For the first time in its 111-year history, the Massachusetts Bankers Association board of directors will be led by a banker from the Berkshire County.
The MBA recently tapped Charles O’Brien, president and CEO of Adams Community Bank, as the chairman of the MBA board for a one-year term.
“I am humbled by this election to serve the members of the Massachusetts Bankers Association,” O’Brien said in a statement. “I am also proud to be one of just a few chairmen from Western Massachusetts and the only person from Berkshire County to serve in the 111-year history of the MBA. There are challenges ahead for our industry, but never before have I seen so much dedication and hard work, from so many industry professionals, coming together to make an impact in every small town and big city in the commonwealth.”
O’Brien has 37 years experience in banking and financial services. He helped oversee the merger between South Adams Savings Bank and Adams Co-operative Bank, which ultimately formed Adams Savings Bank in 2012.
He is also a champion of financial literacy, staff development and community volunteer work.
“Charles O’Brien, our new chairman is highly regarded in our industry, has great knowledge and skill and, we are proud to say, is from Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires,” Daniel J. Forte, president and CEO of the MBA, said in a statement.
The other members named to the board include:
Two-year term:
Donna L. Boulanger
President
North Brookfield Savings Bank
Sandra J. Pattie
President
BankNewport
Patrick J. Sullivan
Mass. Market President
People’s United Bank, Boston
Sushil K. Tuli
President
Leader Bank, Arlington
John R. Wiseman
President
Middlesex Federal Savings, Somerville
One-year term:
Peter G. Brown
President
Dedham Institution for Savings
Michael A. Lee
Managing Director
Santander Bank, Boston
Steven E. Lowell
President
Monson Savings Bank
Thomas L. Mortimer
President
Haverhill Bank
Jonathan W. Pierce
President
Avon Co-operative Bank
“This is a terrific group of people to lead our local banking industry as board members, as well as being significant executives in their own markets,” Forte said in a statement. “We know that there are great opportunities ahead for our industry, as well as a fair share of challenges. All of these new members of the board will provide considerable expertise and talent, serving 69,000 employees locally in the banking industry, as well as a very large customer base.”
The Massachusetts Bankers Association represents approximately 155 commercial, savings and co-operative banks and savings and loan associations with 69,000 employees located in Massachusetts and elsewhere in New England.
