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MountainOne Bank Promotes Sarah Bloom to Officer, Operations Manager

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Daily News

Sarah Bloom

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced the promotion of Sarah Bloom to officer, operations manager.

In this elevated role, Bloom is responsible for developing and maintaining operational workflows, supporting the implementation of new service and product offerings, and contributing to initiatives that enhance internal operational processes across the organization.

Bloom joined MountainOne Bank in January 2021 as an e-services and operations specialist II. She was promoted to junior operations analyst in 2024 and advanced again in 2025 to operations analyst. Prior to joining MountainOne, she served as a senior loan systems specialist at Berkshire Bank.

A graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) with an MBA, Bloom is an active member of the MountainOne communications committee, serves on the North Adams Planning Board, and is a member of the MCLA alumni board of directors.

“One of the most exciting parts of my job is the opportunity to explore new and innovative ways to improve our services, products, and internal processes,” she said. “At the core of our success is our ability to consistently deliver solutions that create measurable value for our customers. We continually evolve to meet their expectations, and I feel fortunate to work for an organization that not only listens to its customers, but takes meaningful action toward fulfilling their needs.”

Mike MacArevey, senior vice president, senior operations officer at MountainOne, added that “we’re pleased to announce Sarah’s promotion to officer, operations manager. Sarah’s analytical strengths, collaborative spirit, and dedication to excellence reflect the values we strive for at MountainOne, and we’re grateful for the contributions she brings to our team.”

MountainOne Bank Announces Promotion of Kyle Shepard

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Daily News

Kyle Shepard

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Bank announced the promotion of Kyle Shepard to assistant vice president of Loan Operations and business analyst manager.

In his role as AVP of Loan Operations, Shepard oversees the daily functions of the Loan Servicing department, including payment processing, escrow management, and collections. As business analyst manager, he supervises a team responsible for developing and implementing strategies and procedures that strengthen operational efficiency, enhance customer service, and mitigate risk.

Shepard joined MountainOne in March 2014 as a personal banker. Over his nearly 12 years with the organization, he has advanced through a series of roles including electronic banking specialist, customer care liaison, and operations analyst. Most recently, he served as AVP, operations manager prior to his promotion. He is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a degree in business administration and management, as well as an accredited ACH professional.

“We’re proud to recognize Kyle’s continued growth at MountainOne,” said Mike MacArevey, senior vice president, senior operations officer at MountainOne. “His strong analytical skills, operational acumen, and dedication to the customers and communities we serve are highly valued. We look forward to all that Kyle will bring to his new role.”

MountainOne Bank Promotes Peter Barrow to Commercial Portfolio Manager

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Daily News

Peter Barrow

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced the promotion of Peter Barrow to commercial portfolio manager.

In this role, Barrow plays a key part in supporting the success of MountainOne’s commercial lending relationships. He brings financial insight, credit analysis expertise, and thoughtful collaboration to the lending process, working closely with commercial loan officers and business clients to ensure financing solutions are well-structured and aligned with business needs. Barrow will also monitor and manage existing loan relationships to support long-term portfolio health and client growth.

Barrow joined MountainOne in January 2022 as a commercial credit analyst and was promoted to senior commercial credit analyst in October 2024. His prior industry experience includes serving as a senior financial specialist at General Dynamics Mission Systems. He holds a degree in finance from Siena College. He previously served as a coach for the Adams Cheshire Police Athletic Basketball League and as assistant coach for Adams Cheshire Youth Football.

“This role gives me the chance to continue building on the fundamentals I’ve learned and deepen my work with our commercial portfolio,” Barrow said. “I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues and excited to keep growing with MountainOne.”

“Peter’s promotion reflects the consistency and care he brings to his work every day,” said Dick Kelly, senior vice president, senior commercial risk officer at MountainOne. “His experience and steady judgment strengthen our team and support the continued growth of our commercial credit operations.”

MountainOne Bank Promotes Peter Duckett to Assistant VP, Commercial Loan Officer

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Daily News

Peter Duckett

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Bank announced the promotion of Peter Duckett to assistant vice president, Commercial Loan officer, recognizing his contributions to the growth of the bank’s commercial lending portfolio and his commitment to clients across the region.

In this role, Duckett supports commercial lending activities through loan origination, portfolio management, financial analysis, and client relationship development. He works closely with local businesses to help them access financing that supports growth and strengthens the regional economy, reflecting MountainOne’s ongoing commitment to community and customer success.

Before joining MountainOne as a portfolio manager in February 2024, he spent a decade at Brookline Bank, where he held several positions, most recently as portfolio manager.

