Charles River Bank President & CEO Derek Plourde

The Charles River Bank (CRB) Board of Directors, at the December 21, 2021 meeting, appointed Derek Plourde to the office of President & Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2022. Mr. Plourde succeeds John (Jack) Hamilton who will retire as of December 31, 2021, after a 20-year tenure with the Bank.

Prior to this promotion, Plourde served as CRB’s Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. Plourde joined CRB in 2018 as Senior Vice President/Senior Commercial Lending Officer.

Plourde has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, with extensive knowledge of commercial lending, financial analysis, specialty lending, special assets, and relationship management. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in 1994 with degrees in Economics and Government Legal Studies and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Plourde will graduate in 2022 with a degree from the intensive 3-year program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School of Banking, along with a Certificate of Executive Leadership from the Wisconsin School of Business.

Steven M. Richardson, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Charles River Bank stated, “With his professional experience, industry knowledge, familiarity with our customers and community, and rapport with the entire team, Derek is the best person to lead Charles River Bank. We are confident that Derek can successfully navigate challenges presented by the ever-changing regulatory environment of banking, continual advancements in technology, and the impact of the ongoing global pandemic so that Charles River Bank remains the preeminent community bank in our market area.”

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as Charles River Bank’s President & CEO. I look forward to leading a phenomenal group of talented, seasoned, and dedicated community bankers. Our team will continue to provide exceptional product offerings, creative financial solutions, and personalized service to the individuals, families, and local businesses that are the foundation of our thriving community,” stated Plourde.

Plourde lives in Uxbridge with his wife, Laural, and two sons, Riley and Hayden. He is an active member of the Milford Rotary Club and served on the Board of Directors for the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce. In his free time, Plourde enjoys golfing and martial arts.

Senior Vice President/Senior Commercial Lending Officer Terry Katsaros

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Derek Plourde, is pleased to announce that Terry Katsaros has joined Charles River Bank (CRB) as Senior Vice President/Senior Commercial Lending Officer. Katsaros will manage CRB’s Commercial Lending Department, including responsibility for portfolio growth, loan quality, loan originations, operations, servicing, and compliance. Katsaros will lead the Commercial Loan Officers and work closely with other CRB experts to help ensure that business customers have the tools and solutions to meet their financial needs and achieve their goals.

Katsaros has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, spending the past two decades as First Vice President/Commercial Lending Officer in the Franklin/Milford market area at Rockland Trust and Benjamin Franklin Savings Bank. In addition to his commercial lending experience, Katsaros has held positions in retail banking, branch management, consumer lending, and compliance. He completed the School of Commercial Lending Program at Babson College, studied Business Management at Florida Atlantic University, and earned a degree in Business Administration from Palm Beach Community College.

Katsaros is a Franklin resident and is active in community organizations. He is an active member of the Board of Incorporators of the YMCA, a past President of the Franklin Rotary Club, and served on the Board of Directors of the United Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Alpha Omega Council and the Board of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Weston, MA.

“Terry has a great reputation as a lender in our market. His extensive lending experience and in-depth knowledge of our region will support the continued expansion of our commercial lending and business banking services. We are excited to have him join our team,” said Charles River Bank EVP & COO, Derek Plourde.

Paul Saia, Vice President/Retail Banking Officer

Charles River Bank is pleased to announce that Paul Saia has joined the Bank as the new Vice President/Retail Banking Officer. With the Bank’s ongoing growth and need to expand within the Retail Banking Team, Saia, a Millis resident, is a great addition to CRB and brings decades of Retail Banking management experience.

In his new role, Saia will be leading and supervising the Bank’s Branch Officers and overseeing all activity within the four branch network. This includes ensuring all Retail Banking goals are achieved, working with Branch Officers and the High School Branch Supervisor to continually improve their coaching and mentoring skills with their teams, actively participating in business development efforts, coordinating training and rollout of all technology and system upgrades that impact the Retail Banking offices, and addressing any procedural, audit, or compliance issues to ensure uniformity across the branch network. Saia’s office will be located in the Main Office in Medway.

