capeandcoastbk, Author at Cape & Coast Bank

The Coop Named One of the Nation’s Best Banks to Work For in 2022

capeandcoastbk on November 15, 2022

The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod has been named one of the “Best Banks to Work For” by American Banker magazine for the third consecutive year.

The “Best Banks to Work For” is an annual survey and awards program dedicated to identifying and recognizing the industry’s best employers and providing organizations with valuable employee feedback.

“To be recognized again for workplace excellence by American Banker is a profound and humbling honor,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, President and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “It is particularly gratifying that this outstanding designation was significantly based upon an independent survey of all The Coop’s employees. In 2023, we look forward to evolving The Coop into an even better place to work.”

American Banker recognized 90 banks across the U.S. that have less than $3 billion in assets.

Determining the “Best Banks to Work For” involves a two-step process. The first step involves an evaluation of participating companies’ workplace policies, practices, and demographics. In the second step, employee surveys are conducted to directly assess the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. The combined scores determine the top banks and the final ranking. Full results of this year’s program are available at https://www.americanbanker.com/list/best-banks-to-work-for and in the November issue of American Banker magazine.

Empowering employees to strike an appropriate work-life balance is of utmost importance to bank leadership and played a significant role in The Coop’s award designation.

The Coop offers a “work where it works” program that provides hybrid work arrangements for many bank roles, to allow for flexibility and work/life balance. Family members are often invited to corporate events, and the bank helps to pay for childcare, offers flexible time off so employees can attend important family events and provides an extensive wellness program that supports an employee’s overall well-being.

Additionally, The Coop has multiple recognition programs that acknowledge exceptional customer service and collaboration, is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, and encourages volunteerism in the communities it serves.

The Coop Foundation awards $98,000 in grants to local nonprofits

capeandcoastbk on October 27, 2022

The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation Trust (The Coop Foundation) has awarded $98,000 in grants to five local nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the region.

The grants awarded mirror the bank’s corporate giving focus areas for fiscal year 2023 – Housing Initiatives and Solutions, and Social Justice and Racial Equity.

“I congratulate the five deserving nonprofits that have been awarded The Coop Foundation grants and applaud their tireless work to make Cape Cod a better and more equitable place to live,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, President and CEO, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “The latest cohort of grant recipients exemplifies The Coop Foundation’s mission to cultivate vibrant and thriving communities. While the region’s housing, social justice and racial equity issues will not be resolved overnight, these organizations are creating and implementing innovative programs to make an immediate difference and contribute to long-term solutions.”

During the recent quarterly meeting of the Board of Trustees, the following grants were awarded:

$30,000 to Amplify POC (People of Color) over the course of three years for communications and programs capacity building. Amplify POC promotes racial equity by providing accessible resources and education that enhance visibility and increase sustainable ownership opportunities for communities of color. The grant will be used to create communication and education materials, enhance the organization’s website to connect the BIPOC community to more financial and educational resources, and compile data about program participant demographics, community need and program impact
$3,000 to Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts to provide scholarships for six low- and middle-income girls to attend summer camp in 2022. The organization’s camps offer girls a nurturing single-gender community that fosters healthy development and opportunities to build self-esteem, learn new skills, enjoy the natural world around them and stay mentally and physically active while under the guidance of caring, trained adults.
$10,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod to help fund the cost of building materials and licensed contractors to construct four new two- and three-bedroom homes in Falmouth. For four families, the opportunity to help build their own home and then purchase it on terms they can afford will provide a permanent solution to the housing insecurity they may have experienced for years.
$50,000 to Housing Assistance Corporation over the course of four years for its new THRIVE (Tools to House Residents in a Vulnerable Economy) housing voucher program. The program has been designed to help participants decrease debt, improve financial health and establish more stable and sustainable housing by bridging the gap between resources currently available. Strong results from a recent pilot of the program have already yielded a two-year grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to assist daycare and disability care workers, whose professions are critical to households dependent upon them to remain in the workforce
$5,000 to Lower Cape Outreach Council for emergency food assistance to serve clients at its nine food pantries on the Lower and Outer Cape. The grant will be used to purchase additional protein, produce and dairy products for the pantries, which have been experiencing supply issues from a primary inventory source.

