Correy Hart Graduates New England School of Financial Studies

[Woodsville, NH: July 26, 2023] Correy Hart, Assistant Vice President and Branch Retail Officer of Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank recently graduated from the New England School of Financial Studies at Babson College in Wellesley, MA. The intensive two-year program provides banking professionals with the tools they need to manage in today’s changing financial climate and broadens the skills of supervisory personnel to help them make decisions that support the success of the bank as a whole. Students attend two one-week resident sessions, with 135 hours of classroom instruction led by members from academic and business sectors. Classes combine lectures with case studies to actively engage participants in the process of research, analysis and planning.


Between the first and second years, Correy completed five independent study projects that focused on Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, applying the knowledge and skills learned in the first year to actual challenges and opportunities at the bank. The program culminated in a comprehensive computerized simulation, where attendees assume senior management decision making responsibilities.

“As a result of this program, Correy has the knowledge and skills to contribute to the bank’s overall operations and decision-making,” said Shannon McKee, Vice President and Senior Retail Officer. “We appreciate his time and commitment to the program and are so proud of his achievement.”

Correy joined Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank in 2021 as AVP/Branch Administration Officer. Correy oversees retail operations and staffing of the bank’s nine banking offices. While his work takes him to all bank locations, his home base is WGSB’s Plymouth office, located on Tenney Mountain Highway.

Correy lives in Campton with his wife, Lena, and three young daughters.

Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank is a New Hampshire state-chartered savings bank headquartered in Woodsville, with nine banking offices in the communities of Woodsville, Piermont, Lisbon, Littleton, Lancaster, Plymouth, and Franconia, and a loan production office in Hanover. For more information, call 1-800-564-2735, visit the bank’s website at www.theguarantybank.com, or find them on Facebook.


Tori Dickenson Promoted to Branch Manager of the Piermont Office
Photo of Victoria Dickenson

[Woodsville, NH: May 17, 2023] We are pleased to announce the promotion of Tori Dickenson to Branch Manager of the Piermont office.

Tori has been with WGSB for 12 years, starting as a teller and CSR at the bank’s Littleton offices. In 2014, she transferred to the Deposit Operations Department, supporting customers with account research and fraudulent activity from behind the scenes. In 2019, she transitioned to the Compliance Department as BSA and Fraud Analyst, where she has helped customers and the bank reduce and mitigate fraud losses bank-wide. In 2020, she was promoted to Fraud Investigations Officer.

Tori has taken advantage of lots of continuing education offered by the bank to succeed and grow in her career at WGSB. In recent years, she earned the designation of Certified BSA and AML Professional from the Independent Community Bankers, as well as a certificate from the American Bankers Association in Fraud Prevention. She attended the Northern New England School of Banking, completed a supervisor class with the Northern New England Center for Financial Training, and is in the process of earning her Bank Operations diploma as well.

Tori is very excited to return to a branch setting and to join the Piermont team. She currently serves both the Board and Finance Committee of Little Rivers Health Care in Bradford, VT, and is looking forward to being more involved in the community in the Piermont and the surrounding area.


Kirstie Iadonisi Joins WGSB's Mortgage Team

[Plymouth, NH: April 18, 2023] Ann Dow, Vice President and Residential Loan Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announced the hiring of Kirstie Iadonisi of Belmont, NH as Residential Loan Originator.

Kirstie will work out of the bank’s Plymouth office, located on Tenney Mtn. Highway, and be responsible for managing home mortgage services for customers in the Plymouth area. She will also work with the bank’s Plymouth office team to support its many business and community development activities.

She joins WGSB with more than fifteen years of customer service, loan servicing, and management experience, primarily in the student loan lending area. For seven of those years, she worked with NHHEAF Network Organizations, a New Hampshire-based non-profit organization comprised of three agencies, including the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation and Granite State Management & Resources. She also successfully completed many training and certificate programs in communications, management, and diversity.

Kirstie lives in Belmont and loves the outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, boating, and traveling. She is also passionate about helping people and communities.

