Ryan Hess

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Ryan Hess, vice president / commercial team leader, has been promoted to lead the bank’s commercial lending efforts as senior vice president / chief Commercial Banking officer. Hess replaces Mike Lynch, senior vice president / senior commercial lender, who will retire in 2026 after 21 years at Florence Bank.

“Ryan has done an outstanding job as a leader as part of our commercial team and is a trusted associate and advisor to clients in Western Massachusetts. His promotion is well-deserved, and I look forward to his continuing that success,” said Matt Garrity, the bank’s president and CEO.

Hess joined Florence Bank in 2023 and has 14 years of banking experience as well as a strong affinity for commercial lending and solutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Stonehill College in Easton and believes his skill in collaboration and leadership will continue to inform his work for Florence Bank as he manages the commercial team.

“We have a talented group of business banking professionals here at Florence Bank. My experiences have helped prepare me for this role to lead that team,” he said.

Active in the community, Hess sits on the board for United Way of Franklin & Hampshire County and serves as a committee member for Ronald McDonald House and Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts.

After 42 years in banking, Lynch looks forward to playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his family, and believes Hess is well-suited for his new role. “I wish Ryan the best and look forward to the success of the bank under his leadership,” he said.

Garrity lauded Lynch’s accomplishments during his tenure as senior commercial lender. “Mike has always represented Florence Bank with distinction, integrity, and professionalism. We’ll miss his numerous contributions and wish him well as he embarks on his next journey.”

Xiaolei Hua

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced it has hired a commercial loan officer and a branch manager.

Xiaolei Hua has joined the bank as vice president / commercial loan officer, while Shadia Coley has been named branch manager / branch officer of the bank’s new Holyoke office set to open in 2026.

Shadia Coley

Hua has 20 years of banking experience, and prior to joining Florence Bank, he held the positions of commercial credit officer, assistant vice president / portfolio manager, and vice president / commercial lending. He is skilled in business development, relationship management, financial and credit analysis, and underwriting. In his new role, he will develop, manage, and deepen client relationships while supporting the bank’s strategic growth goals.

Hua holds both a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. He also attended the New England School for Financial Studies at Babson College, which trains banking professionals. He is a board member and finance & investment committee member for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and a board member and finance committee member for Tech Foundry. He was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2013 by BusinessWest.

Coley has more than 10 years of banking experience and previously held the positions of assistant branch manager / business specialist and branch manager. In addition to managing Florence Bank’s newest branch, she will oversee community outreach and engagement, team leadership, and coaching and customer service.

Coley holds both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA with a concentration in finance from Southern New Hampshire University. She sits on the board for Dress for Success Western Massachusetts.

“Xiaolei and Shadia come to us with a wealth of experience in banking,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said. “With their prior experience and stellar skill sets, I am confident they will provide exceptional service to Florence Bank’s customers.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has launched a new first-time homebuyer program called Welcome Home, designed to help first-time buyers in Chicopee, Holyoke, and Springfield secure a mortgage for a single- or two-family home or condominium.

Two tiers of the program are available, Welcome Home and Welcome Home Plus. The Welcome Home mortgage offers a reduced interest rate, 100% financing, and a $1,000 lender’s credit, and does not require private mortgage insurance (PMI). The mortgage processing fee is also waived, and there are no income restrictions.

With Welcome Home Plus, borrowers receive all the benefits of the Welcome Home mortgage, plus an additional $10,000 lender’s credit for a total of $11,000 in credits. The processing fee is also waived, no PMI is required, and there are no income restrictions.

“The communities of Chicopee, Holyoke, and Springfield have historically been underserved when it comes to providing affordable first-time homebuyer programs,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said. “We’re pleased to be helping to build strong communities and providing opportunities for home ownership. Those goals are key components of our mission as a local community bank.”

Florence Bank has branches in Springfield and Chicopee, and a Holyoke branch is expected to open in the spring of 2026.

To learn more or apply, contact any Florence Bank branch or visit florencebank.com/welcome-home.

FLORENCE — Florence Bank will take the next step in its expansion into Hampden County in August, when it breaks ground on a 2,500-square-foot office at 1504 Northampton St. in Holyoke.

The full-service Holyoke branch is expected to open in the spring of 2026 and will be the bank’s fourth in Hampden County. In August 2017, Florence Bank opened its first branch in the county in West Springfield, followed by a branch opening in Springfield early in 2019 and in Chicopee in the spring of 2021.