The Coop Partners with SCORE Cape Cod & The Islands to Host Cybersecurity Workshop

capeandcoastbk on October 12, 2022

The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod has partnered with SCORE Cape Cod & The Islands to host a free online workshop titled “Cybersecurity – How to Identify Your Weaknesses Before a Cybercriminal Does” on Wednesday, October 19 at 9 a.m.

Since 2004, October has been declared Cybersecurity Awareness Month by the President of the United States and Congress.

Paul Forni, The Coop’s Information Security and Red Flag Officer, will provide workshop participants with invaluable insight regarding best practices to secure computing environments and how to avoid becoming the victim of a cybercriminal.

“The threat of cybercriminals and online fraud continues to increase and it is crucial that consumers and businesses be aware of warning signs, techniques and technology to prevent costly and disruptive attacks,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, President and CEO, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “The Coop is proud to present this important cybersecurity workshop with SCORE Cape Cod & The Islands, which offers vital mentorship to entrepreneurs, businesses and nonprofits throughout the region.”

Additional information and registration for the workshop can be found here.

Business Toolbox: Cybersecurity Vigilance Must Always be a Priority for Consumers and Businesses

capeandcoastbk on October 12, 2022

Since 2004, October has been declared Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the United States. While the designation serves as an annual reminder for consumers and businesses to assess vulnerabilities and risks for cyberattacks and breaches, we must be vigilant every minute, hour, day and month throughout the year.

Cybercriminals are on the prowl constantly from around the globe, enticing consumers and businesses with online ads, offers and emotional appeals often “too good to be true.” These malicious tactics are designed to capture password information, financial and bank account data, credit card numbers and other sensitive personal information to facilitate identity theft quickly and easily.

Through the years, cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated, rendering even the most experienced and savvy technology users vulnerable, underscoring the necessity of identifying security weaknesses and staying abreast of the latest scams.

Current scams that are commonplace include vishing, which is a fraudulent practice of making phone calls or leaving voicemail messages from a supposedly reputable source to lure individuals into revealing personal information. Phony calls regarding expiring car warranties are a ubiquitous example of vishing.

Of course, phishing, whereby the fraudulent requests of personal information are made thorough email and text messages – notices about compromised PayPal or Amazon accounts are common – remain a serious cybersecurity threat.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $5.8 billion to phishing and other fraud in 2021, a 70% increase from 2020. Astounding.

At The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, we are committed to ensuring that customer private information is safe and secure. To help protect the private information of our consumer and business clients, we recommend: creating strong passwords; reviewing bank accounts often; using caution when surfing the internet; using up-to-date operating systems and software that are supported by the manufacturer; installing manufacturer recommended updates to computers and mobile devices; installing and maintain firewalls and real-time antivirus/anti spyware software; securing computers and mobile devices when not in use; and learning to spot the signs of potentially fraudulent attacks.

The American Bankers Association (ABA) earlier this month revamped its #BanksNeverAskThat campaign and website. The program offers a treasure trove of information and hints to learn how to spot fraudulent texts, emails and phone calls by knowing the questions and requests a bank would never ask. I highly recommend a visit to www.BanksNeverAskThat.com – a few minutes on the site could save you a lot of money and misery.

Remember, preparation and knowledge are the best way to protect sensitive information to prevent an individual or business from becoming the victim of a cybercriminal.

Paul Forni is Information Security and Red Flag Officer for The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod.

Business Toolbox: SEED Corporation a Valuable Resource for Region’s Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

capeandcoastbk on October 12, 2022

Allyson Brainson is a Vice President and Small Business Relationship Manager with The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. Contact Allyson at 508.568.1205 or abrainson@mycapecodbank.com.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs have tremendous resources in our region, many of which are untapped and maybe even unknown. SEED Corporation is one of those assets that every small business owner and aspiring entrepreneur should familiarize themselves with.

SEED, South Eastern Economic Development Corporation, is a small business lender that provides financing to both start-up and existing businesses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. As a nonprofit organization, it is an SBA-certified lender that has been providing assistance to our small business community for nearly 40 years.