“Kirstie’s experience in loan processing and management, along with her strong customer service background, make her a great fit for this position and for WGSB,” said Dow. “We are very happy to have her here and know that she’ll be a great asset to our customers in the Plymouth area.”

Dan Stannard Elected to Board of Directors

[Woodsville, NH: February 17, 2023] James Graham, President & CEO of Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank (WGSB) announced the election of Daniel X. Stannard of Hanover, NH to the Board of Directors of Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank and its holding company, Guaranty Bancorp, Inc.

Dan is Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank. He oversees the bank’s consumer, residential, and commercial loan portfolios, a responsibility he has managed since joining the bank in 2014.

Dan has over 30 years of experience in lending, loan management, business development, and community service. He currently serves on the Finance and Project committees for Twin Pines Housing Trust and was a director for nine years. He is also treasurer of the Hanover, NH School District and vice chair of the Ford K. Sayre Memorial Ski Council. He is former chair of the Manchester Health Service Board (Visiting Nurses) and past president of the Regional Affordable Housing Corporation. He also helped establish the Rutland County Community Land Trust, assisting in the development of affordable housing.

“Dan’s expertise, leadership style, and customer and community focus make him a real asset to the bank and an excellent addition to the Board,” said Graham. “We look forward to having his voice on the Board as we continue to grow and serve our community’s financial needs.”

Dan lives in Hanover with his wife, Maureen. Together they have college-aged triplets, Ellison, Katharine, and Owen, and are adjusting to life as empty nesters.
 
Suzanna Ploss promoted to Lancaster Office Supervisor
[Woodsville, NH: August 22, 2022] Correy Hart, Assistant Vice President and Branch Administration Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, announced the promotion of Suzanna Ploss to the position of Branch Supervisor at the bank’s Lancaster/Shaw’s office. Suzanna will oversee all daily operations of the branch including staffing and customer service.

Suzanna joined WGSB in December 2018 as a teller. She quickly learned account opening and other customer service activities and was promoted to Teller/Back-up CSR. In May of 2021, she was promoted to Team Lead. Since that time, she has worked very hard to lead her office with enthusiasm and dedication, to create a positive experience for her customers and staff.

“Her commitment to the success of her office is clear and customers often tell me how helpful she is when they are in need of support,” said Correy. “I am very proud of her ability to excel through challenging times, and look forward to watching her excel in this role as well.”

Suzanna lives in Lancaster with her husband, James, and their daughter, Serenity. In addition to her work and family, Suzanna enjoys community service and currently volunteers for the American Legion Post 41 in Whitefield and Kaze Martial Arts in Lancaster. She is also looking forward to helping her daughter’s soccer team this fall.

Sarah Desrochers Joins WGSB's Commercial Lending Team

Professional woman smiling.[Woodsville, NH: April 23, 2021] Daniel Stannard, Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announced the hiring of Sarah Desrochers as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer. Sarah joins Carol Walker and Daphne Cassady in the Cottage Street, Littleton office to manage commercial loan relationships throughout northern New Hampshire and northeastern Vermont.

Sarah has more than thirty years of experience in lending, retail banking, and financial services. She joins WGSB from Passumpsic Savings Bank where she served as Vice President of Commercial Banking since 2007. She was responsible for the management and growth of the bank’s New Hampshire commercial loan market, including commercial real estate, construction loans, and commercial, industrial, and municipal financing. Prior to joining Passumpsic, Sarah served as Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager, and Loan Officer at Connecticut River Bank since 1998, and in retail and loan processing at Peoples Bank of Littleton. For twenty years, she also handled the bookkeeping for a local family-owned retail establishment.

Sarah is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in accounting and finance, and received a certificate in banking from Bournemouth University, School of Banking. She is currently Chair of the Weeks Medical Center Board of Trustees, a member of the Board of Trustees of North Country Healthcare, and a loan committee member for Coos Economic Development Corporation. She previously served as President of the Risk Management Association (RMA), Vermont Chapter. Sarah and her husband, Mark, live in Sugar Hill and have two adult daughters.