“We’re thrilled to be able to provide our current and future customers in Holyoke with a convenient way to bank with us and look forward to serving the people, businesses, and organizations in the Paper City,” President and CEO Matt Garrity said. “Our focus is on providing great customer service and helping to reinvigorate the community, and we are proud and committed to be meeting the banking needs of more residents of Hampden County.”

An invitation-only ceremonial groundbreaking event is planned for Friday, August 22 at 10 a.m. at the site of the new branch. Garrity will address an audience that is expected to include bank employees, board members, Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, and other community leaders and elected officials.

The new branch, designed by HAI Architecture in Northampton, will provide a spacious lobby, traditional teller stations, five offices, a drive-up teller window, and a drive-up ATM.

Six employees will staff the branch, where customers can be assisted by tellers, meet with a customer service representative, or apply for a mortgage or commercial loan. The bank’s Spanish-speaking mortgage originator will also be based in the new branch.

Florence Bank has more than 1,200 retail and business customers in Holyoke, and Garrity said the bank looks forward to deepening its impact in the region.

Alissa Fuller

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced it recently presented its 2025 Community Support Award to Alissa Fuller, a Compliance and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) officer since 2022.

The Community Support Award was established by the bank in 1997 as a means of formally recognizing team members who are active in the community and give their personal and professional time to local nonprofit organizations.

Each year, the award recipient selects an organization of his or her choice, and the bank donates $500 to that organization on the recipient’s behalf. Fuller chose to support the Care Center in Holyoke because she applauds its mission.

She supports many other nonprofits in the region with her time, serving on the advisory council for the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield and as a volunteer for the Amherst Survival Center, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and Community Action Pioneer Valley, where she assists with tax preparation.

Fuller has 25 years of banking experience and has served in other roles, including Loan Operations manager. She oversees 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.

She has an associate degree in business administration from New England College of Business and Finance. In 2022, she obtained fair lending expert certification from Tuscan Club University.

“Alissa is a team member we are proud of as she has proven herself to be an active volunteer who supports area nonprofits and those they serve,” said Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “She is well-deserving of the Community Support Award.”

Brennan LaFlamme

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently presented its 2025 President’s Award to three staff members for exceptional service. Established in 1995, the President’s Award recognizes outstanding performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank. Honorees are nominated by their colleagues at the bank.

Bill Olejarz

This year’s award recognizes Brennan LaFlamme, an IRA specialist in the bank’s main office in Florence; Bill Olejarz, an information security risk analyst, also in the main office; and Katherine Ravenelle, teller operations manager in West Springfield.

Katherine Ravenelle

LaFlamme has six years of industry experience and has served as a teller supervisor and customer service specialist. Responsible for maintaining all IRA accounts and keeping up to date on regulations, he provides IRA trainings for customers and staff. Currently working toward a degree in cybersecurity at UMass Amherst, LaFlamme is active in the community, serving as a board member for the Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Holyoke.

With four years in the industry, Olejarz assesses cybersecurity risk to help protect sensitive data and systems, reviews vendor security, and works with departments to support compliance and ensure security controls are in place to reduce threats. He is skilled at third-party risk management, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity and risk reporting, security awareness training, and cross-department collaboration. Olejarz holds a master’s degree in cybersecurity management from Bay Path University, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University, and an associate degree in computer information systems from Springfield Technical Community College.

Ravenelle has 13 years of banking experience. She manages teller line operations to ensure quality service is provided while adhering to policies, procedures, and security. She handles customer transactions, account openings, and account servicing, and is skilled at customer service as well as adapting to different markets and customer needs, branch operations, and fraud prevention and detection.

“We are very proud of these three individuals who gained notice from their peers because they are courteous, hardworking, and dedicated to their areas of expertise,” said Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “Their contributions to Florence Bank allow us to provide the superior customer service for which we are known.”

Callie Flanagan

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently welcomed Callie Flanagan as vice president and small business lender in the Commercial Originations department of the Florence headquarters.

She has 13 years of small business lending experience and most recently worked at the U.S. Small Business Administration as lender relations specialist and Springfield branch manager.

Skilled at building relationships, credit analysis, underwriting, portfolio management, and SBA lending, Flanagan has also served as a loan officer and director of lending at Common Capital. While in the latter role, she led a small lending team to achieve top lender in the state with the U.S. Small Business Administration for multiple loan products over multiple years.

