Bank, today announced the relocation of its offices from Leominster to Worcester. 

All Exchange Authority staff relocated to the Fidelity Bank banking center located at 465 Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, effective February 21, 2022. The organization will continue to offer the same services clients and referral sources have come to know and trust for more than 20 years and will continue to serve all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

The move to Worcester comes on the heels of the Exchange Authority experiencing tremendous growth. In 2021, the organization realized a 30 percent increase in total exchanges, and a 48 percent increase in escrow receipts. The $226 million that flowed through the company in 2021 yielded a 37 percent increase in the average daily balance, ending the year with just over $51 million on deposit. 

“While the decision to move from Leominster was a difficult one, this move will provide us with the opportunity to be closer to our clients and respond to growing market needs,” said John Peculis, President and CEO, Exchange Authority. “We believe this move better positions us to serve our clients and partners in the financial services industry and also presents the opportunity to work alongside colleagues at the newly-renovated Shrewsbury Street banking center.”

Fidelity Bank recently completed a state-of-the-art renovation at the Shrewsbury Street banking center which included new offices, an enhanced teller pod experience and upgrades with modernized technology. 

Clinton Savings Bank ofrece asistencia a compradores de vivienda a través del programa de FHL Bank Boston

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Clinton Savings Bank (clintonsavings.com) has been selected to participate in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Equity Builder Program, which assists local homebuyers with down payment and closing costs as well as homebuyer counseling and rehabilitation assistance. The program provides grants to financial institutions to assist households at or below 80 percent of the area median income. Borrowers are eligible to receive up to $22,000 in assistance on a first come first served basis. Buyers must also complete a homebuyer counseling program. “Homeownership is not easily attainable for many households, so we are pleased to offer this assistance to help individuals and families purchase a home. Homeownership helps build wealth and create financial
stability, and programs that assist homebuyers can be effective in adding to the vibrancy of our communities,” said Debra Colonna, SVP/Retail Lending Officer, Clinton Savings Bank. Clinton Savings Bank is eligible to receive up to $220,000 in 2022 through the Equity Builder Program depending on availability of funds.

To learn more about applying for assistance, please contact:

Elisa Cuddy NMLS #857471

or 978-365-3444

 

John Ryan NMLS #27261

or 978-365-3489

RCAP Solutions Nombra a Brian D. Scales como Presidente y CEO Interino

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La Junta Directiva de RCAP Solutions se complace en anunciar el ascenso de Brian D. Scales como Presidente y CEO interino de la organización. Como Vicepresidente Ejecutivo anterior y líder comprobado dentro de la organización, el Sr. Scales sucede a Karen A. Koller, CAE, y asume sus responsabilidades el 16 de marzo de 2022. La Sra. Koller se retira de la organización después de 21 años de servicio por motivos de salud, con efecto inmediato.

“En nombre de la junta directiva, estamos sumamente agradecidos con Karen por su arduo trabajo y dedicación a RCAP Solutions durante los últimos 21 años y le deseamos lo mejor en su jubilación”, declaró Laura McGee, Presidenta de la Junta Directiva de RCAP Solutions. “Estamos muy entusiasmados de promover a Brian al puesto de Presidente y Director Ejecutivo interino de la organización. Con sus 14 años de servicio en RCAP Solutions y su sólida experiencia dentro de la organización, confiamos en que esta transición será fluida. Esperamos ver a RCAP Solutions continuar creciendo bajo el liderazgo de Brian.”

El Sr. Scales se unió a RCAP Solutions en 2008 con una formación diversa en desarrollo sin fines de lucro y planificación estratégica. Durante sus 14 años en RCAP Solutions, ha adquirido una amplia experiencia trabajando en todos los aspectos de la gestión y el desarrollo de programas, y ha establecido sólidas relaciones con los diversos financiadores, socios y legisladores estatales y federales de la organización. El Sr. Scales tiene un conocimiento distintivo de los diversos desafíos de desarrollo comunitario y económico, lo que lo califica de manera única para su ascenso a Presidente y Director Ejecutivo interino.