“Sarah is a talented lender, skilled at addressing her customers’ overall cash management needs, and a very positive person,” said Stannard. “She will be a strong addition to an already accomplished team and a real asset to our customers and bank.”

Kendra Bell Elected to WGSB Board

Professional woman with glasses and smiling[Woodsville, NH: April 15, 2021] James E. Graham, President and Chief Executive Officer of Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, announced the election of Kendra Bell of Stark, NH to the Board of Directors for the bank and its holding company, Guaranty Bancorp, Inc.

Kendra is a certified public accountant (CPA) and a partner with Cohos Advisors PLLC in Lancaster. She has twenty-one years of experience working with individuals, businesses, municipalities, and non-profits, providing tax, audit, and consultation services, and specializes in municipal and non-profit client services.

Kendra serves her community in many capacities. She is Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for Morrison Hospital Association, a member of the Board of Directors of the Lancaster Rotary Club, a board member for Stark Village School, and a board member for SAU #58. In addition, she is a professional member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New Hampshire Society of CPAs, New Hampshire Government Finance Officers Association, and NH Center for Nonprofits. She previously served on the Board of Directors of the NH Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Board of Directors for Coos Economic Development Corp.

Kendra is a graduate of Plymouth State University and a member of the Union Leader’s Class of 2016 “40 Under Forty.” She lives in Stark, NH with her husband, Russell, and their two children, Sophia and Curtis.

“We are very happy to welcome Kendra to our team,” said Graham. “Her strong accounting background and municipal and non-profit work, along with her high level of service to local and professional organizations, make her a great asset to the board, the bank, and the communities we serve.”

Amy Crocker Promoted to VP of Finance and Treasurer

Professional women smiling with long wavy hair standing outside 
by a tree[Woodsville, NH – April 7, 2021] James E. Graham, President and Chief Executive Officer of Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announced the promotion of Amy Crocker to Vice President of Finance and Treasurer. Amy has assumed management of the bank’s Finance Department, following the retirement of Marsha Gingue, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Amy has been with the bank for over twenty years and has served in many capacities. She joined WGSB in 2000 as a teller after college. In 2006, she transferred to the Finance Department, where she earned a number of promotions and new roles, including Funds Transfer and Wire Services Manager and Financial Analyst. In January 2019, Amy was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Controller.

Amy is a graduate of Champlain College with a degree in business administration. She is also a 2020 graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies, a two-year program that focuses on financial management, technology, lending, marketing, and other strategic industry issues in the banking and other financial services industries. She lives in North Haverhill with her husband, Todd, and two daughters, Abigail and Morgan.

“We are very pleased to have Amy take over management of the bank’s Finance Department,” said Jim Graham. “She has the knowledge and skills necessary to assume responsibility for the financial management of the bank, its holding company, and all related reporting, and her attention to detail and quality work will ensure the Finance Department continues to be a great benefit to all departments that rely on it for guidance.”

Correy Hart of Campton Joins WGSB

Professional gentleman in a suit standing in the bank's boardroom

[Littleton, NH: January 14, 2021] Shannon McKee, Vice President and Senior Retail Officer of Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announced the hiring of Correy Hart of Campton as Assistant Vice President and Branch Administration Officer.  Correy will oversee retail operations and staffing for WGSB’s nine banking offices and will support a variety of employee training, customer service, and promotional activities.  While his work will take him to all the bank’s locations, his home base will be WGSB’s Plymouth office, located on Tenney Mountain Highway.

Correy joins WGSB with 16 years of experience in banking, retail, and management, specializing in customer service, business development, and staff coaching, and with a commitment to community service.  Most recently, he was Branch and Business Development Manager for Meredith Village Savings Bank in Plymouth.  He’s a graduate of New Hampshire Technical Institute, where he studied business and hotel management, and has long list of honors and achievements for sales, service, and leadership.  Correy is also President of the Central NH Chamber of Commerce since 2019, a board he’s served as director since 2018.