“A small business lender works with small businesses in the community to obtain financing that will help that business launch, grow, and expand,” Flanagan said. “I will assist with the direction and coordination of small business lending activities, and I look forward to counseling customers where possible regarding business management and financial matters.”

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fordham University and is vice chair of the Holyoke Economic Development and Industrial Corp. and a member of the Ladies’ Ancient Order of the Hibernians.

“We are excited to have Callie on our team,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said. “She brings excellent lender experience, SBA knowledge, and passion, and will surely be a valuable asset to our customers.”

FLORENCE — More than 100 nonprofit leaders representing 40 organizations across the Pioneer Valley came together on May 13 at Florence Bank’s annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program reception to network and accept a total of $150,000 in awards. The annual event took place at the Garden House in Look Park in Florence.

“Being part of the Customers’ Choice awards reminds us that we’re important and relevant,” said Chelsea Kline, executive director of the Cancer Connection in Northampton, which received a $5,000 award, the highest possible. “It’s heartwarming and reassuring to know that the Cancer Connection is needed and the community recognizes that, and having a bank that creates this beautiful event is really heartwarming to me. It speaks volumes about the values of Florence Bank.”

The grant program was founded in 2002, and, through it, Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding. Voting takes place all year long, online at florencebank.com/vote and in bank branches, and each customer has only one vote. To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2024, more than 7,500 votes were cast, making 40 nonprofits eligible for a grant.

“Our Customers’ Choice Community Grants program is very unique, and we are proud to give voice to our customers and their preferences on where we allocate our funds,” President and CEO Matt Garrity said. “We also enjoy having the chance to connect with each of them and to hear about the important work they are doing in our midst. We know it is good work because our customers voted for them.”

One of the newest recipients was Stone Soup Café in Greenfield, which received $2,257. The nonprofit provides a pay-what-you-can, gluten-free, from-scratch meal and entertainment on Hope Street every Saturday between noon and 1:30 p.m. to roughly 200 people from all walks of life. The nonprofit also delivers meals to an additional 120 families.

“The opportunity Florence Bank offers for customers to vote on nonprofits that are important to them is awesome,” said Jansyn Thaw, director of Fundraising and Marketing at Stone Soup. “We were able to invite our community to show their support for us, and the bank was willing to listen to that input. They’re receptive, which I really appreciate.”

Once again, Dakin Humane Society of Springfield received a $5,000 grant, as it has for the past 13 years. The nonprofit has received a Customers’ Choice grant each of the 23 years the program has been offered.

“When we go to the ceremonies and customers have selected Dakin, we see this as ‘we’ve done all this together,’” said Stacey Price, director of Development and Marketing. “It’s remarkable to see the longevity of the relationship. Dakin is about people and pets, not just pets. Florence Bank’s customers chose us because they believe the same thing.”

In addition to Dakin and Cancer Connection, these organizations received a $5,000 grant: Amherst Survival Center, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Chicopee, Friends of Forbes Library in Northampton, Friends of Northampton Legion Baseball, Friends of the Williamsburg Library, Goshen Firefighters Assoc., Historic Northampton, It Takes a Village in Huntington, Northampton Survival Center, Our Lady of the Hills Parish in Haydenville, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Florence.

Along with Stone Soup, the following organizations also received an award: Bright Spot Therapy Dogs in West Brookfield, $4,626; Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, $4,552; Williamsburg Firefighters Association, $4,478; Manna Soup Kitchen in Northampton, $4,367; Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library in Shutesbury, $4,182; Friends of Lilly Library in Florence, $4,034; Amherst Neighbors, $3,737; BARC, Inc. in Belchertown, $3,552; Ludlow Boys & Girls Club, $3,515; Kestrel Land Trust in Amherst, $3,293; Smith Vocational High School PTO in Northampton, $3,293; Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School in Hadley, $3,071; Easthampton Community Center, $3,034; Northampton Neighbors, $3,997; Thomas J O’Connor Adoption Center in Springfield, $2,849; Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, $2,812; Northampton Community Music Center, $2,812; Northampton Youth Football, $2,812; Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation in Hatfield, $2,701; New Hingham Regional Elementary School PTO in Chesterfield, $2,701; Grow Food Northampton, Inc. in Florence, $2,516; Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Holyoke, $2,368; Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield, $2,331; Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School in South Hadley, $2,257; Safe Passage in Northampton, $1,998; and Northampton High School PTO, $1,850.

