Peter G. Brown (left), current chair of the Massachusetts Bankers Association passes the gravel to incoming 118th chair Mark R. O'Connell in this handout photo. Photo courtesy of MBA
The Massachusetts Bankers Association has elected a new chair and six members to its board of directors.
Mark R. O’Connell, president and CEO of Hudson-based Avidia Bank, was chosen as the trade association’s 2021-2022 chair. His term begins July 1.
“Mark is a highly respected and impactful leader in the banking industry, not only through his community support but also in leading a $2.3 billion mutual savings bank with 10 branches serving communities throughout Central Massachusetts,” Kathleen M. Murphy, president and CEO of the MBA, said in a statement. “Mark will lead the Association during a time of tremendous change as we emerge from the pandemic and face new economic challenges. Mark will also continue the work started last year to harness the good work that banks are doing to promote an inclusive industry for all.”
Murphy noted that O’Connell leads a bank known for its innovative culture, which she said would provide an invaluable perspective as the MBA supports members in technology, fintech and payments innovations.
“Embracing innovation and new technology to better serve our customers is essential as the economy evolves,” O’Connell said in the statement. ”Partnering with fintech firms to enhance our industry’s ability to reach businesses and consumers will be a key priority in the year ahead.”
O’Connell, who said he was humbled to be elected chair of the 117-year-old MBA, added that he was looking forward to carrying on the MBA’s work in expanding social and economic access and equality through emerging leader and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
O’Connell will replace Dedham Bank’s president and CEO, Peter Brown, who will be the board’s immediate past chair. The MBA elected Meg McIsaac, president of Raynham-based Bluestone Bank, as the board’s vice-chair, while Robert J. Fraser, president and CEO of North Adams-based MountainOne Bank, was elected treasurer.
Six directors were elected to the MBA’s board:
- Martin F. Connors, president and CEO, Rollstone Bank & Trust, Fitchburg
- Harold M. Horvat, president and CEO, Centreville Bank, West Warwick, RI
- Kathleen C. Marcum, president and CEO, Millbury National Bank
- Thomas W. Senecal, president and CEO, PeoplesBank, Holyoke
- Denis K. Sheahan, president and CEO, Cambridge Trust Co.
- Jeffrey A. Worth, president and CEO, Wakefield Cooperative Bank
Ten other bankers also serve on the board.
“This group of talented and accomplished banking leaders are well-positioned to lead the Massachusetts banking industry during this dynamic time,” Murphy said. “The new and returning members of the board provide considerable experience and expertise, as well as market knowledge in serving a large consumer and business footprint across the Commonwealth.”
Senecal, of PeoplesBank, said in a separate statement that he was looking forward to his term as a board member.
“The Massachusetts Bankers Association provides critical and timely assistance to its member banks to better serve customers and navigate ever-changing regulations,” Senecal said. “It helps us to advise, educate and inform customers on how best to manage their financial lives. An educated consumer is, in fact, a better customer, and, as such, both customers and banks prosper.”
Cambridge Trust’s Sheahan said in a separate statement that he was pleased to be elected to the board.
“Serving as a Director for MBA will provide Cambridge Trust the opportunity to apply our expertise in wealth management and private banking while supporting the Association’s mission of meeting the banking needs of consumers and businesses across the Commonwealth,” Sheahan said.
