Our Year — 2023

President and CEO Anthony A. Joyce, III, led the Chelsea Groton team through a year of building in 2023. The Bank’s headquarters was re-built to serve our team, customers, and the community. Our Chelsea Groton Foundation continued to build its impact on local organizations, surpassing $6 Million in giving since its founding 25 years ago. Our team built new relationships and grew existing ones with customers and community partners. Our commercial lending portfolio grew to record levels, and so did our commitment to supporting individuals and businesses as they reached their goals in a safe, secure, and financially sound way. And we built financial wellness knowledge in workplaces, at schools, in branches, and at community centers throughout the region.

Chelsea Groton was honored to receive the following awards and recognition: 

Team

“Our regional managers have really worked with me and made sure that we’re learning as much as we can. I’ve seen not only myself grow, but I’ve had a team member in my branch get promoted since I’ve been here… There have been so many opportunities I’ve been afforded here that have really helped me in my growth.” – Ed Cotto-Morales, Customer Solutions Manager in Norwich 

Chelsea Groton was named a “Top Workplace in CT” by The Hartford Courant for the 8^th consecutive year. President and CEO Anthony A. Joyce, III was also honored with the Top Workplace Leadership Award.

Whether new to the Bank or a long-tenured Chelsea Groton employee, team members at all levels participated in over 100 in-person professional development courses this year, with 20 courses specifically focused on leadership. Over 6,500 Blue Ocean Brain bite-sized learning courses were completed throughout the year. And several team members pursued their quest for knowledge by completing 47 college-level courses offered through the Center for Financial Training.

Team Chelsea proudly volunteered nearly 7,000 hours of their own time to help organizations who do incredible work for the people and causes of our local community. Many members of the team serve on boards, help at schools, churches, libraries, and food pantries, and volunteer for youth sports, community events, and more. The Bank’s strategic planning leadership team traded in a meeting session to spend a morning volunteering with FRESH New London. Throughout the year, team members supported food and supply drives, raised funds for 21 worthy causes through Casual for a Cause days, contributed to the United Way capital giving campaign, participated in activities for developing physical and mental wellbeing, and enjoyed employee appreciation days.

Community

“When we help a family, we help them at their weakest moments… We could not do that without support from places like Chelsea Groton Bank and Chelsea Groton Foundation… In a time of need we know we can reach out to Chelsea Groton and we know they will be there for us.” – Tricia Cunningham, Executive Director, Always Home  

During the Chelsea Groton Foundation’s 25^th anniversary year, over $605,000 in grants, Acts of Kindness donations, scholarships and other donations were distributed. Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded $6.2 million to non-profit organizations in the community that support programs related to Arts and Culture, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health and Human Services, Housing, and Youth Activities.

In addition, the Bank provided $150,241 in sponsorships to 130 local non-profits. In lieu of holiday gifts, Chelsea Groton adopted 50 members of the community during the holiday season.

The Bank’s Chelsea University financial wellness program educated over 2,200 attendees on 71 unique topics, including budgeting, credit, scam awareness and identity theft protection, buying a home, using an iPhone, STEAM classes for kids, business marketing and cash flow management, retirement planning, and more. Branches also hosted pet adoption days, craft events, book signings, and shred days, amongst other complimentary programming for community members to enjoy.

Personal

“When I go to Chelsea Groton Bank, they always greet me by my name. They’re always very friendly. And they’re always able to figure out my problems and give advice. I would definitely tell people if they’re not happy at their bank, try Chelsea Groton…you won’t be disappointed.” – Mark, customer since 2023

“Gone are the days of that formal setting… We have that space now to sit next to a customer… and really dive into what they’re looking to do and offer all sorts of solutions for them.” – Regan Nichols, Customer Solutions Manager, Groton 

In addition to the Groton branch remodel that occurred on the ground floor of the newly renovated headquarters building, the Bank also invested in reinventing the New London, North Stonington, and Waterford branches in 2023. Customers and team members alike have benefited from the collaborative environment and comfortable spaces to have conversations, attend financial wellness classes, and participate in enrichment activities.

