Bank of America Merrill Lynch has named Eric Bauer business banking market executive for Western Massachusetts and Connecticut, based out of Hartford, Conn.

In his new role, Bauer will lead a team of client managers to serve the financial needs of small and mid-size companies, including lending and treasury management, according to a statement. Bauer has been with Bank of America and its predecessor companies for 25 years, and previously served as senior risk executive supporting global commercial real estate banking.

Bauer is a past and current board or executive committee member of various nonprofit community organizations, each of which promote affordable housing for low-income residents of Connecticut, the bank said.