Prior to joining Charles River Bank, Saia worked at East Boston Savings Bank (EBSB) as Vice President/Retail Banking Manager, where he was recruited to successfully lead the opening of two new branches in the Burlington and Woburn area. Additionally, he managed EBSB’s mobile banking branch unit. Before Saia’s time at EBSB, he managed 13 branches at Santander Bank as their Vice President/District Executive and led the sales and service activities of 21 branch locations at TD Bank as their Vice President/Retail Market Manager. He also has worked at community banks such as Ben Franklin Bank and Needham Bank. “We’re really excited to add Paul to our team,” stated Hamilton. “As Charles River Bank continues to grow, we’re expanding our level of expertise on our Retail Banking Team and Customer Care Group. With Paul’s guidance of our branch teams, I’m confident our customers will begin to experience an even greater level of customized service.”

Saia comes to CRB with an impressive educational background. He received a Bachelor of Science from Boston College where he majored in Finance. He earned his MBA at Bentley University. Furthermore, he graduated from the Advanced Leadership Development Program at Babson College. When Paul isn’t working, he likes to spend his time landscaping, playing golf, and enjoying time with his friends and family.

Erion Meta, Charles River Bank’s new Medway Branch Operations Manager

Jack Hamilton, President and CEO of Charles River Bank, is pleased to announce that Erion Meta has joined the Customer Care Team in the role of Medway Branch Operations Manager. Meta will work in conjunction with the Medway Market Manager.

Meta’s new role requires supervisory and administrative responsibility for various daily operations, audits, customer service, and compliance functions of Charles River Bank’s Main Office retail branch. His work involves supervision of the Medway office retail banking team, maintaining and growing existing relationships, developing new relationships, and regular participation in community organizations and business events. Meta’s objective is to provide the highest level of service while creating unique solutions for customers’ banking needs.

With over 15 years of retail banking experience, Meta will be a great asset to the team. Prior to joining Charles River Bank, Meta worked at Citizens Bank where he held positions such as Assistant Branch Manager and Branch Operations Manager. He also held positions at Santander, First Data in Boston as a Business Consultant, TD Bank, and Financial Union of Tirana in Tirana, Albania. Aside from his retail banking experience, Meta has a diverse business background and held positions focusing on sales, accounting, customer service, and financial analysis. “We’re always excited to welcome a new multi-talented professional like Erion to our team. He brings a wide variety of experience and expertise, on both a community and global level, and I look forward to seeing what he will accomplish,” said Jack Hamilton.

Meta is a native of Albania and is multilingual. He speaks Albanian, English, Greek, and Italian. He graduated from the University of Tirana in Tirana, Albania. In Meta’s spare time he enjoys fishing and time out by the water.

Mendon Branch Officer, Nancy L. MacLeod

Charles River Bank is pleased to announce that Assistant Vice President Nancy L. MacLeod, has been promoted to Mendon Branch Officer. Nancy has been a long-time member of the Charles River Bank team. In 1999, she joined the Bank as a part-time teller in the Medway office. She later was chosen to run the Medway High School Branch when it opened in 2006, followed by a promotion in 2009 to Assistant Branch Manager working at CRB’s newly opened offices in Bellingham and Mendon. In 2016, Nancy moved back to the Main Office in Medway where she was promoted to AVP/Medway Operation Manager. In addition to decades of banking experience, Nancy has completed the Branch Management Certification Series through the Massachusetts Bankers Association.

Nancy replaces AVP Ann Gonyea, who served as the Mendon Branch Officer since that office opened 11 years ago and is retiring to her vacation home in Virginia. Nancy’s new role requires supervisory and administrative responsibility for sales, service, operations, and security of the retail banking office. She will serve as a coach and leader to achieve strategic branch objectives and exceed service standards while maintaining existing customer relationships and developing new business relationships, customer engagement, and regular participation in community and business networking events. “I look forward to this next challenge in my banking career at Charles River Bank. I’m fortunate to work for such a great company that has given me so many opportunities to advance my career. I’m excited to be working again with the Mendon office team members, customers, and community leaders in my new role,” said Nancy.

“Nancy is the perfect candidate to lead our Mendon office team. She has extensive leadership experience, a calm and engaging demeanor, and dedication to our bank. We’re very fortunate to have her managing our Mendon office and I look forward to seeing her excel in this new role,” confirmed Jack Hamilton, President & CEO.

Ann M. Gonyea

The Directors, Officers, and all team members of Charles River Bank extend best wishes to Ann M. Gonyea, AVP/Mendon Branch Officer, as she embarks on her next, well-deserved, journey – retirement. Gonyea was the first Branch Manager of CRB’s Mendon office and has been leading the branch since its opening in 2010. Ann has shown great devotion and hard work to the Bank in her 12 years of dedicated service.