Customers also have access to personalized experiences from anywhere through new digital offerings that were launched in 2023. The Manage My Money and Credit Score tools, available through the Bank’s mobile app, use a customer’s personal financial information to assist in building budgets, monitoring credit and establishing credit goals, and financial planning. The Chelsea Calendar tool can be accessed from the website for phone, virtual, and in-person appointments for personal and business products and services.

*Overall Performance Score in Customer Satisfaction Surveys

Homeownership

“I was working with a couple who had rented their home for many years and had the opportunity to purchase it. One spouse had the primary income, but poor credit, and the other spouse had good credit, but only worked part time. I suggested that if they could find a cosigner, an FHA loan could be possible. We worked with the buyers, along with attorneys, to take them from application through close. I was so pleased we were able to find a solution that worked for all parties, and most importantly kept the buyers in their home, and a community, they loved.” – John Cassata, Mortgage Specialist, Chelsea Groton Bank 

2023 marks another consecutive year of Chelsea Groton providing more loans in New London County than any other bank.*

While inventory continued to be low, the Chelsea Groton team helped over 100 borrowers to purchase their first home. And, the Bank provided nearly $2 million in loans, grants and downpayment assistance to over 30 individuals and families by partnering with a variety of state, federal, and private partnership programs designed to help resolve housing needs.

Chelsea Groton continues to participate in Lawrence + Memorial Hospital’s HOME program, which provides eligible L+M employees with partial loan forgiveness, home buying support, and educational opportunities, when they purchase a home in the city of New London.

The Bank provided credit and homebuying education throughout the region, including a new homebuyer dual-language class taught in English and Spanish. Chelsea Groton also sponsored a seminar for realtors to help them maintain required continuing education credits.

*The Warren Group, Inc. Mortgage Marketshare Module Report- All Residentials, All Regions in New London County, CT Annual 2023

Business & commercial

“Chelsea Groton is not just Fairview’s bank. They’re a partner… Chelsea Groton is different because of relationships. They sit at the table. They hear your dreams, they hear your visions. And they want to be part of that. They never say, ‘we can’t’. They say, ‘how can we?’.” – Liisa Livingston, CFO, Fairview 

The commercial lending team worked tirelessly to support the business community and growth of our local economy, generating $142 million in new commercial loans in 2023. Over $38 million of those new loans was for working capital, equipment financing, or expansion of nearly 60 small businesses in the local area. And the Bank provided $59 million in construction financing to support a wide range of projects, including medical, industrial, storage, residential, mixed use, and a sports facility.

Cash management service deployments, including tools to help businesses speed up payment and collection timeframes, and safeguard accounts through unprecedented check and ACH fraud, increased by 63% year-over-year.

While providing digital tools for businesses to manage their accounts safely and efficiently, Chelsea Groton’s approach to provide in-person support and commitment to be a banking partner has never wavered. The cash management team continued to cultivate business, non-profit and municipality account relationships, with a focus on hands-on product implementation and training.

Together with the Bank’s Community Education Officer, a series of classes through the Financial Wellness at Work financial literacy program were provided to four area employers. And business customers were also educated about fraud and cyber threats during a cyber security panel discussion, and the many tools available to help safeguard their accounts through programs throughout the year.

Investments (CGFS)

“Our commitment to provide world class service to each individual investor remains our top priority, as it has always been. We’re proud to offer more resources and financial planning tools to our clients through Osaic Institutions, while still providing the high level of personalized service clients have always experienced with our team.” – Jennifer Eastbourne, VP, Chelsea Groton Financial Services; Program Coordinator, Osaic Institutions, Inc.

Chelsea Groton’s Financial Services team focused on proactively educating clients and prospects through one-on-one conversations and by offering retirement planning and social security seminars.

When the team meets with clients, they use the Riskalyze/Nitrogen tool to measure clients’ risk tolerance and, along with the financial advisor’s many years of experience, knowledge, and additional resources, the advisor makes recommendations for investment vehicles that match a client’s desired outcomes.

