Patrick J. Sullivan, former executive vice president and managing director of corporate banking at Sovereign Bank, has been named president and CEO of Legacy Banks and president of Legacy Bancorp.
As the new president, Sullivan will be responsible for running day-to-day operations of the bank, while J. Williar (Bill) Dunlaevy, chairman, president and CEO of Legacy Bancorp Inc. and its bank subsidiary, Legacy Banks, will focus on overall company strategic goals, including identifying market growth opportunities, according to a statement.
Sullivan will also serve on the boards of the company and the bank. These changes are expected to become effective within the next six to eight weeks.
"At this point in my career, I am looking forward to returning to my community banking roots and working to grow an institution built around talented people. Legacy fits that bill perfectly," said Sullivan. "I am passionate about the customer experience and building client relationships by providing creative financial solutions to help customers achieve their goals. I am enthusiastic about getting involved in the communities that we serve and hope to make a difference in social, civic and charitable causes."
Sullivan brings more than 30 years of business experience. He has held a variety of executive and management positions, including serving as Sovereign Bank’s managing director of corporate banking. He also held the position of CEO – New England, with responsibility for all commercial and specialty lending efforts as well as community banking activities within the region, consisting of 255 branches and $14 billion in deposits.
Prior to joining Sovereign, Sullivan was president and chief executive officer of Howard Bank in Burlington, Vt.
"Pat will be just the seventh CEO in the history of the bank and I could not be more confident that we are putting Legacy in very capable and talented hands," said Dunlaevy. "Pat Sullivan is the perfect fit for this job and the right fit for our community."
Sullivan, 54, holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s in business administration from Bryant University and attended the executive management program at Dartmouth College, Amos Tuck School.