El Sr. Scales recibió una Licenciatura en Artes en Inglés de la Universidad Atlántica de Florida y una Maestría en Artes de la Universidad de Florida Central. También ha formado parte de múltiples juntas de organizaciones sin fines de lucro en la región como director y miembro de la junta asesora. “Estoy emocionado de ver a Brian nombrado Presidente y CEO interino de RCAP Solutions”, declaró Keith Ashby, CEO interino de RCAP, Inc. “Brian ha logrado cosas notables en sus muchos años en la organización y se ha convertido en un líder sobresaliente dentro de la red nacional de RCAP. Su comprensión de las necesidades de las comunidades rurales, junto con su extensa labor legislativa y su vasta experiencia en programas y desarrollo, lo convierten en la persona ideal para suceder a la Sra. Koller. Confío en que Brian continuará con el tremendo trabajo que Karen ha logrado en sus 21 años como firme defensora del apoyo a las necesidades de las pequeñas comunidades y del impacto positivo en las poblaciones desatendidas”.”

RCAP Solutions es la filial del noreste de Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP, Inc.), una red nacional de socios sin fines de lucro con más de 300 proveedores de asistencia técnica en todo el país. RCAP trabaja para mejorar la calidad de vida en la América rural comenzando en el grifo. RCAP Solutions brinda servicios en los seis estados de Nueva Inglaterra, Nueva York, Nueva Jersey, Pensilvania, Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes de EE. UU. RCAP Solutions es también la filial del condado de Worcester de The Regional Housing Network of Massachusetts, que ofrece soluciones educativas y de vivienda asequible y progresivas a familias e individuos en cada comunidad de todo el estado.

RCAP Solutions brinda servicios a aproximadamente medio millón de personas al año con una amplia gama de programas ambientales, de vivienda, de desarrollo económico y de educación y capacitación. Acerca de RCAP Solutions:  
RCAP Solutions es una corporación integrada de desarrollo comunitario que trabaja con una gama multifacética de servicios en comunidades del noreste de EE. UU. y el Caribe. Fundada en 1969 (como Rural Housing Improvement), RCAP Solutions ha apoyado el poder y el potencial de las comunidades durante más de medio siglo como estrategas del bienestar a nivel comunitario. Nuestra misión es fomentar la autosuficiencia personal y pública y mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas, las familias y las comunidades en las que viven. Para más información, visite www.rcapsolutions.org.

Leominster Credit Union anuncia ascensos

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Leominster Credit Union is proud to announce the following employees have been recently promoted within the organization.

Nicole Legere has been promoted to Vice President Compliance Officer. Nicole was hired in October 2015 as the Compliance Officer and then promoted AVP Compliance Officer in December 2016. She has made significant contributions to the Credit Union through her management of the Compliance Program, Vendor Management Program, Fraud Management, Bank Secrecy Program, and Internal Audit Program. Nicole earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science & Government from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her Juris Doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law. She has been admitted to both the Massachusetts and New York Bar.

Andrew Leblanc has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Information Security Officer. Andrew joined LCU in April 2018 as the IT Risk Manager. As the Credit Union’s subject matter expert on cybersecurity, information security, and data privacy, he has made excellent contributions to LCU in these areas Andrew holds an AS in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications from ITT Technical Institute, a BS in Information Technology from Northeastern University, and an MBA in Management and Operations from Fitchburg State University.

Holly Ogden has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Mortgages. Holly joined LCU in February 2020 as the Mortgage Pipeline Manager. With 25 years’ experience in the industry, Holly has proven to be an asset to the Mortgage Team and to the Credit Union. Her level of knowledge has significantly improved processes and workflows in her department. Under Holly’s leadership and coaching, her team exceeded production goals in 2020 and 2021. Holly earned a BA in English from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Danielle Duval has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Collections. Danielle has been with LCU since August 2019 as the Collections Manager. Danielle attended Sacred Heart University and has over 15 years of experience in Commercial Lending and Collections. Danielle has consistently performed at a high level while demonstrating her strong knowledge in the area of collections, collection laws, repossessions, foreclosures and loan modifications. She has proven to be very committed to her  role and to developing and training her team.