Just how does SEED play a role and how is it different than a traditional bank loan? As opposed to competing with banks and credit unions, SEED acts as a partner to provide gap financing when traditional bank loans cannot be secured. Perhaps your bank can’t finance your request because of collateral, credit or number of years in business. Or maybe your industry is one that the bank can’t lend to due to regulatory factors. Maybe your bank can provide some financing, but not one hundred percent. In these cases, your bank can send your loan request to SEED or work directly with SEED to fill the financing gap.

SEED loans range from micro loans up to $50,000 and small loans up to $250,000. They also offer larger SBA 504 loans designed to work in conjunction with local lenders who want to partner on loan projects while mitigating risk. Funds can be used for a variety of uses, including refinancing, real estate, business acquisition, build-outs, inventory, working capital, furniture, fixtures and much more. SEED’s small loan programs provide term loans with reasonable rates and no pre-payment penalties, and all loans are serviced in-house.

Given the scope and the flexibility they offer, SEED loans can be appropriate for businesses of all sizes, including the vast small business community on the Cape and Plymouth County.

Beyond financing, SEED offers extensive educational opportunities for business owners looking to start up or scale their business. Through their Business Assistance Program, they offer monthly entrepreneurial workshops, individual financing consultations, business plan templates and an array of business planning assistance available through the various SBA resource partners. These services are all free.

It’s important to note that your first step when seeking financing should always be your local bank who you have an established relationship with. In fact, SEED requires that you start there for any loan request over $20,000.

The pandemic, inflation and tight labor market have a created a challenging trifecta for our business community, particularly as we enter the “high” season. It’s important to know about resources offered by organizations like SEED and others so you can potentially benefit from the wealth of support they offer. Your local banker is a trusted partner who can connect you with these valuable resources. Tap into their knowledge!

Allyson Brainson is a Vice President and Small Business Relationship Manager with The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. Contact Allyson at 508.568.1205 or abrainson@mycapecodbank.com.

SEED Corporation and Resources for Businesses

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SEED Corporation and Resources for Businesses II

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SEED Corporation and Resources for Businesses III

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Business Toolbox: Coop and Clover Partnership Provides Advantage for Region’s Businesses

capeandcoastbk on October 12, 2022

Allyson Brainson is a Vice President and Small Business Relationship Manager with The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. Contact Allyson at 508.568.1205 or abrainson@mycapecodbank.com.

Business owners – regardless of how big or small the business may be – face a seemingly endless stream of decision making. The Coop’s business clients are no exception, particularly during a busy summer with a multitude of issues to address – labor shortages, supply chain glitches and how to keep pace with rapidly changing technology. It’s no wonder we often hear business owners say, “there just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything on my plate done.”

As a community bank, one of the most important things we do is support our business clients in their success and growth. And that goes far beyond typical financial products such as checking accounts.

Our latest endeavor to support the business community is a partnership with Clover, a point-of-sale system at its core, but one that offers so much more. Its flexible, intuitive, all-in-one system addresses many of the challenges we’re hearing from businesses.

For starters, it’s not one size fits all. Every industry and business needs solutions custom fit for them. Maybe you need a handheld POS for curbside pick-ups or for you wait staff to take payments right at the table. Maybe you’re a landscaper who wants to collect payments on the job site. Or you’re an accountant who works from home and invoices clients electronically. Maybe you’re a large-scale retailer who needs a full-scale POS system with multiple registers. We start by doing a deep dive into our client’s business to tailor fit a system right for them.

It’s also flexible. Business needs ebb and flow along the way. As your business grows and consumer behavior changes, your needs will change. The system is designed to be flexible enough to change with you…easily.

Clover also helps a business keep up with the constantly evolving digital payment methods like Apple pay, Google pay and Samsung pay, along with traditional credit cards. And its portable units can work with Wi-Fi or LTE, so you can take payment from your customers wherever they may be.

It’s more than a POS system, though, and that’s what gives it a real edge. It’s a full-scale, business management solution that can tackle everything from inventory management, employee schedules and payroll to maintaining a waitlist and scheduling clients. The system is complemented with 500 apps designed to meet the unique needs of restaurants, retailers and service businesses. So, essentially it can fulfill roles like bookkeeper, receptionist, accountant, scheduler and inventory manager, to name a few. Clover can take a lot off a business owner’s “to do” list.

To learn more about The Coop-Clover partnership, please visit mycapecodbank.com/clover for additional information and two dedicated episodes of the Business sCOOP video series.