Ann came to CRB with extensive professional experience and achievements. She began her banking career in 1988 and worked at Benjamin Franklin Bank and Bristol County Savings Bank in Franklin, MA, before joining CRB in 2009. Four short years later, Ann was promoted to Assistant Vice President.

Under Ann’s leadership, the Mendon office deposit base has grown to more than $40 million and expanded the customer base to serve hundreds of individuals, families, and businesses in the community. In addition to her work at CRB, Ann was an active leader and volunteer with many local organizations including the Milford Rotary Club, the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce Connecting Women Leaders group, and was the Treasurer of Friends of Mendon Elders.

Although she will be missed dearly by her colleagues and community, Ann is looking forward to retirement. She will be relocating to what has been her family vacation home in Virginia on Smith Mountain Lake with her husband. She is looking forward to enjoying lake life and continuing her painting hobby while also finding some others. She is exceptionally excited for the motorcycle trips around the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband in the near future. “I will miss my co-workers that I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. I’m excited for this next chapter of my life where I can kick back and pursue my hobbies. I am ready to relax, “said Ann.

“Ann has contributed 12 years of exceptional service to Charles River Bank and her achievements will not be forgotten. She has been a great mentor to many and her influence has made an incredible impact on everyone at the Bank and the community,” Jack Hamilton stated. “I want to thank Ann for all she’s done over the years. Best wishes to her and her husband during their retirement. We will deeply miss her strong work ethic and commitment to our Bank and community.”

Ann’s last day at Charles River Bank Mendon office is Wednesday, April 14^th.

Senior Personal Banker, Matthew C. Peterson

Matthew C. Peterson, a Franklin native, has been promoted to Senior Personal Banker. Peterson joined Charles River Bank as a teller in October of 2016. In November of 2017, he was promoted to Personal Banker III.

While continuing his current responsibilities of customer relations and service, Peterson will also be working with the Personal Bankers (Level I and II) in the Medway office to help continue the expansion of their product/systems knowledge and customer engagement skills. Furthermore, he will be assisting Tellers and Personal Bankers (Level I) throughout the organization who are interested in moving up to Personal Banker Level I or II. Peterson will help prepare and complete competency assessments. He will be working out of the Medway office.

In addition to Peterson working full-time at the Bank, he attends Southern New Hampshire University where he will earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration next year. Recently, Peterson enrolled in the Branch Manager Certification Program through the Massachusetts Bankers Association that began in March and will be completed in June. This program will cover topics such as leading, developing, and engaging the team; growing the branch; and raising the bar for sustainable growth. “I love that I work for a company that encourages my growth and education and provides me the tools to advance my career, like the four-session course for Branch Leadership through the Mass Bankers Association,” Peterson stated.

“Matt has been a great asset to our team. His desire to continuously improve his skill set and knowledge is actually the thing we hope for in our employees.” President & CEO Jack Hamilton said.

When Peterson is not working, he can be found studying for school or enjoying the outdoors. His hobbies include photography and traveling to new places.

Assistant Controller, Catrina Lopes

Charles River Bank is proud to announce that Catrina M. Lopes has been promoted to Assistant Controller. Lopes joined Charles River Bank in January of 2016 as a teller. In March of 2018, she was promoted to Marketing & Sales Coordinator. Now, in her new role, Lopes will be performing Accounting and Finance functions including Financial Reporting, Account Reconciliation, Daily Cash Management, Month End Closing Process, Investments, Fixed Assets, Accounts Payable, Wire Transfers, and ensuring that the Bank’s systems and processes are maintained in accordance with GAAP, under the supervision of the Controller.

Lopes has a passion for Financial Management. She graduated with honors from the New England School of Financial Studies, a 2-year intensive program for emerging bank leaders. Lopes completed rigorous research projects related to many critical banking functions including finance, asset-liability management, human resources, marketing, and lending, concluding with a team project simulating the management of an actual bank. Currently, Lopes is enrolled in D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University in a dual degree program – Master in Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Finance (MSIF). She expects to graduate in 2023 with concentrations in Corporate Finance and Investments. Lopes earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New England in Biddeford, ME in 2013.

“We are so fortunate and proud to have a multi-talented and driven professional like Catrina on our team. We see so much potential in her and I look forward to seeing what the future brings her,” President and CEO Jack Hamilton said.