Justin Silva has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Retail Administrator. Justin has been with LCU for 22 years and holds an ASBA in Management from New England College of Business. He originally joined LCU as an intern from Worcester Vocational High School and was then hired to work at the West Boylston Street Branch as a Teller. During his tenure, he progressed through a variety of roles in the branch network up to Assistant Branch Manager and was promoted Retail Administrator in 2008. His experience and knowledge in branch operations, retail systems and member service are invaluable.

Maila Berry has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Operations. Maila has been with LCU for 25 years. She spent the first half of her career in Retail progressing through a variety of branch roles up to Branch Manager.

During the last 12 years, she has become LCU’s IRA expert and has made strong contributions to the Operations Division. Maila earned an associate  degree from Becker College in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree from Anna Maria College in Criminal Justice. Maila is also a Certified IRA Specialist (CIS I).

Nichole Howarth has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Digital & Member Service Center. Nichole joined LCU in 2017 as a Teller Supervisor and was promoted to Digital & Member Service Center Manager in 2019.

Nichole holds a BA in History from Merrimack College and has a strong management background from another industry. Under Nichole’s leadership, her department has grown significantly with the expansion of the digital services area as well as the addition of business services. Nichole is very committed to Leominster Credit Union, her team and our members.

Arden Twining has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Learning & Development. Arden joined LCU in 2015 as the Training Specialist and was promoted to Training Manager in 2016.  She brings over 20 years of experience in the training and learning and development arena from a variety of industries. Arden attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and is currently completing a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College in Adult Education and Training. Arden brings a unique skill set in designing, developing, and writing training programs.

Josh Laprade has been promoted to IT Manager. Josh joined LCU in 2017 as an IT Analyst. He was promoted to IT Systems Admin II in 2019, and then to IT Team Lead 2021. Josh holds an AS in Computer Network and Service Technology and a BS in Computer Information Systems from New England Institute of Technology. Josh has made significant contributions to the Credit Union’s IT Team and is extremely dedicated to his role. He is  consistently looking to improve technology and efficiencies across the Credit Union.

Foundation Announces New Vice President for Programs

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The Health Foundation is pleased to announce that Kathleen J.S. Mills, PhD, LICSW has been selected to be the next Vice President for Programs. Dr. Mills comes to the Foundation with diverse experiences in clinical work, program leadership, training, consulting, grant writing, and advocacy. Most recently, she has served as the Vice President of Innovation and Learning at RFK Community Alliance where she has provided strategic direction for and oversight of the departments of Performance and Quality Improvement and Training and led the organization’s efforts to develop a theory of change. Dr. Mills’ other work experiences include serving as a consultant to the Children’s Mental Health Campaign, directing workforce development opportunities at the Infant-Parent Training Institute of Jewish Family & Children’s Service, preparing grants for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, evaluating implementation strategies of MA child welfare and Early Intervention systems, and developing and implementing a state-of-the-art clinical program for children exposed to domestic violence and teen dating violence. She received her PhD in Social Policy degree from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, her Master of Social Work degree from Simmons College, and her Bachelor of Arts in political science degree from the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Mills will be responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of the Foundation’s strategic grantmaking agenda as set by the Board, including management of the grant portfolio and budgets, directing outreach activities, facilitating the application process, monitoring the grant evaluation process, and assisting in evaluating the Foundation’s impact. She will also advise and support grantees’ evaluation, advocacy, and lobbying efforts. Her first day will be April 25.

Mina Chebbani appointed to Vice President, Business Development Officer for the Fidelity Bank service area in Eastern, North Central and Central Massachusetts

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Chebbani brings expertise to help small business owners meet their goals through Fidelity Bank’s LifeDesign banking approach

Fidelity Bank announced the appointment of Mina Chebbani to Vice President, Business Development Officer for the bank’s service areas in Eastern, North Central and Central Massachusetts. In her new role, she will work with local businesses, both large and small, by partnering with Fidelity Bank’s caring team of commercial lenders, cash management specialists, and local banking centers to connect clients with financial tools that will help their businesses grow.