Correy lives in Campton with his wife, Lena, and three young daughters.  He and his wife are actively involved with the 22q Foundation, raising funds for research, awareness, and support for those with DiGeorge Syndrome, a rare disorder caused by the deletion of a small segment of chromosome 22 and one his oldest daughter was diagnosed with at birth.

“We are very excited to have Correy join our team,” said Shannon. “His talents, personality, and community focus make him a great addition for our bank.  He has a genuine interest in helping to support and develop our staff, something that will be of great value to our employees and customers alike.”


Tour Downtown Hanover Spaces Available for Business Opportunities

[Hanover, NH: October 13, 2020] “This Space Is Not Empty. It’s Full of Possibilities.” Tour the spaces available for new possibilities in downtown Hanover, New Hampshire on Thursday, October 29 from 4 to 6 PM. This tour is for anyone interested in opening a retail or restaurant business. 
 
During the tour, attendees will visit 7-8 commercial spaces available for immediate lease. Listing agents will be available at each location to answer questions. Representatives from the Hanover Planning Department will be on hand to give an overview of the permitting process to fit up a new business, and field questions on signage, inspections and other considerations when locating a business. Representatives from Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank will also be on hand to discuss financing options and to offer support to interested entrepreneurs. 

Hanover is a thriving college town, home to New Hampshire’s only Ivy League institution, Dartmouth College, with over 4000 undergraduates and graduate students. Hanover’s downtown business district features a variety of dining destinations as well as a mix of independent boutiques and nationally known brands such as Simon Pearce, Farmhouse Pottery, J McLaughlin and Talbots. The Nugget Theater, Hopkins Center for the Arts and Hood Museum of Art bring visitors downtown and create a vibrant arts & cultural vibe. Several major regional employers are located nearby including Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center with 9000 employees onsite and Hypertherm with 1500 employees onsite.

This event is being coordinated by the Upper Valley Business Alliance, the region’s chamber of commerce, who will offer any attendee who leases a space a complimentary one-year membership. “Hanover is a retail mecca,” says Tracy Hutchins, executive director with the Upper Valley Business Alliance. “Although the covid pandemic has caused the closure of a few businesses, Hanover is a fantastic town for a new entrepreneur to launch a business. With Dartmouth College located in the
center of town, Hanover is always busy with students, alumni and visitors. This town has always bounced back from economic downturns quicker and stronger than most communities.”

“We are so happy to be a part of the Hanover business community and to participate in this event,” said Jason Achmoody, Vice President and Upper Valley Market Manager at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank’s Hanover business lending office who is sponsoring the tour. “We appreciate the creative and proactive approach to refilling and repurposing our downtown spaces, and we look forward to doing our part, serving as a resource and partner for visionary entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a business.” 

A listing of the spaces on the tour and registration details can be found at https://bit.ly/hanovertour. Covid safety protocols will be in place and participants are asked to wear face masks during the tour. Question and answer periods will take place outside. This event is rain or shine.

The Upper Valley Business Alliance represents 460 businesses located throughout the Upper Valley. Its mission is to promote and seize opportunities to better the economic climate in our region. For more information, visit uppervalleybusinessalliance.com

Kelly Schwaner of Holderness Joins WGSB

[Woodsville, NH: July 23, 2020] Ann Dow, Vice President and Residential Loan Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announced the hiring of Kelly Schwaner of Holderness as Loan Production Assistant. Kelly will support the bank’s residential lending activity bank wide from WGSB’s Plymouth Office, located on Tenney Mountain Highway. 

Kelly joins WGSB with twenty years of experience in banking, with a focus on mortgage and consumer lending, from application through closing. Her previous work includes loan operations, loan origination, and supervision of both loan processing and servicing teams, with additional experience in finance and bookkeeping.  Most recently, she worked as a Loan Servicing Representative for New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp, since 2014.  She has completed advanced training in lending, underwriting, accounting, and bank management.

Kelly grew up in Central New Hampshire and lives in Holderness. She is a member of the Holderness Select Board, since March 2019, is a past member of the town’s Budget Committee, and formerly served as the Children’s Librarian at the Holderness Free Library.   Kelly has three grown children, enjoys horseback riding, and has a new puppy, which keeps her busy and entertained.   

