Jodie Gerulaitis, Author at Country Bank

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, and the WooSox Foundation recently announced the 2024 WooStars, a program that supports non-profit leaders throughout the region.

Country Bank and the Worcester Red Sox recently recognized nine local WooStars and the non-profits they are affiliated with at Polar Park to include: Kathy Chapman – Pawsitively 4 Pink, Sharon Bryant – FosterCare Essentials, Jessica Horton – Worcester Challenger Division Baseball, Jennifer Baublitz – HomeFront Strong, Brandon Robbins – Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc., Suchitra Mumford – ArtSpace Maynard, Donna Bulger – Clear Path for Veterans New England and Julie McDonald – The Juniper Outreach Foundation. Each non-profit was presented with a $5,000 donation.

The WooStars program reflects our shared dedication, as it allows community members to nominate outstanding individuals to recognize their contributions to the communities they serve and to contribute to the nonprofits they support. Now in its fourth year, this program has recognized 36 WooStars, providing $180,000 in donations. We are proud to stand behind these community leaders who are making a significant impact,” stated Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank.

“Country Bank has been an ideal community partner,” said Dr. Charles A. Steinberg, President of the Worcester Red Sox and the WooSox Foundation. “Our WooStars partnership sheds the light on some wonderful organizations—and that’s in addition to our collaboration on our Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic and our MVT program that supports our Most Valuable Teachers. We thank our friends at Country Bank, and we salute our 2024 WooStars.”

About Country Bank

Country Bank is a full-service $1.8B mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton, Springfield and Worcester. With a commitment to personalized service and community involvement, Country Bank offers individuals, businesses, and municipalities a comprehensive range of banking products and services. Country Bank is a member of FDIC, DIF, and the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.

About the Worcester Red Sox

The Worcester Red Sox are the Triple-A affiliate of baseball’s beloved Boston Red Sox. Their inspiring and aspiring players live locally, most in the heart of Downtown Worcester, and play at Polar Park, the city’s sparkling new year-round venue that opened in 2021. The club and the WooSox Foundation are proud to be partners with Country Bank on many community endeavors.

Country Bank’s President and CEO, Mary McGovern, is excited to announce the promotion of Julie Sanders Yi, CPA, to Chief Financial Officer. Julie, who joined Country Bank in 2012 as the First Vice President and Controller, has made significant contributions to the Finance Department. Her exceptional performance led to her promotion in 2021 to Senior Vice President, where she demonstrated her ability to drive results in the Operations Department as well. Julie’s journey from a First Vice President to the Chief Financial Officer is a testament to her dedication and the organization’s potential for growth and success.

Julie brings a wealth of experience to her new role; with 23 years in finance and various roles, she has significantly impacted the organization. She graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a Bachelor Degree in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant, a testament to her expertise and dedication to the field.

“Julie’s promotion to Chief Financial Officer is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional leadership and expertise,” said Mary McGovern, President and CEO of Country Bank. Throughout her tenure at Country Bank, Julie has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence and ability to drive results. She is a role model for our corporate values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity. Her deep understanding of finance and strategic mindset, which will guide us into the future, make her the ideal candidate for this critical role.”

As Chief Financial Officer, Julie will oversee all financial operations of Country Bank, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and financial reporting. She will drive the bank’s financial strategy and ensure long-term financial stability.

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer at Country Bank,” said Julie Sanders Yi. “I am grateful for Mary’s trust and confidence in me. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Country Bank to continue driving our success and delivering value to our customers.”

Julie’s promotion comes at a time of significant growth and change for Country Bank. With her extensive experience and expertise, she will be instrumental in guiding the bank’s financial decisions and positioning it for continued success. Julie resides in Holden with her two children and her partner. She is an avid runner and enjoys gardening and being outdoors with her family.

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the opening of its fourth banking center in Worcester at 1393 Grafton Street. The new location will officially open on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Country Bank’s expansion in Worcester is a testament to its commitment to reinvesting in its communities and providing a valuable resource for customers and community members. Country Bank offers a comprehensive full-service support team equipped with banking center specialists trained to assist customers with all their banking needs, and ensuring financial security and exceptional customer service.