“As a highly-accomplished retail banking leader with extensive experience in building relationships with local businesses, she will provide personal attention to business owners to help plan and execute creative strategies to achieve client goals,” said Sheila King-Goodwin, Senior Vice President, Chief Community Banking Officer, Fidelity Bank.

Chebbani joins Fidelity Bank after nine years at Commerce Bank, where she most recently served as Vice President, Senior Manager in Worcester. She previously worked in business development at TD Bank in Shrewsbury.

“I’ve owned and operated small businesses myself, so I understand the challenges facing small business owners,” said Chebbani. “By utilizing the Fidelity Bank C.A.R.E. methodology, clients will receive personalized service uniquely designed to help them get where they need to be.”

A longtime resident of Worcester, Chebbani attended Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College where she studied Business Administration. She has completed numerous certification courses focused on small business credit training, cash management, ACH wire and home equity loans.

An active community leader, she created the Route 9 Referral Group, is a member of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Information Network and serves on the Sponsorship Committee for the Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference.

2nd Annual Healthy Minds Event Focused on Health and Skill-building for Students in North Central Mass to be held on April 13

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The MWCC’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative in conjunction with community partners Gardner CAC, Growing Places, HEAL Winchendon, LUK, Inc., Making Opportunity Count (MOC) Inc., and Pathways for Change, announce the second annual Healthy Minds Virtual Youth Conference, scheduled for April 13, 2022 from 10 am to 1 pm.

The 2021 event was a tremendous success, with over 1,700 students across North Central Massachusetts participating in the live virtual event, and over 2,200 registered to access the session recordings, which addressed topics requested by students that fall outside of the realm of traditional academics

This year’s Healthy Minds event brings health and real-world skill-building to K-12 schools across the region with a theme of “Curiosity and Connection”.  Teachers and students will be able to select from breakout sessions that spark personal interests, satisfy curiosity, and help them plan for their future.

“Local organizations have so many great resources to share,” states Fagan Forhan, MWCC Dean of K-12 Partnerships and Civic Engagement. “This event extends our classrooms into the communities and broadens our students’ horizons.”

Speakers include educators and community members covering topics ranging from physical and emotional health and self-care, STEM topics, interpersonal relationships, financial intelligence, and even how to rent an apartment. Healthy Minds event organizer and HEAL Winchendon Coordinator, Miranda Jennings states, “The last couple years have been incredibly difficult for students and educators—we see Healthy Minds not just as an youth-centered learning opportunity, but also as a gift to learners and their teachers from the many community organizations supporting them and rooting for their success.”

The Healthy Minds: Curiosity and Connection event will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, from 10 am to 1 pm. The conference is free and open to any school and student to participate. Event preview and registration information will be available at uwyv.mwcc.edu.

Current sponsors are the Barr Foundation, Reliant Foundation, and United Way of North Central Massachusetts. Organizations or individuals interested in sponsoring should contact Donna Toothaker, UWYV Program Manager at 978-630-9138 or .

Fidelity Bank to host Social Security Workshop

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Virtual seminar to help plan for retirement, maximize Social Security benefits

WHAT: Fidelity Bank is offering a Social Security Workshop, “The Keys to Unlocking Social Security and Making Your Benefits Work for You.” In this workshop, participants will learn when to start to collect Social Security, how your benefit is calculated, the impact of working in retirement, and several strategies to maximize Social Security benefits.

WHERE: Virtual; registration at www.FidelityBankOnline.com/SocSec or by calling Lindsey English at 978-870-1479.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

WHO: Kurt Czarnowksi, Principal, Czarnowski Consulting & Eric Brose, Financial Advisor, Infinex Investments, Vice President, Fidelity Bank