Clover is just one example of the type of products and services The Coop offers business clients. If your relationship with your bank is purely transactional, you’re missing out on a wealth of resources at your disposal. Your banker, especially your community banker, is invested in your success and growth. If you haven’t talked to them lately, now is a great time to start a conversation. You might be surprised how much they have to offer.

Allyson Brainson is a Vice President and Small Business Relationship Manager with The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. Contact Allyson at 508.568.1205 or abrainson@mycapecodbank.com.

Business Toolbox: Retirement planning tips for your business

capeandcoastbk on October 12, 2022

Robert Martin, CCSCS, CIMA, is an Osaic Institutions Investment Executive at Cape Cod Financial Services at The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. He can be reached at 508.568.1250 or robert.martin@osaicinstitutions.com.

If you are self-employed or own a small business and you haven’t established a retirement savings plan, what are you waiting for? A retirement plan can help you and your employees save for the future.

Tax advantages

A retirement plan can have significant tax advantages:

Your contributions are deductible when made.
Your contributions aren’t taxed to an employee until distributed from the plan.
Money in the retirement program grows tax deferred (or, in the case of Roth accounts, potentially tax free).

Types of plans

Retirement plans are usually either IRA-based (like SEPs and SIMPLE IRAs) or “qualified” (like 401(k)s, profit-sharing plans, and defined benefit plans).

Qualified plans are generally more complicated and expensive to maintain than IRA-based plans because they have to comply with specific Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 requirements in order to qualify for their tax benefits. Also, qualified plan assets must be held either in trust or by an insurance company.

With IRA-based plans, your employees own (i.e., “vest” in) your contributions immediately. With qualified plans, you can generally require that your employees work a certain numbers of years before they vest.

Which plan is right for you?

With a dizzying array of retirement plans to choose from, you’ll need to clearly define your goals before attempting to choose a plan. Ask yourself, do you want:

To maximize the amount you can save for your own retirement?
A plan funded by employer contributions? By employee contributions? Both?
A plan that allows you and your employees to make pre-tax and/or Roth contributions?
The flexibility to skip employer contributions in some years?
A plan with lowest costs? Easiest administration?

The answers to these questions can help guide you and your retirement professional to the plan (or combination of plans) most appropriate for you.

What are SEPs?

A SEP allows you to set up an IRA (a “SEP-IRA”) for yourself and each of your eligible employees. You contribute a uniform percentage of pay for each employee, although you don’t have to make contributions every year, offering you some flexibility when business conditions vary. The plan must cover any employee aged 21 or older who has worked for you for three of the last five years and who earns $650 or more.

What is a SIMPLE IRA?

The SIMPLE IRA plan is available if you have 100 or fewer employees. Employees can elect to make pre-tax contributions in 2022 of up to $14,000 ($17,000 if age 50 or older; up from $13,500 and $16,500, respectively, in 2021). You must either match your employees’ contributions dollar for dollar — up to 3% of each employee’s compensation — or make a fixed contribution of 2% of compensation for each eligible employee.

What is a 401(k)?

The 401(k) plan is a popular retirement savings vehicle for small businesses. With a 401(k) plan, employees can make pre-tax and/or Roth contributions in 2022 of up to $20,500 of pay ($27,000 if age 50 or older; up from $19,500 and $26,000, respectively, in 2021). These deferrals go into a separate account for each employee and aren’t taxed until distributed. Generally, each employee with a year of service must be allowed to contribute to the plan. You can also make employer contributions to your 401(k) plan — either matching contributions or discretionary profit-sharing contributions.

As an employer, you have an important role to play in helping America’s workers save. Now is the time to talk to your investment advisor about the best retirement plan programs for you and your employees.

Robert Martin, CCSCS, CIMA, is an Osaic Institutions Investment Executive at Cape Cod Financial Services at The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. He can be reached at 508.568.1250 or robert.martin@osaicinstitutions.com.

Investment and insurance products and services are offered through Osaic Institutions, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cape Cod Financial Services is a trade name of the bank. Osaic Institutions and the bank are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Osaic Institutions are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of value.