Amanda Constantilos

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced 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 at 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, teamwork, 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,” Constantilos said. “It’s about building real relationships and helping our community with big and small needs.”

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

FLORENCE — For the second consecutive year, Florence Bank has partnered with UMass Sports Properties and the UMass Amherst hockey team to Ice Out Hunger in the region at a time when food insecurity is at a record high. Since October, the bank has awarded $500 grants to food pantries from Springfield to Greenfield at each UMass home game, and before the season ends, 19 nonprofits will have received gifts.

A different food pantry is highlighted during the first intermission of each home game, and a fan is chosen to ride on the Mullins Center’s Zamboni, which has been wrapped with Florence Bank’s branding. Riders are selected randomly after submitting an entry form at umassathletics.com/ride.

These organizations will receive funds from the bank: Amherst Survival Center; Center for Self Reliance/Community Action Pioneer Valley, Greenfield; CHD Not Bread Alone, Amherst; Chesterfield Community Food Cupboard; Easthampton Community Center; Easthampton Congregational Church Food Cupboard; Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals, Northampton; Gray House, Springfield; Helping Hands Cupboard/Belchertown United Church of Christ; Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, Chicopee; Manna Soup Kitchen, Northampton; Margaret’s Pantry and Kate’s Kitchen at Providence Ministries, Holyoke; Most Holy Redeemer Church, Hadley; Neighbors Helping Neighbors, South Hadley; Northampton Survival Center; Open Pantry Community Services, Springfield; Southampton Community Cupboard; Springfield Rescue Mission; and the Parish Cupboard, West Springfield/Agawam/Feeding Hills.

“It’s a great promotion because nonprofits and those they serve benefit, and people at the games enjoy the fun,” said Andrew Stuebner, general manager for UMass Sports Properties, the multi-media rights holder for Massachusetts Athletics. “We very much enjoy taking part in this program with Florence Bank.”

Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity added that “food insecurity continues to be an issue in the communities we serve. Ice Out Hunger helps raise awareness and provides much-needed support for local organizations committed to making a difference. We value the work of area nonprofits, and we’re proud to support the local food pantries in their ongoing efforts to fight against hunger.”

The funds will cover the cost of tens of thousands of meals for people in need in the Valley.

“We are deeply grateful for our longtime partnership with Florence Bank, whose generosity and commitment to community make a lasting impact,” said Lev BenEzra, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center. “The support helps ensure that our neighbors have access to meaningful resources — nutritious meals, fresh groceries, and so much more. Ice Out Hunger is helping us meet record need in our community.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has changed the name of its financial-services division from Florence Savings Bank Financial Group to Florence Financial Group.

In addition to being shorter and less cumbersome, the new name and branding better reflect the bank’s position as a local wealth-management team that combines Florence Bank’s quality customer service with an innovative and comprehensive approach to managing and protecting assets.

“Florence Financial Group offers personalized investment services for people at every stage of life, and while our name has changed, our experienced team and the securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network have not,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said.

Commonwealth Financial Network is an independent financial-advisory firm with a successful track record of performance and client support.

As part of the rebranding effort, a new website and logo have been created for the division, and team members’ email addresses have changed. No changes will be made to customers’ portfolios, account logins, or passwords.

New email addresses for team members in the financial division are: Nicole Domnarski, financial advisor, [email protected]; Amy Santarelli, financial advisor, [email protected]; and Adam Kittredge, operations manager, [email protected].

Christopher Fager

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has hired Christopher Fager to serve as vice president and commercial loan officer in the Commercial Lending department.

With 15 years of experience at banks in the region, Fager is skilled at commercial loan origination and analysis, portfolio management, and customer service. Over his career, he has worked with companies across all industries and has extensive knowledge with those in construction, manufacturing, nonprofits, auto dealership, logistics, dental, veterinarian, and wholesale distribution. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from UMass Dartmouth.

Fager is active in the community, serving on the board of directors for the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club and Helix Human Services. He is a distribution committee member for the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and is so well-known as a youth coach in West Springfield that many people call him Coach Fager.

“We are proud to welcome Christopher to our commercial lending team and know that his skills, experience, and local network will serve him well in originating and managing loans for our customers,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said.