Duckett holds a degree in economics and business management from Assumption University. He has also completed multiple professional development programs through the Risk Management Assoc., earning certificates in lending decision process, financial statement analysis, commercial credit for lenders, and small business lending decision process. He serves on MountainOne’s communications committee, contributing to internal engagement and outreach initiatives.

“Peter’s promotion reflects his strong leadership, professionalism, and the trust he has earned from both clients and colleagues,” said Dick Kelly, senior vice president, senior Commercial Risk officer at MountainOne. “He consistently demonstrates sound judgment, attention to detail, and a true dedication to our clients’ success.”

Duckett added that “I’m proud to continue growing my career with MountainOne. This role gives me the opportunity to work directly with business owners and real estate developers to help strengthen our local economy and support long-term community growth.”

MountainOne, Mechanics Receive Regulatory Approvals to Merge Holding Companies

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS, TAUNTON — MountainOne Financial, MHC, the mutual holding company parent of MountainOne Bank, and Mechanics Bancorp, MHC, the mutual holding company parent of Mechanics Cooperative Bank, announced that all regulatory approvals required to complete the merger of the two mutual holding companies have been received.

The merger transaction is scheduled to take place on Jan. 1, at which time the newly combined mutual holding company will operate under the name MountainOne Financial, MHC, and will have approximately $1.9 billion in assets.

MountainOne Bank and Mechanics Cooperative Bank will continue to operate as two separate, independently chartered community banks, and will each retain their existing names, headquarters locations, leadership teams, and boards of directors. Furthermore, customers will not experience any disruption, nor do they need to take any action.

Bringing together two well-capitalized, financially sound organizations allows the newly combined mutual holding company to take their time in evaluating opportunities to collaborate where doing so strengthens service, enhances operational efficiency, or supports long-term sustainability.

Upon completion of the merger, Robert Fraser will serve as chairman, and Joseph Baptista Jr. will be president and CEO, of the combined mutual holding company, MountainOne Financial, MHC. Fraser will continue in his role as president and CEO of MountainOne Bank, and Baptista will also remain as president and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank. There are no staff reductions associated with the merger.

“This merger is a strong step for both organizations,” Fraser said. “It reflects shared priorities and a clear focus on bringing long-term value to our customers and community. We are proud of the work that brought us here and confident in the direction ahead. Our customers, employees, and communities remain at the center of our decisions.”

Baptista added that “we are excited to move forward together. This merger positions us to grow, invest, and serve with even greater impact. Our teams are energized by our shared vision, and we are looking forward to the opportunities it creates for our customers and communities.

“MountainOne Financial, MHC will carry on each legacy organizations’ commitment to mutuality, which places its customers and communities at the center of organizational decision making,” he added. “MountainOne Bank and Mechanics Cooperative Bank each have deep roots in their respective communities and have prioritized an ongoing commitment to remain local, accessible, and engaged.”

FinPro Capital Advisor, Inc. served as the financial advisor to MountainOne Financial, MHC, and Piper Sandler & Co. served as the financial advisor to Mechanics Bancorp, MHC. Luse Gorman, P.C. served as legal counsel to MountainOne Financial, MHC, and Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP served as legal counsel to Mechanics Bancorp, MHC.

MountainOne’s Jonathan Denmark Named to Berkshire Magazine’s Berkshire 25 List

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Daily News

Jonathan Denmark

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced that Jonathan Denmark, president and chief operating officer of MountainOne Insurance Agency and executive vice president of MountainOne Bank, has been named to Berkshire Magazine’s prestigious Berkshire 25 list.

Now in its 12th year, the annual honor celebrates 25 individuals who have made a significant impact on the Berkshire region in Massachusetts. Selected from a wide range of professions, honorees are recognized for their creativity, dedication, and influence. Nominations are submitted by the public and are reviewed by a committee of past Berkshire 25 recipients, with final selections determined by the Berkshire Magazine editorial board.

Denmark, president and COO of MountainOne Insurance and executive vice president of MountainOne Bank, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and evolution. Under his leadership, MountainOne Insurance has expanded from four offices to nine in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. His strategic vision and commitment to community engagement have helped strengthen MountainOne’s presence and impact throughout the region.

In addition to his leadership roles within MountainOne, Denmark serves as board chair of the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority; on the mayor’s economic development council, the finance committee of the Berkshire Innovation Center, and 1Berkshire; and as vice president of administration at Congregation Knesset Israel in Pittsfield. He also a member of the Housie Shakers, a band that performs at local venues and charitable events.

“It’s quite an honor to be recognized among so many changemakers in the Berkshires,” Denmark said. “I share this recognition with the remarkable teams I work with and the community that continues to motivate and inspire me.”

