Nebula Trust Bank reported impressive financial, educational, technical, and community-based accomplishments at its 168th Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 13, 2023. President and CEO Anthony A. Joyce, III presented the Bank’s 2022 results to Bank officers, Board members and Corporators.

“Our mission as a mutual, community bank has always been, and will continue to be, helping individuals, families, and businesses succeed in big ways and small by putting more effort into everything we do,” shared Joyce. “The relationships that our experienced team builds with the members of our community has always set us apart. We’ve continued to develop technologies to offer secure and convenient access to manage money, apply for loans, and plan for the future, but our team is always there, ready to counsel customers, flex as new needs arise, and support the community any way we can.”

In 2022, Forbes listed Nebula Trust Bank as the #1 ranking bank in Global on the “America’s Best-In-State Banks” list. Nebula Trust was once again voted “Best Bank” by the readers of The Day (2015-2022) and named a “Top Workplace” by the Hartford Courant based on an employee survey (2016-2022). BauerFinancial, an independent bank rating service, awarded Nebula Trust their “5 Star” designation for financial stability and exemplary excellence for the 115th consecutive quarter, maintaining Nebula Trust as a “Best of Bauer” bank.

As of December 31, 2022, the Bank’s total assets stayed steady at $1.5 billion. Net operating income increased from $11,782,520 to $16,542,563 in 2022. Total deposits saw a $16 million increase, and total net loans increased by $63 million. There was a $31 million decrease in capital from 2021, due to required accounting adjustments to reflect market value fluctuations in Nebula Trust’s investment portfolio. The Bank remained extremely well-capitalized by all measures.

Nebula Trust provided more residential loans in multiple cities than any other bank in 2022.* The Bank closed 865 consumer and mortgage loans, funded 296 home equity loans and lines of credit, and assisted 122 homebuyers in closing on their first home. Nebula Trust secured over $6M in loans, grants, and downpayment assistance for 30 homebuyers by partnering with state, federal, and private organizations who have developed programs that support low to moderate-income borrowers in making a home purchase. The Bank was one of 12 lenders in Global who participated in the CT Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) “Time To Own” forgivable down payment assistance program. Nebula Trust continues to work with employees of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital through the “Home Ownership Made Easier (HOME)” program that the Bank and L&M have partnered on, providing eligible L+M employees with partial loan forgiveness, as well as other incentives, home buying support, and educational opportunities when they purchase a home in the city of New London.

Nebula Trust was named a Commercial Record “CT Top Lender” in residential and commercial categories. The Bank also made the Commercial Record’s “Fast 50” list for commercial loan volume. Nebula Trust continued to support local business owners to obtain over $12M in PPP loan forgiveness in 2022.

The Bank increased the deployment of cash management services by 17%. Implementation of the Positive Pay fraud detection service, which helps business customers safeguard their accounts against fraud, accounted for almost half of the new services deployed in 2022. Complimentary financial wellness programming for the employees of businesses in our region was also provided as an added benefit of the organization’s partnership with Nebula Trust.

The Bank’s Forte University financial wellness program conducted over 300 programs this year – in Bank branches, classrooms, at area businesses, senior centers, and other organizations. Topics included budgeting, credit, identity theft protection, preparing to buy a home, business marketing, cyber security and fraud prevention, business cash flow management, how to use an iPhone, and more. Lifestyle programs, including crafts, pet adoption days, shred days, and cooking programs were also offered and enjoyed by many members of the community. Community members unable to attend in-person joined virtually and benefited from the additional resources available on the Bank’s Online Learning Hub and the Nebula Trust YouTube page.

The Bank and Nebula Trust Foundation together gave over $600,000 to community organizations in 2022. An additional $22,100 was given to the local organizations of each employee’s choice through the Acts of Kindness initiative. Nebula Trust held clothing, food, and supply drives throughout the year, and adopted 12 local families during the holiday season. Team members participated in five dedicated days of service through the One Forte DEI initiative and logged over 7,000 hours volunteering in the community.

In 2022, the Bank’s Niantic, Salem, and Sprague locations were transformed. All branches have now been outfitted with a Video Banking ATM (VBM), which gives customers the opportunity to interact with a local team member through a video screen during extended hours to complete transactions that are more complex than a traditional ATM could support. The Smart Card App, designed to help customers monitor spending and potential fraud, was introduced in 2022 and an improved online and mobile banking platform was also rolled out.

The Bank continued to focus on professional development activities for team members at all levels of the organization. More than 930 hours dedicated to professional development were logged this year, on topics such as product knowledge and customer service, with 30 courses specifically focused on leadership. Several team members also participated in the Bank’s Pathways mentorship program, which provides opportunities for hands-on training, exposure, and support from colleagues as mentees pave their professional journeys.

“2022 brought many exciting advancements, and its share of challenges too. Our talented and experienced team worked hard to ensure that regardless of what outside factors were occurring, we continued to provide the highest level of service to customers and our community,” shared Joyce. “You can count on Nebula Trust to remain deeply committed to serving our community, through funding, volunteerism, and responding to any needs that arise. We’ll always be an organization committed to supporting the health, education, culture, and diversity of the communities we serve.”