Meghan Parnell

FLORENCE — Florence Bank hired Meghan Parnell to serve as vice president, credit manager in the Commercial Lending department. She will lead her team in the analysis of existing and proposed commercial loans and commercial loan portfolio management and assist the senior management team with loan policy, budgeting, strategic planning, and external support systems.

Skilled in commercial credit and lending, financial analysis, team leadership, process improvement, and digital strategy, Parnell has served as a chief lending officer, senior financial product manager, business lending manager, and commercial credit officer. She holds an associate degree in mathematics from Holyoke Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UMass Amherst.

In the community, Parnell has served Family Outreach of Amherst, the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School, and as treasurer of the Holyoke Community College Foundation. She was named to the BusinessWest 40 Under Forty class of 2014.

“With her 24 years of experience in the industry and a broad range of skills and experience, we are confident that Meghan will work well with our commercial lending team in nurturing commercial relationships,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said.

Kim Baker

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced it recently presented its 2024 Community Support Award to longtime employee Kim Baker.

The Community Support Award was established by the bank in 1997 as a means of formally recognizing team members who are active in the community and give their personal and professional time to local nonprofit organizations.

Each year, the award recipient selects an organization of his or her choice, and the bank donates $500 to that organization on the recipient’s behalf. Baker chose to support United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region.

Baker joined Florence Bank in 1995 and currently serves as vice president, Commercial Loan Operations and compliance officer at the bank’s main office in Florence. She is responsible for commercial-loan compliance, including regulatory and management reporting.

She holds an associate degree from Holyoke Community College, a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in finance from Westfield State College, and a master’s degree in business administration from UMass Amherst.

In the community, she is a member of Hatfield’s Finance Committee and the Hatfield Saint Kaz Polish Club. She volunteers for Jessie’s House, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Cancer Connection, the Three County Fair, and the Northampton Saint Patrick’s Assoc. She also chairs United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region’s annual Ski United fundraising event.

“Kim has proven to be a true community volunteer and supporter of many local organizations,” said Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “She is well-deserving of the Community Support Award.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank awarded $150,000 to 40 area nonprofits through its annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program, through which bank customers cast votes to determine how funds are dispersed.

“Last year, for our 150th-anniversary celebration, we increased the total amount of our Customers’ Choice grant awards to $150,000 because it drew a nice parallel, and we wanted to continue that level of giving this year,” President and CEO Matt Garrity said during a celebration at the Garden House at Look Park on May 14.

“We are proud of the history of our unique grant program, and we respect our customers and enjoy giving them a chance to help decide where we allocate funds in the region,” Garrity added. “It gives our customers a voice and offers much-needed assistance to many organizations serving people in need.”

For the second year in a row, 13 organizations received $5,000 grants: Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, Cancer Connection Inc. in Northampton, It Takes a Village in Huntington, Friends of the Williamsburg Library, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Florence, Friends of Forbes Library in Northampton, Manna Soup Kitchen in Northampton, Goshen Firefighters Assoc., Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Chicopee, Our Lady of the Hills Parish in Haydenville, Amherst Survival Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, and Northampton Survival Center. Click here for a full list of the 40 recipients and their awards.

“I appreciate Florence Bank’s focus on community involvement and its expansion of this program in recent years,” said Lev BenEzra, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center, which has received a grant annually for many years. “We love the approach of bank leaders looking to their customers who are community members in the region to identify meaningful organizations that are highly effective and doing good work. It’s an inclusive process and simplifies the process for organizations.”

Florence Bank’s community grants program is an annual offering founded in 2002 and, through it, Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding.

Voting takes place all year long, online at florencebank.com/vote and in bank branches, and each customer has only one vote. To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2023, roughly 7,168 votes were cast, making 40 nonprofits eligible for a grant.

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has donated $4,000 to the city of West Springfield to help support four events the city has planned in 2024 as part of a year packed with 250th-anniversary festivities.

Florence Bank’s backing of the West Springfield 250th celebration specifically offers support for three 5K races, happening in March, July, and November; a block party on June 22 and 23, when Elm and Central streets will be closed for activities from dancing to vendors and food trucks; family photo sessions at historic town locations; and a golf tournament in July.