CGFS also introduced AssetMap, a financial planning tool that visually organizes all of a household’s finances in graphic and allows clients to view their entire financial picture, including gaps.

Chelsea Groton Financial Services’ broker-dealer was rebranded from Infinex Investments to Osaic Institutions in the fall. With this change, clients benefit from the additional financial planning and technology resources available through the larger broker-dealer, but the direct access, relationships, and personalized service clients have come to expect from CGFS will remain unchanged. 

150+ years of combined
financial advisory experience

Financials

Loan Mix: Residential Mortgage 74% | Commercial Mortgage 21% | Commercial 4% | Consumer 1%

Team Member Graduations, Honors, and Awards

2023 Launch Management Training graduates – Samantha Bazydlo, Alyssa Bryan, Edwin Cotto-Morales, Alicia Hudak, Teri LaBranche, Amanda Morin, Deborah O’Brien
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Leadership Program 2023 graduates – Krissa Beene, Marielle Winkelman
Connecticut School of Finance and Management 2023 graduates – Alexis Kahn, Kristin Zummo
ASPIRE 2023 graduates – Yana Kozleva, Rebecca Wesolowski
New England Leadership Development Program 2023 graduates – Tamela Higgins, Sara Lundy, Marielle Winkelman
Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce LEAD Program 2023 graduates – Mandy Crispim, Jennifer Willingham
Connecticut Bankers Association ‘New Leaders in Banking’ – Jennifer DeLucia, Bill Mundell
Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce ‘Chamber Service Award’ – Miria Gray
Top Workplace Leadership Award – Anthony A. Joyce, III
George W. Strouse ‘Spirit’ Award winners – Harry Colonis, Sara Lundy
Chelsea Award winners – Vira Fiore-Labreque, Mira Gray, Andy Irizarry

Officer promotions

Jessica Todd, Executive Vice President
Alex Masse, Executive Vice President
Larry Walker, Senior Vice President
Mario Siciliano, First Vice President
Matthew Benoit, Vice President
Michael Hawes, Vice President
Sara Lundy, Vice President
Damen Norton, Vice President
Miria Gray, Assistant Vice President
Carleen Lee, Assistant Vice President
Kristen Scott, Assistant Vice President
Daniela Ness, Assistant Secretary
Samantha Powden, Assistant Secretary
Kyle Campbell, Assistant Secretary
Luann Vinson, Assistant Secretary
Rebecca Wesolowski, Assistant Vice President

Leadership Team

Executive Leadership Team

Anthony A. Joyce, III – President and Chief Executive Officer
Katherine Allingham – Senior Vice President, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer
Richard Balestracci – Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Department Manager
Lori Dufficy – Executive Vice President, Chief Experience and Engagement Officer
Alex Masse – Executive Vice President, Chief of Operations & Innovation
Michael Sheahan – Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer
Jessica Todd – Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

John Uyeki – Senior Vice President, Director of Financial Services
Larry Walker – Senior Vice President, Director of Technology
Anne Wilkinson – Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer
Kristin Zummo – Senior Vice President, Director of Strategy and Organizational Development

Officers

FIRST VICE PRESIDENTS

Kelly L. Allard – First Vice President, Loan Servicing and Lending Compliance Manager
Kathryn Alves – First Vice President, Credit Department Manager
Marie Carmenati – First Vice President, Retail Lending Underwriter Manager
Barb Curto – First Vice President, Marketing Manager
Tamela D. Higgins – First Vice President, Human Resources Manager
Alexis Kahn – First Vice President, Cash Management Sales Manager
Jean McGran – First Vice President, Member Experience Market Manager
Matthew Morrell – First Vice President, Retail Lending Sales Manager
William Mundell – First Vice President, Digital Banking Channel Manager
Mario Siciliano – First Vice President, Information Technology Manager

