Susan Paley, community relations officer for Auburndale’s The Village Bank, has been honored as the bank’s 2009 President’s Award recipient.

The annual award is based on a number of criteria including professionalism, attitude, commitment and interpersonal skills, according to Kenneth C. Brennan, president and CEO.

"This year’s President’s Award recipient, Susan Paley, is truly deserving, and has made significant contributions to the success of The Village Bank," he said.

Paley joined The Village Bank in 2007 as a member of the residential lending team, and has since managed the bank’s community commitment initiative (CCI). As community relations officer, she is responsible for strengthening the bank’s internal volunteerism culture and managing and fostering relationships with local organizations seeking sponsorship and support from The Village Bank, according to a statement.

"Susan’s energy and commitment to the bank’s ideals have increased the visibility of The Village Bank in the communities we serve," said Brennan. "Through her efforts, approximately 85 percent of all our employees now participate in community projects, and she personally attends most activities in which the bank is involved, and others as well, to insure that The Village Bank is always represented in the community.

Under Paley’s direction, the bank kicked off its first financial planning class at Newton North High School. She also serves on the board of directors of Historic Newton and the Newton Cultural Alliance. She is on the advisory board of Newton’s Council on Aging and serves as a Child Assault Prevention Specialist for the CAP Program administered by the Newton Community Service Center.

A lifelong Newton resident and community activist, Paley is a graduate of Newton South High School and Simmons College. She lives in Newton with her husband, Martin Paley, and daughter, Emily, who is a sophomore at Newton North High School.