NOT A DEPOSIT	NOT FDIC INSURED	NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK
NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY		MAY GO DOWN IN VALUE

The Coop teams up with Falmouth Chamber of Commerce on affordable housing

capeandcoastbk on August 11, 2022

The Falmouth Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod and Falmouth Community Television produced a three-part series aimed at educating the community on why housing is an issue that is affecting us all.

Episode 1

Stakeholders within the Falmouth Community discuss the increased challenges for businesses, health care, schools, public safety, and the scientific community in attracting and keeping employees due to the high cost of living.

Episode 2

Housing leaders from Falmouth and across the Cape gather to discuss the roadblocks in creating more affordable housing, including zoning and public perception. They also focus on educating the citizenry on the different types of housing and why we need a balance of all to maintain a community that families from all incomes can afford to live in.

Episode 3

We examine possible solutions from local affordable housing developers, architects, Select Board member Onjale Scott Price, and the Falmouth EDIC including discussion of what other communities have done to address this issue.

Additional Resources

As a homeowner, how do I get started to build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?

An ADU is a self-contained living space or apartment in a single-family home that is either attached to it or in a separate structure on the same property. They have been recognized as effective solutions to provide much needed affordable housing while generating revenue for homeowners as they become landlords in the comfort of their own homes.
The Coop has implemented flexible qualifying guidelines to streamline the ADU loan qualification process, including allowing the use of projected rental income to be considered with the applicant’s existing income. Financing for an ADU can take either first or second lien position depending on what best suits an individual’s needs. Applicants must also present evidence of a town-issued building permit and copies of construction plans and specifications.
Visit our ADU webpage for more information.

Falmouth Housing Corporation

The Falmouth Housing Corporation‘s goal is to research and advocate for the production, maintenance, support, construction, rehabilitation, financing, and improvement of affordable housing and housing programs in Falmouth, for the benefit of persons of very low income, low income, and any other persons in need of assistance.

Falmouth Housing Trust

Falmouth Housing Trust is an independent nonprofit organization. The Trust is not affiliated with the Town of Falmouth or other housing organizations, but collaborates with them to promote and develop affordable work force housing in our community. With an eye toward small, strategic projects, we acquire properties and create housing to fit into the landscape of our community. Our housing is rented or sold to qualifying, working individuals at affordable prices.

Housing Assistance Corporation

Housing Assistance Corporation was founded in 1974 as a pilot project to test the use of rental vouchers to help secure housing for year-round workers on Cape Cod. Since that time, our programs have expanded to assist more than 175,000 low- and middle income households on Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Homeowners interested in creating an ADU can contact Housing Assistance Corporation or visit https://haconcapecod.org/adu/ for technical assistance in determining what they can build on their property, connecting with contractors, landlord support, and possible financial incentives to help further offset construction costs.

The Coop Named Among Boston Business Journal’s Most Charitable Companies

capeandcoastbk on July 22, 2022

The Boston Business Journal has named The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod an honoree in its annual 2022 Corporate Citizenship Awards, a recognition of the region’s top corporate charitable contributors.

The Business Journal annually publishes this list to showcase companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities – a feat that is even more important during times of turmoil and crisis, such as those we all collectively experienced throughout 2021.

“The past couple of years has presented companies and communities with many challenges, and the needs have continued to grow. It is with honor that we present our list of the Top Charitable Contributors in Massachusetts – companies who gave $100,000 or more to Mass.-based in charities in 2021. Collectively, they gave $322 million in cash contributions – a true example of the business community coming together to help those in need. We are proud to celebrate these organizations who give both money and time to make Boston a stronger and better place for all.” said Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones.

This year, 95 companies have qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year as noted above. The honorees this year include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, health care, technology, retail, and professional sports.

“We are honored and proud to be recognized by the Boston Business Journal as one of the region’s most charitable companies,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, President and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “Philanthropic support of local nonprofits working to keep our communities and neighbors strong, vibrant and healthy has been a hallmark of The Coop for more than a century. As Cape Cod’s needs evolve, so does our focus. That’s why we will be concentrating our charitable giving on housing solutions and racial equity and social justice issues during our fiscal year 2023.”