VICE PRESIDENTS

Matt Benoit – Vice President, Project Management Manager
Melissa Bierowka – Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
Melinda M. Burridge – Vice President, Regional Sales and Service Manager
Christina M. Caplet – Vice President, Operations and Security Manager
Harry Colonis – Vice President, Business Development Officer
Al Dabiri – Vice President, Financial Advisor
Jennifer L. DeLucia – Vice President, Controller
Sarah A. Dion – Vice President, Internal Audit Manager
Jennifer Eastbourne – Vice President, Financial Services Program Coordinator
James M. Elliott, CFP – Vice President, Financial Advisor
Robert R. Fradette, CFP – Vice President, Financial Advisor
Beth Glynn – Vice President, Retail Loan Originator
Michael Hawes – Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
Megan Kane – Vice President, Finance Manager
Sara Lundy – Vice President, Risk and Compliance Manager
Dawn M. McGinnis – Vice President, Loan Compliance and Acquisition Administrator
James J. McGuinness – Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
Nancy Murphy – Vice President, Data Architect
Damen Norton – Vice President, Lending Compliance and Encompass Administrator
Paulette A. Retsinas, CFP – Vice President, Financial Advisor
Dawn Sandvoss – Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
Patricia Startz – Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
Marielle Winkelman – Vice President, Regional Sales and Service Manager

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS

Ishmael D. Bryan – Assistant Vice President, Collection Manager
Dana S. Chapel – Assistant Vice President, Customer Solutions Manager
Mandy-Lyn Crispim – Assistant Vice President, Cash Management Officer
Craig Cuffie – Assistant Vice President, Retail Lending Underwriter II
Lisa M. Fields – Assistant Vice President, Facilities Manager
Elvira Fiore-Labrecque – Assistant Vice President, Customer Care Center Manager
Miria Gray – Assistant Vice President, Community Education Officer
Maria Grenier – Assistant Vice President, Deposit Operations Manager
Penni Harlow – Assistant Vice President, Customer Solutions Manager
June Holaday – Assistant Vice President, Assistant to the President
Yana Kozleva – Assistant Vice President, Senior Auditor
Carleen Lee – Assistant Vice President, Customer Solutions Manager
Jason Levine – Assistant Vice President, System Administrator II
Rebecca Magner – Assistant Vice President, Learning & Development Manager
Kelly Meakem – Assistant Vice President, Digital Banking Operations Manager
Stephanie Mondro – Assistant Vice President, Associate Financial Advisor
Regan Nichols – Assistant Vice President, Customer Solutions Manager
Elizabeth Owen – Assistant Vice President, Lead Senior Credit Analyst & Sageworks Administrator
Kristen Scott – Assistant Vice President, Customer Solutions Manager
Karen S. Stearns – Assistant Vice President, Retail Branch Lending Specialist
Donna L. Thompson – Assistant Vice President, BSA Manager
Richard J. Turner – Assistant Vice President, Retail Loan Originator
Rebecca Wesolowski – Assistant Vice President, Loan Delivery and Quality Control Analyst
Jennifer Willingham – Assistant Vice President, Cash Management Officer

ASSISTANT TREASURERS

Samantha Bazydlo – Assistant Treasurer, Customer Solutions Manager
Giusy Beaman – Assistant Treasurer, Branch Operations Manager
Edwin Cotto-Morales – Assistant Treasurer, Customer Solutions Manager
Nicole Goodrow – Assistant Treasurer, Customer Solutions Manager
Ana Healy – Assistant Treasurer, Customer Experience Skills Coach
Tori Heim – Assistant Treasurer, Customer Solutions Manager
Rebecca Jacoinski – Assistant Treasurer, Benefits and Wellness Specialist
Michele Magowan – Assistant Treasurer, Retail Lending Sales Specialist
Kyle Main – Assistant Treasurer, Customer Solutions Manager
Deborah O’Brien – Assistant Treasurer, Customer Solutions Manager
Renee Simao – Assistant Treasurer, Talent Acquisition Specialist
Megan Susi – Assistant Treasurer, Customer Solutions Manager