Country Bank invites the public to participate in a week-long celebration filled with exciting activities and giveaways. Customers and visitors can participate in drawings for local gift cards, WooSox tickets, giveaways, and free delicious treats from Wholly Cannoli. The Worcester Red Sox’s Smiley Ball and Country Bank’s mascot, Buck, will be on hand to entertain on Friday, June 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. All are invited to join in the June 18 ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. attended by dignitaries and members from Country Bank’s team and Board of Trustees.

In addition to its commitment to customer service, Country Bank actively supports the City of Worcester through philanthropy and volunteerism efforts. The bank has made generous donations and has dedicated numerous volunteer hours to various community causes. Country Bank is one of the 21 founding partners of the Worcester Red Sox, and an active supporter of more than 210 local nonprofits in 2024.

Nathan Bourgeois, Retail Banking Officer, will lead the new Worcester location assisted by Lily Figueroa, Assistant Manager. Nathan joined the bank as the Assistant Manager at the Tatnuck Square location in 2022 and is ready to welcome new and existing customers to the Grafton Street Banking Center. Nathan is an active volunteer for a variety of Worcester nonprofits, attends after-hours business events, and enjoys making connections with colleagues in the city.

The Grafton Street Banking Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Extended hours are offered through ITMs at this location from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Country Bank, a leading financial institution in Western and Central Massachusetts, announced the appointment of four new corporators and a new trustee at its Annual Meeting on Monday, March 11, 2024.

James Phaneuf, Chair of the Board welcomed the new corporators to the Bank, stating, “We are thrilled to have these accomplished individuals join our team. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will contribute to the continued success of Country Bank.”

Ivon Gois, President of Gois Broadcasting, brings a wealth of experience to the Bank. Based in Worcester, Mr. Gois operates 12 radio stations in New England and is well-known for his contributions to the media industry, ethnic and racial diversity work and his and financial expertise.

Mechilia K. Salazar, CEO/Director of Hope for Youth and Families Foundation in Springfield, is a respected leader in the nonprofit sector. Ms. Salazar’s previous role as CEO of the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club demonstrates her commitment to serving the marginalized and under banked communities. She often serves as the bridge between local businesses and the communities they serve.

Samalid Hogan, a business consultant/CEO, and principal at Greylock Management in Ludlow, is a seasoned professional with a strong track record of success. Ms. Hogan’s leadership as past President of the Springfield Rotary Club and her involvement on various boards further highlight her dedication to making a positive impact. Her passion for empowering small businesses has made her a respected leader in the industry.

Walter Pacheco, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, owns several Western and Central Massachusetts restaurants and investment properties. Mr. Pacheco’s extensive business acumen and local ties make him a valuable addition to the Bank.

In addition to the new corporators, President-elect Mary C. McGovern was appointed to the Board of Trustees. Her expertise and leadership will help guide the Bank’s strategic initiatives and ensure its continued growth as she takes over as President on April 1, 2024.

Country Bank is excited about the new appointments and looks forward to these individuals’ valuable insights into the markets it serves. With their combined expertise and dedication, the Bank is well-positioned to continue to make a difference in serving its customers and communities for another 175 years

Country Bank, a leading full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Clare Ladue as the Assistant Vice President of the Customer Care Center. With an impressive thirty years of financial service expertise, Clare brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her new role. She graduated from Massachusetts Bankers Association – New England School of Financial Studies. She has a Commercial Lending Certificate from Massachusetts Bankers and numerous professional leadership certifications.

Throughout her career, Clare has gained extensive experience in banking, including retail banking, deposit operations, commercial lending, and regional management. This diverse background makes her the ideal candidate to lead Country Bank’s Customer Care Team. Her connection to the local community is evident through her previous involvement as an executive committee member of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Clare’s commitment to community service is commendable. She has actively participated in numerous charitable initiatives, including the Walk of Champions, Junior Achievement, Rays of Hope, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, and Link to Libraries. Her dedication to making a positive impact aligns perfectly with Country Bank’s core values.

“I am thrilled to join Country Bank and utilize my leadership skills and experience to support our valued customers,” said Clare Ladue. “I will focus on their financial wellness, ensuring a superior customer experience from our exceptional Customer Care Team and I am eager to make a difference and contribute to the continued success of Country Bank.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Clare to the Customer Care Center team; her experience in retail and commercial banking, combined with her leadership roles make her a perfect fit for Country Bank. We look forward to Clare’s enthusiasm and dedication representing Country Bank, and supporting our iSTEP Corporate Values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence and Prosperity, and we are pleased that she has chosen Country Bank to be her Employer of Choice.”