“Kelly is extremely professional, cares about the customer and the bank, and takes great pride in her work,” said Dow.  “She will be a great asset to the mortgage department and bank as a whole, and we are so pleased to have her join our team.”


Corin Rogers of Newbury, VT Joins WGSB

Professional women standing in front of a brick wall smiling[Woodsville, NH: July 15, 2020] Alison Bruce, Vice President, CRA and Privacy Officer, and Compliance and Risk Specialist at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announced the hiring of Corin Rogers as BSA/AML/OFAC Officer.  Corin will be responsible for helping the bank implement, monitor, and administer all aspects of its Bank Secrecy Act compliance program, and for ensuring that the bank is in compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, USA Patriot Act, OFAC, and all other related laws.

Corin joins WGSB from Ledyard National Bank, where she served as Assistant BSA Officer for six years. She has fourteen years of experience in banking, including retail sales, internal audit, and quality control.  She holds a Certified BSA/AML Professional designation from the Independent Community Bankers Association and attends the NH Bankers Compliance and BSA Officer conferences annually.  Corin grew up in Bradford, Vermont and currently lives with her family in Newbury.

“We are very excited to have Corin join the compliance department,” said Alison.  “She’s very interested in building her career here at WGSB and appreciates the bank’s values, which focus on the community, customer service, and family. She is a great addition to our team.”


Kelley Roy Promoted at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank 

Professional woman wearing glasses sanding in front of a tree smiling[Woodsville, NH: June 15, 2020] James Graham, President and Chief Executive Officer of Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announces the promotion of Kelley Roy to the position of Assistant Vice President and Loan Production Officer. 

Kelley joined the bank in April of 2002 and has served in many capacities. She started as an assistant to the Indirect Loan Officer, then moved to the loan servicing and processing area, where she performed a variety of functions in support of the department as a whole. When the loan servicing and processing areas separated to create a centralized residential loan department, Kelley took over the role of Residential Loan Closing Coordinator.  For the past three years, she has served as Residential Mortgage Supervisor and Underwriter. 

Her responsibilities include staff management to ensure compliance and efficiencies with the processing, underwriting and closing of residential loans.  In addition, Kelley maintains the primary software that supports the department’s paperless environment.

“Kelley does a great job in her duties and has played an integral role in the launch of a number of projects that benefit the bank’s customers and staff,” said Graham. “Her willingness to help where needed and positive attitude are greatly appreciated by her co-workers and management alike.”

Kelley has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Lyndon State College with a minor in small business management and marketing.  She lives in Bath, New Hampshire with her husband, Shawn, and their children Austin, 15 and Jillian, 12.  Kelley and her family enjoy the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and spending time with their large extended family.

 

Erin Hennessey Elected to Bank's Board

A professional woman smiling standing outside[Woodsville, NH: May 15, 2020] James E. Graham, President and Chief Executive Officer of Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, announced the election of Erin Hennessey of Littleton, NH to the Board of Directors for the bank and its holding company, Guaranty Bancorp, Inc. 

Erin is a business, legislative, and community leader with over twenty years of professional experience and expertise in the areas of fiscal management, responsibility, and governance.   She currently serves as New Hampshire State Representative for Grafton 1 (Littleton and Bethlehem), since December 2014, where she also serves in a number of leadership roles, including Legislative Advisor to the Governor's Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery, Assistant Republican Leader, Ranking Member of the Finance Committee Division III, and Chair of the Commission on Demographic Trends.  In addition, Erin served as a member of the Cannon Mountain Advisory Committee and on many other committees and commissions, focusing on employment and job training, pharmaceutical costs, emergency relief, long range planning, and public works.  Erin is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and works as an independent accounting consultant for companies throughout New England. 

Erin is an active community supporter and serves several volunteer boards.  She is Treasurer for the Board of Trustees for Littleton Regional Healthcare, a member of Friends of Lakeway, and on the Littleton Dog Park Committee. She is also a past board member with New Hampshire Public Television and North Country Home Health and Hospice.