ASSISTANT SECRETARIES

Krissa Beene – Assistant Secretary, Marketing Specialist
Christen Brewer – Assistant Secretary, Digital Innovation and Design Specialist
Kyle Campbell – Assistant Secretary, IT Support Specialist II
Jamie Goulas – Assistant Secretary, Retail Loan Originator
Heather Gumlaw – Assistant Secretary, Loan Servicing Assistant Manager
Linda M. Kosta – Assistant Secretary, Commercial Lending Administrator
Lisa Lamphere – Assistant Secretary, Commercial Lending Administrator
Christine Lataille-Santiago – Assistant Secretary, Human Resources Specialist
Daniela Ness – Assistant Secretary, Retail Lending Sales Specialist
Samantha Powden – Assistant Secretary, Learning and Development Specialist
Timothy Rich – Assistant Secretary, Financial Analyst
Lauren Vincent – Assistant Secretary, Small Business Loan Officer
Luann Vinson – Assistant Secretary, Retail Loan Originator

Board of Trustees

Anthony A. Joyce, III – President and Chief Executive Officer, Chelsea Groton Bank
D. Ben Benoit – President, PCW Management Center, LLC
Rodney A. Butler – Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
Betsy Conway – Legal Consultant, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
Mary Ellen Jukoski, Ed.D. – President, Three Rivers Community College
Kimberly Cardinal Piscatelli – Owner and Dealer Manager, Cardinal Honda
B. Michael Rauh, Jr. – Retired President and CEO, Chelsea Groton Bank
Thomas R. Switz – President, Switz Insurance and Real Estate

Corporators

Seymour Adelman
Dr. Michael Alfultis*
Louis E. Allen, Jr.
Alexis Ann
Carl Banks*
Edward Bartelli
D. Ben Benoit
Wilfred J. Blanchette Jr.
Mark E. Block
Ellen C. Brown
Allyn L. Brown III
Wendy Bury
Rodney Butler
Leo E. Butler, Jr.
Pietro Camardella
Dennis J. Cambria D.D.S.
Stanley A. Cardinal*
Dr. Steven B. Carlow
Cynthia J. Casey
Stephen Coan
John A. Collins, III
Fred A. Conti
Elizabeth Conway
Valerie Cordock
Lori Danis
Samantha Descombes-Roseme
Abby I. Dolliver
Irene Donovan*
Michael E. Driscoll
Maryam Elahi
David P. Erskine
Tracy Espy
Ralph G. Fargo*
Peter S. Gianacoplos
Denison N. Gibbs*
Scott Gladstone
Robert H. Glass Jr.
Jeffrey R. Godley
Michael A. Goldblatt
Mark Grader
Ulysses B. Hammond
Donna Handley
Theodore A. Harris
Leah A. Hartman
Shiela Hayes
Thomas M. Hinsch
Cathleen J. Holland
Peter Hoops
Richard M. Hoyt Jr.
John J. James
Eric M. Janney
Christopher R. Jewell
Margarett L. Jones
Dr. Mary Ellen Jukoski
Nicholas F. Kepple
Pamela A. Kinder
Jon T. Kodama
Robert V. Krusewski*
Theodore M. Ladwig
Edwin Lorah
Jennifer J. Lowney, DMD
Paul V. Mathieu
Jeffrey A. McNamara
Daniel Meiser
Wilhelm W. Meya
Theodore S. Montgomery*
Dr. Naomi Nomizu
Mark R. Oefinger
Andrew C. Pappas
Patricia A. Pastor  
Kimberly Cardinal Piscatelli
B. Michael Rauh
Felix Reyes
Caleb Roseme
Lottie B. Scott
Meagan E. Seacor
Dina Sears-Graves
Jonathan Shockley
John M. Smith*
William A. Stanley
Kathleen Stauffer
Kathleen A. Steamer*
Thomas R. Switz
Robert W. Tabor
Laurelle Texidor
William F. Turner
Robert A. Valenti
Edward J. Waitte
David A. Whitehead
Adam Young
Catherine Young

*Corporator Emeritus