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May 12, 2008

Shop Talk: Bank On It

Donna Boulanger, President, North Brookfield Savings
Donna Boulanger was named president of North Brookfield Savings on Feb. 25 and she’s expected to take the title of CEO as well when the bank’s current chief executive, F. William Kobel Jr., retires. North Brookfield Savings has four branches and $165 million in assets. Boulanger’s spent her entire career in the banking world, working her way up from retail, to commercial lending, to a senior executive. Most recently, she served as executive vice president at Mansfield Savings Bank. Here, she talks about her take on the mortgage crisis as well as the important lesson she’s learned from being on the golf course.

Do you see room for growth at North Brookfield Savings?


I think that we’re looking for moderate growth in the next few years. I think there’s a wonderful opportunity for NBSB. When I look around at the communities we serve — West Brookfield, Palmer and Belchertown — we really are the local community bank. There’s some other community banks out there, but they’ve become larger. We’re a good alternative to that larger community bank.

What’s been your reaction to the mortgage crisis?


When I look at it, what I see is the fact that the companies that were involved in that didn’t have the best interests of the borrower at heart. And a bank, to me, we have to think about what our responsibility is. We have a responsibility to the depositors and we have a responsibility to our borrowers. The easiest answer to a borrower is yes. The hard answer is no.

What about the banking industry has kept you in it?


I have been fortunate in my career. I was always the kind of person that was always willing to do something that wasn’t necessarily my job or my primary responsibility. So, I was always looking for that new challenge and that new project. And because of that I can honestly say I have never been bored in my career.

Are there any big changes you’ve experienced now that you’ve transitioned to the role of president?


The position I have here is very similar to the one I had at Mansfield Bank because it’s not all about the title. It’s about what you as an individual are willing to take on as a responsibility and be accountable for.
    

There are very few female bank presidents in Massachusetts. Is that a big deal to you?


The change for me came a long time ago and it was when I moved into commercial lending. Because I moved very early on into commercial lending, which was very much a male-dominated field, I don’t notice it anymore. I’m used to being one of few women in the room.

What are the lessons you’ve learned as a manager?


The first thing is to always treat people with respect. I think you have to be clear in your expectations and you have to be fair.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?


I like to play golf.

Have you learned anything on the golf course that you’ve applied on the job?


That your character is revealed when no one is looking.                     

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