A graduate of Boston College, Erin is a licensed CPA and a Henry Toll Fellow with the Council of Governments, Class of 2019.  She lives in Littleton, NH with her husband, John, and their two children, Claire and Luke.

“We are very happy to welcome Erin to our management team,” said Graham. “Her strong accounting and legislative background, coupled with her high level of support within the local community, will be a great addition to the board.”

 

New Hampshire Housing Recognizes WGSB Lenders for Outstanding Efforts

Professional woman smiling sitting in an office[Woodsville, NH: April 7, 2020] – Lenders and loan originators were recently recognized by New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) for helping 2,000 homebuyers find affordable homes and loans last year. The awards were given to the lending institutions and loan originators who assisted the most homebuyers through New Hampshire Housing programs in 2019.

Awards for Top Loan Originator were given to Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank’s Barbara Bullard, Terry Daniels, and Marcie Gowen-Nobley.  In addition, WGSB was recognized as Top Producer for Participating Originators.

“I am so proud of each of these lenders for their hard work and dedication,” said Ann Dow,

Vice President and Residential Loan Officer at WGSB.  “They have a great deal of respect for the value of NHHFA’s programs and are highly skilled at Professional woman with short hair smilinghelping their customers through the process to closing.”

“Our top lenders and loan originators are key to supporting affordable housing opportunities for New Hampshire households,” noted Ignatius MacLellan, managing director of New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority’s Homeownership Division. “Their service to customers helps provide affordable mortgages that give borrowers the opportunity for successful homeownership.”

New Hampshire Housing mortgages offer special features not generally available through other lending sources – such as down payment assistance – that can make homeownership more affordable. NHHFA also offers the Homebuyer Tax Credit program for first-time homebuyers, which enables them to receive a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 per year as long as they own their home Professional woman smiling in an officeand continue to pay mortgage interest.

New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority promotes, finances and supports affordable housing. NHHFA operates a number of rental and homeownership programs designed to assist low- and moderate-income persons with obtaining affordable housing. Since its inception, NHHFA has helped more than 50,000 families purchase their own homes and has been instrumental in financing the creation of 15,000 multi-family housing units.




Jason Achmoody Joins Hanover/Upper Valley Team

Man wearing suit and smiling while standing in meeting room[Woodsville, NH: March 25, 2020] Daniel Stannard, Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announced the hiring of Jason Achmoody as Vice President and Upper Valley Market Manager.  Jason is responsible for servicing current commercial loan relationships and building new relationships within the greater Upper Valley area.  He will work from the bank’s loan production office in Hanover, located at 17.5 Lebanon Street, over Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty.  

Jason joins WGSB from Ledyard National Bank, where he served in a number of management positions, most recently as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer in the Hanover area, since 2010.  His banking career began at Chittenden Bank (now People’s United Bank), where he advanced from a teller to a credit analyst to an officer and Assistant Market Manager.  Throughout his banking career, Jason has excelled at understanding the needs of his customers and making sound decisions that build trust and relationships. 

Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Akron and a Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has also completed advanced training and is a Certified Commercial Loan Officer (CCLO) and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), which allows him to bring significant value to customers as they plan for the eventual transition of his or her business.  Jason has worked and lived in the Upper Valley for fifteen years and served the local community on the Upper Valley United Way cabinet, Leadership Upper Valley Board of Governors, Rotary, and the board of his local church.  He and his wife, Leslie, reside in West Lebanon with their three school aged sons. 

“Jason is a competent lender and a great team member,” said Stannard.  “Approximately 20% of the bank’s loan portfolio is made up of commercial and residential mortgage relationships in the Hanover, Lebanon, and surrounding area, so I am very pleased to have Jason in the market, serving and building relationships with the people and businesses of the region.”