The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, whose contributions in many instances include both the corporation and its charitable foundation, will be honored at the BBJ’s 17th Annual Corporate Citizenship Awards on Thursday, September 8th at the Revere Hotel Boston Common (200 Stuart St., Boston) from 5:30pm – 8:30 pm. The evening will be filled with networking, making connections, and recognizing all the Charitable Contributors, the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation CEO Social Leadership Awardee and our 2022 Corporate Citizenship Community Collaboration Awardees (previously our Partners of the Year).

Cape & Coast Bank Announces Executive Promotions: Board of Directors Recognizes 13 Employees for Stellar Performance

capeandcoastbk on June 23, 2022

The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod has announced the promotion of 13 employees in recognition of individual performance and successes within the organization.

“I congratulate this talented group of Coop employees on their well-deserved promotions,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, President and CEO. “Their professionalism, expertise and dedication to community involvement is exceptional and a significant asset to the bank. I look forward to their future contributions to the organization.”

Promotions recently approved by the bank’s Board of Directors include:

Lee Ann Hesse, Senior Vice President, Chief Engagement Officer, was promoted to Executive Vice President. Lee Ann’s talent for building strong relationships throughout the bank and community is unparalleled. She is active in the community including serving as a board member of the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum and as a trustee for Cape Symphony, as well as The Coop Foundation

Mark Linehan, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, was promoted to Executive Vice President. Mark has been instrumental in driving the bank’s strategic direction and acting as Treasurer for The Coop Foundation. He also serves as a Vice President and Treasurer for the Cahoon Museum of American Art in Cotuit.

Christina Bologna, Assistant Vice President, Community Relations Officer, was promoted to Vice President. Christina has grown her network significantly over the past several years, working diligently to administer and raise the profile of The Coop Foundation, establishing meaningful connections within the nonprofit community and helped elevating the philanthropic work of the bank.

Chris Cataldo, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager-Small Business Specialist, was promoted to Vice President. Chris involves his entire team in key decisions relating to the effective operation of the bank’s East Harwich branch. He recently joined the Board of Directors of the Cape Cod Media Center in Dennis Port and is highly involved in the Harwich Artist Guild.

Charlotte Green, Assistant Vice President, Residential Mortgage Sales Manager, was promoted to Vice President. Charlotte has been instrumental in growing the sales team from 5 to 11 over the past 18 months, working closely with each loan officer to help them achieve their goals. Charlotte’s community involvement includes serving on the Board for Cape Cod Young Professionals and teaching financial literacy to students through Falmouth Volunteers in Public Schools.

Patrick Shanley, Assistant Vice President, Assistant Controller, was promoted to Vice President. Patrick is a key team member in the day-to-day management of the finance department. In addition to his work at the bank, Patrick has served as the Treasurer for Cape Wellness Collaborative since 2016.

Margaret Beck, Senior Credit Analyst, was promoted to Assistant Vice President. Margaret joined the Bank in early 2021 with extensive commercial lending, underwriting and workout agreement experience.

Lauren Connolly, Recruitment and Human Resources Specialist, was promoted to Assistant Vice President. Lauren has demonstrated tenacity in recruiting and evaluating top talent for the bank in a highly competitive market and has become a valued and trusted guide to hiring managers, employees and new hires.

Christine Parent, Portfolio Manager, was promoted to Assistant Vice President. Christine has been instrumental in the launch of our small business programs. Throughout Christine’s tenure of more than a decade at The Coop, she has consistently demonstrated a strong client and relationship focus. She is the immediate past Employee-at-Large Trustee for The Coop Foundation.

Kirsten Wickson, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Officer, was promoted to Assistant Vice President. Kirsten is a proven strong contributor to the bank’s Data Analytics team, working to enhance services and problem solve across platforms and systems. Kirsten serves on the Board of Directors for The Cape Playhouse and Yarmouth Dennis Youth Hockey.

Matt Berry, Residential Mortgage Loan Officer, was promoted to Vice President. Since joining The Coop in 2019, Matt has become a respected business partner among his colleagues and a trusted mortgage expert across Cape Cod.

Lisa Cusolito, Government Banking Assistant, was promoted to Officer. Lisa delivers outstanding service to the bank’s municipal clients and is recognized as a trustworthy and reliable partner.

Liz Griswold, Compliance and Risk Analyst, was promoted to Officer. Liz’s list of accolades includes her strong work ethic, analytical skills, and aptitude for being a quick learner and resourceful problem-solver.