BENNINGTON, VT — The Bank of Bennington announced today that President and Chief Executive Officer James Brown plans to retire in the spring of 2027, following more than 25 years of service to the bank and nearly two decades as CEO.
Brown joined The Bank of Bennington in 2001 and has served as Chief Executive Officer since January 2008. During his tenure, the bank has tripled in size, increased profitability, and established a Foundation to expand its charitable contributions to the communities it serves.
Throughout his leadership, Brown has remained focused on strengthening the bank's financial position while advancing its mission as a mutual community bank, supporting local individuals, families, nonprofits, businesses, and organizations.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve as CEO of The Bank of Bennington and to be part of an organization with such a strong commitment to its customers, employees, and the communities we call home,” said Brown. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, from strengthening the bank and positioning it for continued growth to maintaining the personal service and community-focused values that have been at the heart of our organization for more than a century. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our employees, the support of our Board of Directors, and the trust our customers place in us every day. As I look toward retirement, I do so with tremendous confidence in the talented team here at the Bank that will carry our mission forward. The Bank of Bennington is a special organization, and I am proud to have been part of its continued success.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors,” said John Ahearn, Board Chair, “I want to express our sincere gratitude for Jim’s outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to The Bank of Bennington. Throughout his tenure, Jim has played an instrumental role in strengthening our organization, positioning the bank for community-focused values continued growth, and preserving the community-focused values that have defined us for generations. His vision, integrity, and steadfast commitment to our employees, customers, and communities have left a lasting impact on the bank and built a strong foundation for the future. While we will certainly miss his leadership, we celebrate his many accomplishments and wish him every happiness and success in this well-deserved next chapter.”
The Bank's Board of Directors will begin a search for its next President and Chief Executive Officer, working with the search firm of Smith & Wilkinson to identify a successor who will continue the bank's commitment to financial strength, personal service, and community investment.
Brown will remain in his current role until a successor is named and will continue serving through a transition period to help ensure continuity of leadership.
As The Bank of Bennington prepares for its next chapter, its mission remains unchanged: to provide relationship-focused banking services while supporting the financial well-being and continued vitality of the communities it serves.
About The Bank of Bennington
Founded in 1917, The Bank of Bennington is a Vermont mutual community bank serving individuals, families, and businesses through its branches in Bennington, Arlington, Manchester, and Rutland. The bank is committed to providing personal service, supporting local economic growth, and investing in the communities it serves.
For more information, visit www.thebankofbennington.com.
Your money stays here, works here, and that makes a difference.™
BENNINGTON, VT — The Bank of Bennington announced today that President and Chief Executive Officer James Brown plans to retire in the spring of 2027, following more than 25 years of service to the bank and nearly two decades as CEO.
Brown joined The Bank of Bennington in 2001 and has served as Chief Executive Officer since January 2008. During his tenure, the bank has tripled in size, increased profitability, and established a Foundation to expand its charitable contributions to the communities it serves.
Throughout his leadership, Brown has remained focused on strengthening the bank's financial position while advancing its mission as a mutual community bank, supporting local individuals, families, nonprofits, businesses, and organizations.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve as CEO of The Bank of Bennington and to be part of an organization with such a strong commitment to its customers, employees, and the communities we call home,” said Brown. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, from strengthening the bank and positioning it for continued growth to maintaining the personal service and community-focused values that have been at the heart of our organization for more than a century. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our employees, the support of our Board of Directors, and the trust our customers place in us every day. As I look toward retirement, I do so with tremendous confidence in the talented team here at the Bank that will carry our mission forward. The Bank of Bennington is a special organization, and I am proud to have been part of its continued success.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors,” said John Ahearn, Board Chair, “I want to express our sincere gratitude for Jim’s outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to The Bank of Bennington. Throughout his tenure, Jim has played an instrumental role in strengthening our organization, positioning the bank for community-focused values continued growth, and preserving the community-focused values that have defined us for generations. His vision, integrity, and steadfast commitment to our employees, customers, and communities have left a lasting impact on the bank and built a strong foundation for the future. While we will certainly miss his leadership, we celebrate his many accomplishments and wish him every happiness and success in this well-deserved next chapter.”
The Bank's Board of Directors will begin a search for its next President and Chief Executive Officer, working with the search firm of Smith & Wilkinson to identify a successor who will continue the bank's commitment to financial strength, personal service, and community investment.
Brown will remain in his current role until a successor is named and will continue serving through a transition period to help ensure continuity of leadership.
As The Bank of Bennington prepares for its next chapter, its mission remains unchanged: to provide relationship-focused banking services while supporting the financial well-being and continued vitality of the communities it serves.
About The Bank of Bennington
Founded in 1917, The Bank of Bennington is a Vermont mutual community bank serving individuals, families, and businesses through its branches in Bennington, Arlington, Manchester, and Rutland. The bank is committed to providing personal service, supporting local economic growth, and investing in the communities it serves.
For more information, visit www.thebankofbennington.com.
Your money stays here, works here, and that makes a difference.™
BENNINGTON, VT — The Bank of Bennington announced today that President and Chief Executive Officer James Brown plans to retire in the spring of 2027, following more than 25 years of service to the bank and nearly two decades as CEO.
Brown joined The Bank of Bennington in 2001 and has served as Chief Executive Officer since January 2008. During his tenure, the bank has tripled in size, increased profitability, and established a Foundation to expand its charitable contributions to the communities it serves.
Throughout his leadership, Brown has remained focused on strengthening the bank's financial position while advancing its mission as a mutual community bank, supporting local individuals, families, nonprofits, businesses, and organizations.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve as CEO of The Bank of Bennington and to be part of an organization with such a strong commitment to its customers, employees, and the communities we call home,” said Brown. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, from strengthening the bank and positioning it for continued growth to maintaining the personal service and community-focused values that have been at the heart of our organization for more than a century. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our employees, the support of our Board of Directors, and the trust our customers place in us every day. As I look toward retirement, I do so with tremendous confidence in the talented team here at the Bank that will carry our mission forward. The Bank of Bennington is a special organization, and I am proud to have been part of its continued success.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors,” said John Ahearn, Board Chair, “I want to express our sincere gratitude for Jim’s outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to The Bank of Bennington. Throughout his tenure, Jim has played an instrumental role in strengthening our organization, positioning the bank for community-focused values continued growth, and preserving the community-focused values that have defined us for generations. His vision, integrity, and steadfast commitment to our employees, customers, and communities have left a lasting impact on the bank and built a strong foundation for the future. While we will certainly miss his leadership, we celebrate his many accomplishments and wish him every happiness and success in this well-deserved next chapter.”
The Bank's Board of Directors will begin a search for its next President and Chief Executive Officer, working with the search firm of Smith & Wilkinson to identify a successor who will continue the bank's commitment to financial strength, personal service, and community investment.
Brown will remain in his current role until a successor is named and will continue serving through a transition period to help ensure continuity of leadership.
As The Bank of Bennington prepares for its next chapter, its mission remains unchanged: to provide relationship-focused banking services while supporting the financial well-being and continued vitality of the communities it serves.
About The Bank of Bennington
Founded in 1917, The Bank of Bennington is a Vermont mutual community bank serving individuals, families, and businesses through its branches in Bennington, Arlington, Manchester, and Rutland. The bank is committed to providing personal service, supporting local economic growth, and investing in the communities it serves.
For more information, visit www.thebankofbennington.com.
Your money stays here, works here, and that makes a difference.™