Also part of the 250th events in West Springfield are a birthday celebration in Clark Field today, Feb. 23, the same day West Springfield was incorporated in 1774; a black-tie ball in May; various ongoing public art projects; and a Bright Nights display next winter.

Nikki Gleason, vice president and branch manager of Florence Bank in West Springfield, explained that, in addition to the financial support, a team of bank staff will volunteer at some of the events in town. She noted they are particularly excited to be part of the family photo event on May 11 with photographer Branden Brus, who will capture portraits of interested families who sign up for sessions at a historic town location to be determined.

“I’ve worked in West Springfield for 13 years, the last five with Florence Bank at our West Springfield branch, and I believe in the town and in the way it is celebrating this important anniversary,” Gleason said. “This is such a diverse community. It’s very unique, and I’m pleased that the bank is involved in celebrations that will bring everyone together. It’s a great fit for Florence Bank because supporting community events that bring people together is really important to us.”

Sarah Calabrese-Dunphy, anniversary committee co-chair, agreed. “Florence Bank has shown a commitment to the well-being of our town that goes beyond just providing financial services. Through sponsorships, donations, and volunteerism, Florence Bank has helped improve the lives of our local kids, families, and the community as a whole.”

Carly Camossi, chief of Operations for West Springfield and co-chair of the anniversary committee, said more than 100 business sponsors are part of the anniversary celebrations, and more than 400 area residents attended the mayoral ball kickoff event earlier this year.

“It’s amazing to me how many people want to participate,” said Camossi, who grew up in West Springfield. “Everyone is incredibly generous and feels that community spirit. It’s very humbling.”

Since 2007, Florence Bank has had a presence in West Springfield, which was enhanced five years ago when the current full-service branch opened at 1010 Union St.

Andre Motulski

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has promoted Andre Motulski 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 Corp.-commissioned risk-management examiner.

In his new role, which he assumed in December, 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.

“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,” said Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank.

Ashley Swett

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently announced that Ashley Swett has been named manager of the bank’s Customer Service Center at the main office in Florence. In her new role, she will oversee the staff responsible for assisting Florence Bank customers who contact the bank via telephone or email.

Swett has 16 years of industry experience and is a graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies. She holds a certificate in supervision from the Center for Financial Training.

“We are pleased to have someone with Ashley’s skills in this important role, as customer service is a top priority at Florence Bank,” said Matt Garrity, the bank’s president and CEO. “She has a great deal of experience in customer service, and we look forward to her valuable insight as a member of our retail banking team.”

Active in the community, Swett is currently a member of the Holiday Flair in Ware, where she enjoys the annual festival and parade.

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has partnered with UMass Sports Properties and the UMass Amherst hockey team to Ice Out Hunger in the Valley. Through this innovative new program, the bank will provide $9,500 in $500 grants to each of 19 food pantries across the region.

A different food pantry will be highlighted during the first intermission at each Massachusetts home game, and a lucky fan will be chosen to ride on the Mullins Center’s Zamboni, which has been wrapped with Florence Bank’s branding. Riders are selected randomly after submitting an entry form at umassathletics.com/ride.

Each of the following food pantries will receive $500: Amherst Survival Center, Easthampton Community Center, Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals, the Parish Cupboard in West Springfield, Northampton Survival Center, Easthampton Congregational Church, Not Bread Alone soup kitchen in Amherst, the Gray House in Springfield, Margaret’s Pantry at Providence Ministries in Holyoke, Helping Hands Cupboard Food Pantry in Belchertown, Neighbors Helping Neighbors in South Hadley, Chesterfield Community Food Cupboard, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen in Chicopee, Most Holy Redeemer Church in Hadley, Southampton Community Cupboard, Springfield Rescue Mission, Center for Self Reliance in Greenfield, Manna Soup Kitchen in Northampton, and Open Pantry Community Services in Springfield.

Andrew Stuebner, general manager of UMass Sports Properties, the multimedia rights holder for Massachusetts Athletics, said the partnership with Florence Bank has been developed over the past few years with Jim Hickey, the bank’s senior vice president and marketing director.

“In exploring high-impact ways to complement Florence Bank’s key objectives of building relationships with local organizations and supporting the communities the bank serves, the concept came to light thanks in large part to Jim,” Stuebner said, adding that the Rider of the Game and Ice Out Hunger themes evolved to ensure a philanthropic component. “It’s a win-win promotion, providing lifelong memories for lucky fans while supporting those in need.”

Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank, added that “pantry leaders have told us that the funds we are providing will cover the cost of tens of thousands of meals for people in need in the Valley. The success of the Massachusetts Hockey program provides us with a unique way to communicate the issue of food insecurity to folks in the Pioneer Valley. We’re pleased to partner with UMass to help Ice Out Hunger in the Valley.”

The Massachusetts Minutemen hockey season is in full swing, with the team currently ranked 11th in the country and playing what Stuebner called “a high-energy brand of hockey.” The game schedule can be found at umassathletics.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/schedule.

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently presented its 2023 President’s Award to three staff members for exceptional service.

Established in 1995, the President’s Award recognizes outstanding performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank. Awardees are nominated by their colleagues at the bank.

This year’s award recognizes Calli Paulin, a teller at the bank since 2021; Aaron Bonneau, an IT administrator who has worked at the bank since 2019; and David Lipson, a marketing research analyst who came on board in 2018.

Paulin attended Bay Path University in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Bonneau holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from UMass Amherst. Lipson holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business management from Western New England University.

“These employees embody the qualities we value at Florence Bank, hard work, determination, patience, enthusiasm, and compassion among them,” said Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “They have built enduring relationships with colleagues and customers alike, giving their peers good reasons to nominate them.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently presented its 2023 Community Support Award to Tim Deshaies, director of Retail Operations at the bank.

The Community Support Award was established by the bank in 1997 as a means of formally recognizing employees who are active in the community and give their personal and professional time to local nonprofit organizations.

Each year, the award recipient can select an organization to which the bank will donate $500. Deshaies has chosen the Therapeutic Equestrian Center, citing the work the organization does with horse-assisted therapy for people in the community.

Deshaies came to Florence Bank in 2007. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from Western New England University. He is active in the community, serving as treasurer of the Therapeutic Equestrian Center and the Wistariahurst Foundation, vice president of Black Horse Trust, and director of Mansir Trust.

“We are pleased to shine a spotlight on Tim because we are proud of all the important work he does in the community,” said Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “Tim well-deserves the Community Support Award.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Ryan Hess has joined the staff as vice president and commercial team leader.

Hired in June, Hess has more than 11 years of experience in banking, serving in roles from credit analyst and portfolio manager to leadership in commercial lending. He most recently served as chief lending officer for a locally based startup bank and played a key role in its founding.

Hess came to Florence Bank for its reputation as a community partner, noting that “it’s an effective bank that’s never strayed away from community involvement and serving the community. In his work as a lender, he enjoys delivering solutions to business customers. “It’s very rewarding. These are peoples’ livelihoods. There’s an impact and story there.”

He said his first few months have solidified his perspective on Florence Bank. “It’s been evident from the first minute I was in the office that Florence has a great corporate culture.”

Hess holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Stonehill College. He serves as co-chair of the Ronald McDonald House golf committee, a member of the Make-A-Wish golf committee, and vice chair of the Springfield Zoning Board of Appeals.

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced that Jim Hickey, vice president and director of Marketing Operations, has been promoted to lead the bank’s marketing efforts as senior vice president and director of Marketing.

Hickey replaces Monica Curhan, who retired on April 7 after serving as senior vice president and 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 during 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 UMass Amherst. He has experience in areas that include account management, creative development, media plan execution, and media buying.

Before joining Florence Bank, he was vice president of Account Service at Communicators Group, a marketing communications firm in Keene, N.H. He has also served as vice president and director of Marketing for Westbank, a financial institution formerly based in West Springfield.

Hickey 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.”

Active in the community, Hickey sits on the board for the Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Curhan is looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren and helping her husband operate his apiary, caring for the bees and selling honey and honey products.

In the 10 years she represented the bank, Curhan 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 Greater 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.

FLORENCE — In its 21st year, Florence Bank’s Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program awarded $150,000 to 46 area nonprofits in honor of the bank’s 150th anniversary.

“I know the total we announced we would award this year was $125,000, but I feel like $150,000 would be a more appropriate amount to celebrate the 150 years that Florence Bank has been in existence,” President and CEO Matt Garrity said in leading his first Customers’ Choice celebration on May 16. “It’s amazing to see so many community organizations being recognized, and the fact that the recognition comes from Florence Bank customers in the form of votes is really special.”

