Hometown Financial Group Names Reed Whitman Executive VP, CFO

Reed Whitman

EASTHAMPTON — Hometown Financial Group, parent company of bankESB; bankHometown; North Shore Bank; Abington Bank, a division of North Shore Bank; and Hometown Mortgage, hired Reed Whitman as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Whitman joins Hometown Financial from Brookline Bancorp Inc., where he most recently was treasurer of the $11.5 billion holding company. Whitman brings specific expertise in community banking organizations that operate within the multi-bank holding-company structure, as well as more than two decades of experience that includes leading transformational mergers and acquisitions, balance-sheet restructuring, new business pitches, and process redesign and execution.

Whitman assumed the position earlier this month, ahead of the retirement of Gilbert Ehmke, who served as Hometown Financial Group’s senior executive vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer for nearly 10 years.

President and CEO Matthew Sosik said Whitman’s understanding of the organization’s business model will be a tremendous asset to Hometown Financial and its continued strategic growth.

“Reed’s extensive experience in financial strategy, scaling operations, and transformative mergers and acquisitions will play a pivotal role in ensuring our company is poised for continued financial success while allowing our banks to focus on sustained growth in their individual markets,” Sosik said. “At the same time, we’re grateful to Gil for his years of dedication to Hometown Financial, driving years of strong financial performance and solidifying our position as one of the largest mutual bank holding companies in the country. We congratulate Gil and wish him well in his retirement.”

Added Whitman, “I look forward to working with everyone at Hometown Financial to have a hand in ensuring the organization remains able to execute its long-term growth strategy. I’m excited to play a significant role in helping Hometown Financial remain a leading player in the region’s financial landscape.”