Jennifer Hall Joins WGSB's Commercial & Municipal Team

Professional woman with long hair smiling in gray cardigan[Woodsville, NH: February 20, 2020] Daniel Stannard, Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announced the hiring of Jennifer Hall of McIndoe Falls, Vermont as Assistant Vice President and Deposit and Municipal Services Sales Officer. In this new position, Jennifer will promote adoption and usage of the bank’s cash management and municipal services, and provide high-level support to the bank’s commercial and municipal customers.  In addition, she will serve as a resource for retail and commercial staff, assuming a number of training and mentoring responsibilities.  Jenn will work from the bank’s H.J. Graham Operations Center in Woodsville.

Jennifer joins WGSB with more than twenty years of experience in retail management, leadership, and customer service.  Prior to joining WGSB, she served as branch manager at both Citizens Bank and, most recently, Ledyard Bank, in Hanover. Prior to starting her banking career, Jenn was part of the management team at Staples in Concord for four years and Price Chopper Supermarket in Lebanon for twelve years. 

Jenn’s advanced training includes coursework in sales, management, leadership, payroll and human resources, communications, problem solving, and more.  She resides in McIndoe Falls with her children, Rylee and Ryan.

“Jenn comes to us with strong retail sales experience and a high level of energy,” said Dan Stannard.  “This new position nicely matches her strengths with our desire to deliver a high level of service and support to the bank’s commercial and municipal customers.  Jenn will be a real asset to our customers and staff.”

Daphne Cassady Promoted to VP, Commercial Loan Officer

Professional woman with long hair wearing business attire

[Woodsville, NH: February 13, 2020] Daniel Stannard, Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announced the promotion of Daphne Cassady of Lancaster, NH to Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer.  Daphne works from the bank’s Cottage Street, Littleton office and joins Carol Walker in managing commercial loan relationships throughout the North Country. 

Daphne started at WGSB in 1998 as a Credit Analyst and Commercial Lender, then moved into a part-time role as Credit Analyst while raising her children.  Throughout her career, she has supported the bank’s commercial loan staff by analyzing financial data provided by business borrowers and making recommendations to best match the customer’s goals with the variety of financing options available.  

 “Daphne’s deep understanding of accounting and business financial statements is a great asset to the bank,” said Stannard.  “For more than 20 years and behind-the-scenes, she has helped hundreds of local businesses get the financing they need to succeed. We are so happy to have Daphne in this new position and in front of so many of the customers she has served so well.” 

Daphne has 30+ years training and experience in commercial lending, credit analysis, and related business services.  She graduated Plymouth State College with a BA in Economics, an MS in Accounting, and a Masters of Business Administration.  She is also a graduate of the School of Commercial Lending at Babson College.  Daphne lives in Lancaster with her husband, Lewis, and has three grown sons. 


Rita Kenyon & Kristen Kilby Promoted at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank

Smiling professional woman with long blond hair and grey suit.

[Woodsville, NH: January 29, 2020] Rhonda Caswell, Vice President, Retail and Human Resources Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announced the following employee promotions.

 Rita Kenyon of Lunenburg, Vermont was promoted to the position of Branch Manager of the bank’s Cottage Street, Littleton office.  She joined WGSB in 2010 as a trainer.  In 2012, Rita accepted the position of Branch Supervisor for the Meadow Street office, and was promoted to Branch Manager in 2015.  In 2016, Rita played a significant role in managing the office’s move from its former location next to Tractor Supply to its current location next to Applebee’s. 


 Smiling young professional woman in flowery blouse.Kristen (Jameson) Kilby of Guildhall, Vermont was promoted to Branch Supervisor of the Meadow Street, Littleton office.  Kristen joined WGSB is 2017 as a part time teller at the bank’s Lancaster office. In July of 2019, she transferred to Float Teller and Customer Service Representative, helping out as needed in the Lancaster and Littleton area offices. 

 “Both Rita and Kristen are outstanding representatives for the bank,” said Caswell.  “Rita has strong management and leadership skills and Kristen’s eagerness to learn is a real asset.  We are so happy to be able to help them advance in their careers here at WGSB.”