Garrity handed checks to 46 nonprofit leaders across the region, awarding 13 with $5,000 gifts — the most ever granted in 21 years — and presenting $500 surprise awards to 10 organizations that fell just short of the required 50-vote count.

These organizations received $5,000 grants: Dakin Humane Society, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Amherst Survival Center, Friends of the Williamsburg Library, Northampton Survival Center, Goshen Firefighter’s Assoc. Inc., Cancer Connection, Manna Soup Kitchen, It Takes a Village, Friends of Forbes Library, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Our Lady of the Hills Parish, and Friends of Lilly Library.

These 23 organizations also received an award: Williamsburg Firefighter Assoc., $4,701; Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition Inc., $4,652; Easthampton Community Center, $4,309; Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, $4,064; Northampton Neighbors, $4,064; Springfield Shriners Hospitals for Children, $3,917; Grow Food Northampton Inc., $3,819; Amherst Neighbors, $3,721; Smith Vocational High School PTO, $3,721; Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, $3,624; Performing Arts Charter School, $3,575; Therapeutic Equestrian Center, $3,575; Kestrel Land Trust, $3,427; Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, $3,330; Northampton Community Music Center, $3,232; Safe Passage, $3,134; Empty Arms Bereavement Support, $2,987; New Hingham Elementary School PTO, $2,987; R.K. Finn Ryan Road School, $2,889; Whole Children, $2,693; Belchertown K-9, $2,595; Northampton Football League, $2,545; and Tapestry, $2,448.

Finally, these 10 organizations received unexpected $500 awards: the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, Gray House, Holyoke Community College Foundation, Mental Health Assoc. Inc., Springfield Rescue Mission, the Parish Cupboard, and Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center.

Voting takes place all year long, online at www.florencebank.com/vote and in bank branches, and each customer has only one vote. To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2022, roughly 7,000 votes were cast, making 36 nonprofits eligible for a grant; the other 10 funded organizations were invited to attend the event and were surprised with their $500 award. Over the past 21 years, Florence Bank has donated a total of $1.5 million to 165 organizations.

FLORENCE — To commemorate 150 years in business, Florence Bank is drawing on its partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield to offer a chance for 12 community members to win complimentary use of the popular venue’s birthday room.

In addition to the use of the room, one winner from each of the bank’s 12 branches will receive 10 general-admission tickets to the Hall of Fame and a goody bag for each party guest.

“It’s our birthday, but we’d like to celebrate it by making the birthdays of others a little more special,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said.

Those entering the giveaway can complete a ballot at any of the bank’s branches or visit florencebank.com/bday. The contest ends June 2. Winners will be chosen on Monday, June 5.

May 6, 1873, marks the date of the first 25 deposits at Florence Savings Bank, totaling $825.75. Henry Bond was the bank’s first treasurer, and its founding president was Alfred Lilly. The first trustees and corporators were business owners, shopkeepers, farmers, and community leaders, and the mission of the community bank was to help citizens safely save their money and make a significant contribution in the lives of the people of Hampshire County.

“We’ve grown a lot in the past century and a half, but we have remained true to our core values,” Garrity said. “We still have business owners, shopkeepers, and community leaders on our board, and our mission remains the same as it was 150 years ago. We remain a mutual bank, unbeholden to stockholders. We provide the best possible service to customers, and we are proud community partners, giving back in many areas to help our neighbors thrive.”

Florence Bank’s original home was the second floor of the Davis Building on Main Street in Florence. It has outgrown its space twice, moving into a two-story brick building next door in 1891 and again in 1978 to its present main office.

The first branch outside Florence was opened at the corner of King and Finn streets in Northampton in 1986, and the most recent branch in Chicopee cut the ribbon on May 5, 2021.

In 1880, Florence Bank made history when Mary Bond, the sister of Henry Bond, became the bank’s second treasurer and the first woman to hold the office of treasurer of a savings bank in the state. She served as principal of the Northampton public schools and later as the first woman elected to the Northampton School Committee.

Bond was followed in 1891 by Mary Gould, who was succeeded in 1911 by another woman, Emilie Plimpton.

Growth came steadily for the bank, most notably during World War II, when it received a record number of deposits. These came mainly from government allotments to area residents serving in the military. In the 1950s, a time of rapid growth in the local housing market, the bank was a principal source of home mortgages for Florence residents. Today, Florence Bank’s assets total $1.8 billion.