Robert Fraser, president and CEO of MountainOne, added that “Jonathan’s leadership is rooted in vision, integrity, and service to our communities. His inclusion in the Berkshire 25 is a well-deserved honor that reflects the impact he has within MountainOne and across the entire region.”

MountainOne Bank, Mechanics Cooperative Bank to Merge Holding Companies

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Financial MHC, the mutual holding company parent of MountainOne Bank, and Mechanics Bancorp MHC, the mutual holding company parent of Mechanics Cooperative Bank, jointly announced they have entered into a formal agreement to merge into a combined mutual holding company.

After the completion of the merger, the new consolidated holding company for both banks will be MountainOne Financial MHC, and both banks will continue to operate independently, retaining their respective charters, headquarters, and brand names. The agreement, approved by both institution’s boards of trustees, awaits regulatory and corporator approval. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025.

After completion of the merger, the new consolidated holding company for both banks will have approximately $1.8 billion in assets and 15 full-service retail banking locations across Massachusetts. Robert Fraser will become chairman, and Joseph Baptista Jr. will become president and CEO of the combined mutual holding company. Fraser will continue in his role as president and CEO of MountainOne Bank, and Baptista will also remain as president and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank.

Under the terms of the agreement, no reductions in staff are planned at either institution. Furthermore, the agreement specifies a shared commitment to mutuality, a cornerstone of the combined organization.

“I am thrilled at the opportunity this partnership creates for our combined organizations. Continuing to operate independently enables us to position both mutual banks, as well as MountainOne Insurance and MountainOne Investments, for continued and future growth,” Fraser said. “Simply put, as two individually successful, fiscally strong, and strategically aligned mutual banking institutions, our combination is far greater than the sum of our parts.

“Mechanics is a like-minded financial institution who, like MountainOne, has built an incredibly strong reputation within its communities,” Fraser went on. “Together, we will create an even stronger, more resilient financial institution through a combined talent pool, shared resources, and technologies that benefit our customers and employees for the long term.”

Baptista added that “today is an exciting day in Mechanics Cooperative Bank’s 147-year history as we announce a partnership with MountainOne. Our shared values, vision, and deep roots in our respective markets make this partnership a natural fit. As mutual banking institutions, we are owned by our depositors, not by shareholders. As we set our sights on the future, we are committed to maintaining our mutuality structure, and our combined organization will continue to prioritize the interest of our customers and communities above all else.

“Our ongoing commitment to our local communities remains a great source of pride to our employees and is part of our shared legacy,” Baptista continued. “Customers at both institutions will continue to receive the same exceptional products and services they have come to know and expect. And, over time, this collaboration will allow us to create a more competitive, innovative organization that is well-positioned for long-term growth and stability for our valued customers and employees. Together, we are building a stronger, more dynamic, relationship-driven financial organization that will continue to service our communities at the local level for generations to come.”

Jonathan Denmark Named Executive Vice President of MountainOne Bank

By
Daily News

Jonathan Denmark

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced the promotion of Jonathan Denmark to executive vice president of MountainOne Bank. In addition to his new leadership responsibilities, he will continue to serve as president and chief operating officer of MountainOne Insurance Agency.

Denmark will celebrate 10 years with MountainOne in March. Early in his tenure as president and COO of MountainOne Insurance, he led the consolidation of MountainOne’s insurance agencies, True North Insurance and Coakley, Pierpan, Dolan, and Collins, and oversaw the rebranding of the combined agencies to MountainOne Insurance. His efforts also established a strong partnership with OneDigital for the agency’s group benefits business line. Under his leadership, MountainOne Insurance has continued to expand, acquiring three agencies, opening a new office in Stockbridge, and expanding the agency’s presence to the Pioneer Valley. Denmark’s growth strategy, coupled with his expertise and dedication, have positioned the agency as a core contributor to MountainOne’s overall success.

Denmark recently assumed the role of board chair of the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA), which oversees the William Stanley Business Park. The park, home to the MountainOne building at Silver Lake and the Berkshire Innovation Center, is poised for significant development in the coming years. Denmark’s leadership at PEDA will further align economic growth opportunities with community development in Pittsfield and beyond.

“It is a true privilege to announce Jonathan’s promotion to executive vice president,” said Robert Fraser, president and CEO of MountainOne Bank. “Over the past decade, Jonathan has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and a deep commitment to MountainOne’s mission. His ability to drive growth, foster innovation, and inspire collaboration has been instrumental to our success. This appointment reflects our confidence in his ability to guide MountainOne toward even greater achievements.”

Added Denmark, “I am deeply honored to step into the role of executive vice president at MountainOne Bank. As we look ahead, I remain dedicated to advancing MountainOne’s mission of delivering meaningful solutions that create lasting value for our customers, employees, and communities.”