Bangor Savings Bank continues steadfast commitment to New Hampshire and Northern New England through skilled leadership expansion

Published on : 8/15/2023

Bangor, ME: Bangor Savings Bank has deepened and expanded its leadership team in New Hampshire to support its momentum and growth in serving the financial needs of Northern New England businesses and consumers. The Bank has appointed three of its uniquely skilled and tenured employees to New Hampshire leadership positions and is expanding the responsibilities of two of its well-respected and existing New Hampshire leaders. Collectively, these experienced leaders reflect the Bank’s commitment to talent development and ongoing succession planning while further supporting the financial well-being of New Hampshire businesses, residents, and communities. 

The Bank entered the Granite State in 2018 and currently has eight New Hampshire branches in Amherst, Colebrook, Concord, Manchester, and Portsmouth, and a business location in Portsmouth, with a planned 2024 Derry branch opening. Bangor Savings Bank is ranked #2 in Business NH Magazine’s 2022 “Best Companies to Work for in NH” list.

Established Bangor Savings Bank leaders continue strong New Hampshire focus

Ron Roope brings nearly two decades of Bangor Savings Bank Commercial Banking leadership experience to his new role as Senior Vice President, Director of Main Street Banking and New Hampshire Commercial Banking Team Lead. With a passion for solving clients’ financial needs, Ron brings extensive commercial and industrial (C&I) and commercial real estate (CRE) banking experience. He has been responsible for some of the Bank’s most complex, significant client relationships and portfolios while leading a team of specialized industry experts who are trusted advisors and resources for businesses of all sizes.

Ron joined Bangor Savings in 2005 as Senior Commercial Banking Relationship Manager. Throughout his time at the Bank, he has played a significant role in the growth and management of the Commercial Banking portfolio. As a former business owner, Ron understands customers’ diverse needs. In this position, his experience will add to the good work already established in the market, and he will partner collaboratively with highly talented teams to carry the growth the Bank has achieved in New Hampshire.

Ron earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Management and Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Maine, Orono, Maine. He is a U.S. Air Force and Maine Army National Guard veteran and has volunteered his time with community Board appointments. He will relocate to New Hampshire from Maine and be based in the Bank’s 100 Market Street location in Portsmouth.

Mark Paluzzi will expand on his proven New Hampshire Wealth Management leadership experience by overseeing the Bank’s New Hampshire business development. He will now serve the businesses, consumers, and communities across the state as Senior Vice President, Director of New Hampshire Development and New Hampshire Wealth Management Leader.

Mark joined Bangor Savings Bank in 2020 with more than 30 years of wealth management experience and deep expertise in trusts, taxation, and estate planning. He is committed to building genuine relationships and is passionate about giving back to his community. He volunteers with several nonprofits in New Hampshire, including serving on the Board of Directors for the North Country Chamber of Commerce and the Legislative and Trust Committees for the New Hampshire Bankers Association.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Salem State University, Salem, Massachusetts, and a Master of Business Administration, with honors from Bentley University, Waltham, Massachusetts. He holds the professional certifications of CFP^®, CTFA, and AEP^®. Mark is based in the Bank’s North Main Street, Concord branch.

Mamadou Dembele, Vice President, New Hampshire Regional Market Manager, will partner with Ron and Mark to continue the Bank’s growth, development, and customer focus statewide. Under Mamadou’s leadership since he joined the Bank in 2019, Bangor Savings Bank has expanded to its eight New Hampshire branches.

Mamadou has over 17 years of banking experience including investment, business, retail, and financial wellness. He graduated from Furman University’s Consumer Banking Associate Executive Banking School and holds undergraduate degrees in education and psychology from the University Aix-en-Provence in Marseille, France.

An active and well-connected community member, Mamadou serves on the Board of Directors for the Portsmouth Music and Art Center. He advocates for new Americans by partnering with New Hampshire-based nonprofits to provide financial wellness services to this population.

“We are proud of these exceptional leaders and their commitment to continue our You Matter More promise with our clients and customers throughout Northern New England,” said Kim Pope, Chief Banking Officer of Bangor Savings Bank. “They each have extensive knowledge and are known for building collaborative relationships with their colleagues, our customers, and communities. We are also thrilled for each of them as they further their careers through the professional development opportunities the Bank provides, while making a great impact in New Hampshire.”

New leaders key to Northern New England growth
 
Bangor Savings Bank is pleased to promote Wendy Gibbs and Ian Forrest to Vice President, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager. Wendy will work in the Bank’s Amherst location, and Ian will work from the Bank’s 170 Baker Street, Manchester location.
 
Wendy joined the Bank in 2015 as a Belfast, Maine, Branch Teller. She graduated from Bangor Savings Bank’s Management Training Program in 2018. Wendy has served in multiple roles within the Commercial Banking department, most recently as Vice President, Senior Commercial Banking Portfolio Manager in Bangor, Maine. She holds bachelor’s degrees in both political science and business management and a Master of Business Administration degree from Husson University in Bangor.
 
Ian joined Bangor Savings Bank in 2016 in its Management Training Program. He subsequently held multiple roles in the Commercial Banking department, most recently serving as Vice President, Senior Commercial Banking Portfolio Manager based in Portland, Maine. Ian earned his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Emmanuel College, Boston, Massachusetts, and Master of Business Administration from Husson University.