WGSB’S Daniel Stannard Elected to Trust Company Board

[Newport, VT: August 22, 2024] Joseph Preddy, President and CEO of Community Financial Services Group, LLC (CFSG) announced the election of Daniel X. Stannard of Hanover, NH to the Board of Managers of CFSG, the trust and investment management affiliate of Community National Bank of Derby, Vermont, National Bank of Middlebury, Vermont, and Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank of New Hampshire.

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 as Treasurer of Twin Pines Housing Trust and was a director for nine years.  He is also treasurer of the Hanover, NH School District and 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 to CFSG,” said Preddy.  “We look forward to having his voice on the Board as we continue to grow and serve the investment needs of our region.”

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. In his spare time, he enjoys fly fishing and downhill skiing with his family.

Community Financial manages over $1.3 billion in assets.  For more information, call 603-444-5807 or visit them online at www.cfsgtrust.com.

Elie Roy of Pike Joins Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank Board

[Woodsville, NH: May 30, 2024] James E. Graham, President and Chief Executive Officer of Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, announced the election of Elie Roy to the Board of Directors for the bank and its holding company, Guaranty Bancorp, Inc.

Anthony Reynolds of Plymouth Joins Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank

[Plymouth, NH: May 14, 2024] Correy Hart, Assistant Vice President and Branch Retail Officer of Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank (WGSB) announced the hiring of Anthony Reynolds of Plymouth as Retail Trainer. Anthony will be responsible for training teller and customer service staff for WGSB’s nine banking offices. He will work from the bank’s Tenney Mountain Highway, Plymouth and Cottage Street, Littleton locations.

Anthony joins WGSB with seven years of customer service experience in the hospitality and banking industries. Most recently, he worked for Meredith Village Savings Bank as a Universal Banker, where he helped business and personal customers with new accounts, services, and account management, and supported a variety of business development activities.

“Anthony’s experience, skills and strong background in customer service make him a great addition to our team,” said Hart. “His focus on the customer experience and relationship building will be a great asset for our customers and employees alike.”

Anthony lives in Plymouth with his fiancé, Jessi, and their two little girls, Aria and Kenna. He’s an avid golfer and disc golfer and enjoys family time and camping. He has a degree in Liberal Arts & Media Communication from Massasoit Community College in Massachusetts and has completed a number of bank related courses.

WGSB to Participate in the Federal Home Loans Equity Builder Program (EBP)

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.

[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 master's 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

[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.”

[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 Master 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. 

[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. 

 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

[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.

[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.”