Charles River Bank (CRB) is proud to announce the addition of Mortgage Consultant Kim Pelliccia. In her new position, Pelliccia will guide homebuyers and homeowners through the mortgage financing process, provide loan pre-qualifications for those looking to purchase, offer expert advice on home equity options, and coordinate educational programs for Realtors® and potential customers.

Pelliccia brings to the bank a combined 20 years of customer service excellence, sales, marketing, administrative, and real estate experience. Holding a high honors Business degree from Fisher College, Pelliccia has held support roles in the retail, manufacturing, and construction industries, and was a real estate paralegal and a prior licensed Realtor® in RI and MA.  Originally from Providence, RI, Pelliccia now resides in Seekonk, MA with her family and enjoys watching her children play sports, visiting beaches, and discovering new restaurants.

Having acquired her first home in 2017, navigating through a complex short-sale purchase, Pelliccia is excited to share her personal experience and knowledge of the industry with others to help them achieve their goal of home ownership.  Pelliccia can assist with first time homebuyer programs, fixed and adjustable rate loans with terms from 10 to 30 years, jumbo loans, purchase with rehab programs, Mass Housing loans, construction loans, home equity loans, and potential eligibility of her customers for down payment and closing cost grants through the Federal Home Loan Bank’s Equity Builder Program.

Pelliccia will be based out of Charles River Bank’s Bellingham, MA office, conveniently located off of Rte. 495 on Route 140 at the Bellingham/Franklin town line.  She is available for consultations by phone or in person and will be following through on applications submitted to her through CRB’s 24 hour Online Mortgage Center (www.charlesriverbank.com).

“We are excited to have Kim join our team.  Kim brings tremendous energy and a desire to provide the highest level of expertise and open communication from a customer’s first inquiry through loan closing.  Our mortgage customers and Realtors will benefit from her experience in the real estate industry, as well as her extensive customer service background,” said Charles River Bank President & CEO Jack Hamilton.

Pelliccia can be reached at kpelliccia@charlesriverbank.com or 508-321-3160.

Clint McHoul CFP^®, VP/Director of Financial Services at Charles River Bank in Medway, MA has been authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) to use the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP^® certification marks in accordance with CFP Board certification and renewal requirements. Mr. McHoul joined Charles River Bank in 2017 with more than 10 years of experience working with clients providing expertise with their retirement planning, education funding, business continuity planning, investments and insurance.

The CFP^® marks identify those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework and have passed the CFP^® Certification Examination covering the following areas:  the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits, and estate planning.  CFP^® professionals also agree to meet ongoing continuing education requirements and to uphold CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards.

“Charles River Bank’s customers have a great resource with Clint.  They can be assured of receiving the highest level of professionalism and expertise with all their financial planning, investment and insurance needs. His CFP® certification truly differentiates him from other Financial Advisors and we are very proud of his accomplishment,” stated Charles River Bank President & CEO Jack Hamilton.

To make an appointment with Clint, please call 508-321-3144 or email him at cmchoul@charlesriverbank.com.

About the CFP Board:

CFP Board is a nonprofit certification organization with a mission to benefit the public by granting the CFP^® certification and upholding it as the recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning.  CFP Board owns the certification marks CFP^®, Certified Financial Planner™ and federally registered CFP (with plaque design) and CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.  CFP Board currently authorizes more than 80,000 individuals to use these marks in the United States.  For more about CFP Board, visit www.CFP.net.

About Charles River Bank:

Charles River Bank—with assets of $235 million—was founded in 1915, and continues to offer a wide range of individual and business banking services. The Bank’s Main Office is located at 70 Main Street in Medway, with state-of-the-art branches located on the Bellingham/Franklin town line on Route 140 and in Mendon at 1 Hastings Street, at the intersection of Rte. 16 and North Avenue. Charles River Bank also operates a branch in Medway High School that serves as an educational facility and full-service branch. In 2018, Charles River Bank contributed more than $37,000 to community non-profit organizations. For more information call 508-533-8661 or visit www.charlesriverbank.com.

It is important that our customers understand that the products and services available through our Financial Advisor may not be considered: a deposit, are not FDIC Insured, are not insured by a Federal Government Agency, are not guaranteed by the bank, and may go down in value. The products and services are subject to market conditions and involve investment risk, including the possibility of loss of value. Advisory Service through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Charles River Bank and Cambridge are not affiliated. Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker/dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.