 

 

Kaila DeCaro of St. Johnsbury, VT Promoted to Credit Analyst

Young professional lady, smiling and standing in bank lobby[Woodsville, NH: October 30, 2019] Stefanie Gulick, Vice President, Loan & Credit Administration Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announces the promotion of Kaila DeCaro to Credit Analyst - Small Business Lending.  In her new position, Kaila will be responsible for the underwriting of small business loans, to expedite the bank’s small business lending process for businesses and entrepreneurs.  

Kaila joined WGSB as a teller in the fall of 2011 and quickly added Customer Service Representative to her role.  In 2014, she transferred to the Consumer Lending Department where she helped process and service consumer loans and provided support to customers.  Since 2016, she has worked as a Commercial Loan Assistant, helping commercial lenders and their customers before, during, and after loan closings.  She also played an integral role in the development of the bank’s new online lending platform, which helps streamline the loan data and document collection process for customers and their lenders.

“Kaila is a highly-motivated, detail-oriented, energetic person, all qualities that make her the perfect fit for this new position,” said Gulick.  “As an SBA Preferred Lender, small business owners and entrepreneurs count on us for fast turnaround of their loan requests, so having Kaila focused on this part of the process will be a real asset to our customers.”

Kaila has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont and has completed a variety of additional coursework in accounting and financial statement analysis.  She lives in St. Johnsbury, Vermont with her husband, Nick, and children, Emerson, 4 and Bryce, 1. She loves to cook and watch the Blacklist, and as a mom of two little ones, she also loves to go to the grocery store…by herself.

Stefanie Gulick of Thetford, VT Joins WGSB's Loan Team

Professional woman wearing a blazer and eyeglasses smiling[Woodsville, NH: August 2, 2019] Daniel Stannard, Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer of Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank announces the hiring of Stefanie Gulick of Thetford, Vermont as Vice President, Loan and Credit Administration Officer.  Stefanie’s responsibilities include supervision and support of the bank’s Loan Operations Department, commercial credit staff, and full-time commercial lending assistants, as well as management of the bank’s loan origination platform.

Stefanie joins Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank from Ledyard National Bank where she was Vice President and Commercial Credit Manager for the past ten years.  Her prior banking experience includes work as a commercial credit analyst and in retail branch banking.

Stefanie is a graduate of Bentley College (University) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance and a graduate of the Northern New England School of Banking.  She is a first year graduate student at the Barret School of Banking and has completed many banking related certificate and other programs. 

In addition to her professional work, Stefanie is an active volunteer, sharing her time and talents with a number of area organizations.  She is Treasurer of the Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity, Board Chair for the Orford Funds for Excellence Committee, and a member of the Thetford Youth Recreation Committee and VT Women in Leadership Planning Committee.  Stefanie lives in Thetford with her husband, Shaun, and two children.

“Stefanie is a very talented, bright, and energetic person,” said Stannard.  “This new position is a great opportunity for her to grow in her career and a great opportunity for us to learn from the skills she will bring to the bank. We welcome her experience and consider her addition to our team a real asset to WGSB and our customers.”


WGSB Offers Assistance to Middle Income Homebuyers Through FHLBank Boston Program 

[Woodsville, NH – June 3, 2019] Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank has been selected to participate in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s (FHLBank Boston) Housing Our Workforce (HOW) program.

Federal Home Loan Bank Boston logoLaunched this year, HOW provides assistance to FHLBank Boston financial institution members to help local homebuyers earning more than 80 percent and up to 120 percent of the area median income with down payments on owner-occupied primary residences.

The $2 million program offers a two-to-one match of down payments made at the time of purchase by eligible homebuyers. Borrowers can receive up to $20,000 in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Many homeownership programs are designed to assist lower-income individuals and families. It can be challenging for those in a slightly higher income range to afford housing, particularly in communities where home prices are rising. With this program, a greater number of borrowers will be able to achieve homeownership,” said Dan Stannard, Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank.

Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank is eligible to receive up to $100,000 in 2019 through Housing Our Workforce depending on availability of funds.

To learn more about applying for assistance, please contact a residential lender at 800-564-2735.