Page 38 - BusinessWest April 27, 2026

Steven Costa
First Vice President, C&I Lending,
Beacon Bank: Age 34
Steve Costa started his professional career
in public accounting, with one of the Big
Four firms. He enjoyed that work — but
“didn’t love it” — and had no real intention to
make a change until a friend, mentor, fellow
churchgoer, and chief credit officer with a local
bank gave him something to think about.
“He pulled my arm and said, ‘I think this
is something you’d be really good at; you’re
extroverted, you have a good personality for
it, you’re relationship-driven, sales-oriented,
and high-energy. I think you’d do well at this
banking thing.’”
Turns out, he was right. Costa has done
pretty well at this ‘banking thing,’ and because
of all those attributes he listed.
He started at Country Bank and later moved
to Berkshire Bank (now Beacon Bank), where
he has been promoted several times and
currently serves as first vice president, C&I
Lending, managing a $150 million portfolio
that has grown steadily over the years. He
finds the work rewarding on many levels.
“I love the people, love the relationships,
love making a difference,” he said. “The
networking side of it is awesome. Being
high-energy myself, I like getting out and
meeting people, hearing about their life
4/26 Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender
A16 2026
stories, learning about their businesses, knowing
that a good banker can actually make a real big
difference at a company.
“Every bank’s money is green,” he went on. “But
that relationship side of the business is extremely
important, and I enjoy working with people and
helping them reach their goals. Seeing a business
grow, hire new employees, and contribute to the
local economy ... it’s not just about the numbers;
it’s about making a real impact.”
While doing that, he’s making an impact
on other fronts as well. Indeed, Costa
is active in the community, serving as
a member of the Square One finance
committee and as a member of the St.
George Greek Orthodox Cathedral audit
committee. And through his church, he
serves various volunteer efforts, including
Glendi, its annual Greek festival, and
teaching Sunday school.
He also supports cancer fundraising
efforts through his role on the executive
leadership committee for the American
Cancer Society’s Massachusetts golf
tournament, and volunteers with agencies and
causes ranging from Junior Achievement to the
Zoo in Forest Park.
When not doing any of that, he’s spending time
with his family — his wife Kerri and son Crew —
which will get larger soon; a second child is due at
the end of this month.
—George O’Brien
Join Our A-Team,
a High Reliability Organization.
✔ High Reliability.
✔ Higher Standards.
✔ Holyoke Medical Center.
Holyoke Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety
Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national
nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.
575 Beech Street, Holyoke • 413.534.2500
holyokehealth.com/careers
Business W est