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, proudly reported more than 1.2 million in donations for 2023. The bank’s philanthropic efforts supported local non-profits throughout its communities, with 463 organizations receiving grants in 2023.

In addition to financial support, Country Bank’s team members dedicated their time and expertise to make a difference. They volunteered 1,255 hours of community service, demonstrating their commitment to giving back. Furthermore, 37 team members served on 65 non-profit boards and committees, actively contributing to the success of these organizations.

As a community bank, it recognizes the importance of supporting financial literacy; Country Bank held four Credit for Life Fairs for 1,500 High School Seniors to educate them on credit, budgeting, and how their decisions impact their financial wellness. Classes were also held at Christina’s House and within various schools throughout the community. In partnership with Greenlight, the bank launched a debit card for kids to support parents in teaching children early on how to spend, share, and save. The bank also introduced a new program to support financial literacy, Money School, to support local schools with educational opportunities for in-classroom teachings for all ages, and an online financial educational program on the bank’s website.

One of the highlights of Country Bank’s philanthropic efforts in 2023 was its partnership with the Wonder Fund during the “Season of Difference” Campaign. This collaboration aimed to support kids and families in Central and Western MA’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) system. By joining forces with the Wonder Fund, Country Bank demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families in the community with over $30,000 in support.

Some of the organizations receiving donations were The Ronald McDonald House, Christina’s House, The YWCA, The Boys and Girls Clubs, Behavioral Health Network, The United Way, Salvation Army, The Food Bank of Western Mass, The Worcester County Food Bank, Be Like Brit, Juniper Outreach, Springfield Revitalize CDC, Friends of the Homeless, and 21 Senior Centers and 19 Food Pantries across the region.

Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank, emphasized the bank’s dedication to its communities. He stated, “As a community partner, we care deeply about the sustainability of our communities. We are honored to support many organizations through donations and volunteerism to help them with their work. Supporting and enriching our communities is not only a part of our mission; it’s who we are as an organization, and we know that it makes a difference for so many.”

Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts recently announced a $25,000 pledge to the EcoTarium. This pledge aims to support the development of a cutting-edge gallery for traveling exhibits and contribute to the establishment of the new Early Childhood Science Learning Center, showcasing the Bank’s commitment to education and community enrichment.

“The EcoTarium is deeply grateful for Country Bank’s generous gift to our Third Century Campaign which will build a new state-of-the-art gallery for traveling exhibits and develop an Early Childhood Science Learning Center for children up to age 6”, stated EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Johnson Smith. “These vital projects will ensure the Museum continues to offer transformative experiences that promote science literacy and learning about science and nature as we prepare the next generation of leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.”

To learn more about the EcoTarium, visit https://ecotarium.org.

The Board of Trustees of Country Bank announced today the appointment of Mary McGovern as President and Chief Operating Officer, effective April 1, 2024. In her new role, Mary will oversee the bank’s operations and drive its strategic growth initiatives. Paul Scully who has been the President and Chief Executive Officer will remain as the CEO.

Mary brings over thirty years of experience in the banking industry, making her a valuable asset to Country Bank. She holds degrees from Emmanuel College and Babson College, and her extensive knowledge and expertise have been instrumental in the bank’s success. Mary joined Country Bank in 2011 as its Chief Financial Officer and has since been an esteemed member of the Bank’s Leadership Group.

Mary recently attended the American Bankers Association (ABA) Wharton Leadership Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, earning an ABA Wharton Leadership Certificate. This accomplishment further solidifies her commitment to excellence and continuous professional development.

“We are thrilled to announce Mary’s appointment as the next President of Country Bank,” stated James Phaneuf, Chair of the Board. “Mary’s proven track record, dedication, and strategic vision make her the ideal candidate for this role. We are especially proud to break the proverbial glass ceiling by appointing the first female president in Country Bank’s 174-year history.” Mr. Phaneuf further stated “The Board is confident that Mary’s leadership will drive the bank’s continued success and growth. With her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to excellence, Mary is poised to lead the bank into a new era of innovation, and customer satisfaction while maintaining its position as one of the most highly capitalized financial institutions in the region.”

Mary, a resident of Wilbraham, is married to Stephen, and they have two children, Abigail and Aidan. Her deep roots in the community and passion for serving others makes her an exceptional fit for Country Bank’s customer-centric approach.

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