Heather Arbour Earns Emerging Leader Award from Massachusetts Bankers Assoc.

Heather Arbour accepts the 2026 Emerging Leader Award from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc.

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced that Heather Arbour, vice president, BSA, Fraud, & Compliance, has been named the 2026 Emerging Leader Award recipient by the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. (MBA).

The MBA announced the 2026 recipients of its Women in Banking Achievement Awards at the recent annual Women and Allies in Banking Conference, recognizing leaders who embody the values of vision, mentorship, and empowerment that elevate the entire industry. The Emerging Leader Award is bestowed upon one individual each year to honor a woman under age 40 who is a rising star in her institution and demonstrates the qualities of a forward-thinking, driven leader.

“Heather’s career is a true testament to dedication, growth, and leadership,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “From her early days as a teller to her current role, Heather has been instrumental in strengthening our organization. Her leadership, expertise, and forward-thinking approach have had a profound impact across the bank and in the communities we serve. We are incredibly proud of her and this well-deserved recognition.”

During her nearly 20-year tenure at Monson Savings Bank, Arbour has demonstrated a clear and consistent trajectory of advancement, taking on increasing levels of responsibility and leadership. In her current role, she oversees enterprise-wide BSA/AML compliance, fraud prevention, and compliance program management, playing a critical role in protecting both the bank and its customers.

Arbour has been instrumental in building and enhancing the bank’s fraud prevention programs, developing proactive risk-based frameworks that strengthen reporting, training, and overall risk mitigation. She has also successfully led the implementation of enterprise-level fraud detection and AML technologies, guiding complex, cross-functional initiatives that have significantly advanced the bank’s operational capabilities.

“I’ve been fortunate to spend 19 years at Monson Savings Bank, an organization that has created a space for me to learn, grow, and lead,” she said. “This recognition is not simply a reflection of individual achievement, but of the many people who have invested in me — mentors, colleagues, and role models who have shaped how I think about leadership: not as a title, but as a responsibility to support others, lead with integrity, and contribute to something larger than ourselves.”

Recognized as a trusted advisor, Arbour provides guidance to senior and executive leadership on evolving fraud trends, regulatory developments, and risk management strategies. Her influence extends across the organization, where she serves as a mentor, role model, and valued resource to colleagues.

“Heather is a tremendous asset to our organization and a role model for so many of her colleagues,” said Dina Merwin, Monson Savings Bank’s senior vice president and chief risk & senior compliance officer. “Her ability to lead with both technical expertise and genuine care for others sets her apart. She approaches every challenge with thoughtfulness, integrity, and a commitment to doing what’s right, not only for the bank, but for our customers and community. This recognition is incredibly well-deserved.”

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Arbour is deeply committed to continuous learning and personal growth. She earned her associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees while working full-time, achieved her certified anti-money laundering specialist (CAMS) designation, and recently completed the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Her dedication to lifelong learning reflects her commitment to expanding her knowledge and strengthening her leadership.

Arbour’s impact extends beyond the bank and into the community. She actively volunteers with organizations including the Salvation Army, which she serves as co-treasurer, as well as local school initiatives and mentoring programs. She frequently volunteers in the community and is also passionate about educating customers and community members on fraud prevention and cybersecurity awareness.

“Heather exemplifies what it means to be an emerging leader,” Moriarty said. “Her commitment to excellence, her passion for mentoring others, and her dedication to making a meaningful difference, both within our organization and throughout our communities, truly set her apart.”