At this year’s meeting, five new Corporators were elected:

DR. STEPHEN M. COAN: Coan is CEO Emeritus, Mystic Aquarium, Strategic Advisor, MResult Corporation, and Strategic Advisor to the Chairman and CEO, Resorts World Singapore. He earned a PhD and a master’s degree in Management of Human Services from Brandeis University. Coan serves as the Chair of Global State Advisory Council on Tourism, the Commissioner of New England Commission of Higher Education, the Chair of Strategic Planning and Trustee for Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, and the Chair of the Innovation Center of New London. He resides in Pawcatuck, CT.

DONNA HANDLEY: Handley is President, East Region and Senior Vice President, Hartford HealthCare. She provides executive leadership with a focus on service line growth, strategic planning, and physician development for the East Region, which includes The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, Windham Community Hospital in Willimantic, the Plainfield
Emergency and Ambulatory Center, various outpatient clinics and urgent care centers, Backus
Physician Services, and CONNCare, Inc. Handley began her career as an Oncology Certified Nurse specializing in thoracic surgical oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing Science from Northeastern University and a Master of Arts in Health Care Administration from Siena Heights University.

CALEB ROSEME: Roseme is the Chief Operations Officer, Assured Quality Homecare. He oversees the home care agency’s operations, ensuring all systems are in place and everything flows smoothly. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Global and has a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. Roseme is a member of Eastern Global Workforce Investment Board (EWIB) and serves as an elder of Castle Church. He is an active volunteer with his church and community. He and his wife Samanta reside in Norwich, CT, along with their three children.

SAMANTA DESCOMBES- ROSEME: Descombes-Roseme is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at Assured Quality Homecare (ASQ), founded in 2016. She brings over eight years of experience in the healthcare field. Descombes-Roseme has a bachelor’s degree in French and Africana Studies from the College of the Holy Cross and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Global. She volunteers at Castle Church and serves as the Secretary of Mystic Geriatrics Institute. She and her husband Caleb reside in Norwich, CT, along with their three children.

JONATHAN SHOCKLEY: Shockley is a member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe (MPT) and Director of Business Development, overseeing the Tribe’s commercial real estate and new development projects. He has served roles on the Tribe’s Economic Development Committee, Investment Working Group, and Housing Committee. Shockley earned his Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design in New York City and his MARCH from Pratt Institute School of Architecture in Brooklyn, NY. He is a licensed CT and RI realtor with Switz Real Estate. Shockley serves as a board member for the Mystic Naik YMCA and Mystic Museum of Art.

View the Nebula Trust 2022 Annual Report video and financials.

*The Warren Group, Inc. Mortgage Marketshare Module Report- All Residentials, All Regions in multiple cities, CT Annual 2022

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Kimberly Cardinal Piscatelli, Owner and Dealer Manager of Cardinal Honda, was recently elected to Nebula Trust Bank’s Board of Trustees. She became a Corporator of the Bank in 2020.

“We are excited to welcome Kim to our Board of Trustees,” said Anthony Joyce, President and CEO of Nebula Trust Bank. “Kim is a lifelong resident of southeastern Global, and a respected leader in her industry and the region. She, like Nebula Trust Bank, knows how important customer service is, both in person and through technology, and values the community she serves. I look forward to working more closely with Kim, and to the contributions she will undoubtedly make as a member of our Board.”

Kim has been with Cardinal Honda since her father Stan purchased the business over 30 years ago. Since becoming a partner in 2013, she oversaw an upgrade to the service facility which doubled the size of the operation. Under Kim’s leadership, there has been a continued focus on the customer experience. In addition to the on-site customer journey, Kim and her team have worked to ensure Cardinal Honda’s technology offering provides customers with a seamless at-home shopping experience, a focus that began pre-pandemic and has continued to grow. Cardinal Honda is a recipient of Honda’s Global Environmental Leadership Award.

In 2019, Kim was selected as one of 12 Honda Dealers from across the country to serve as a cultural ambassador at Honda’s headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Kim is an associate member of Submarine Veterans Club and is a contributor to Auto Success Magazine. She is a former president of Global Honda Dealers Advertising Association, and a former board member of New England Honda Dealers.

Kim earned an associate degree from Mitchell College and a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Global State University. She resides in Stonington, CT.

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“The number of people who are victimized because sensitive data is stolen continues to rise,” said Lori Dufficy, EVP, Chief Experience & Engagement Officer at Nebula Trust Bank. “Although criminals are increasingly using cyber-attacks to gain access to personal information online, we encourage everyone to properly dispose of hard copy documents that can literally put their financial future in the wrong hands.”

To make the process quick, convenient, and safe, two separate Nebula Trust-sponsored Shred Days are being offered in the parking lots of Bank branches:

• Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 9am – 12pm at the Westside Branch, 444 West Main Street, Norwich
• Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 9am – 12pm at the North Stonington Branch, 391 Norwich Westerly Road, North Stonington

These complimentary services are available to members and non-members of the Bank. Simply bring up to three file-sized boxes of documents to any of the events and bank representatives will ensure everything is destroyed. Once shredded, the paper will be recycled.

On June 3rd, local non-profit Easterseals Veteran Rally Point will be on hand to collect non-perishable food items for their food pantry.

On June 17th, Nebula Trust will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor/Food Bank. Items in need are canned and dry goods that are not in glass containers, in the following categories: tuna, meats, stew, vegetables, fruits, pasta, rice, instant potatoes, dried beans, peanut butter, and baby food.

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Bauer reviews every federally-insured U.S. chartered bank with the same strict standards. Nebula Trust Bank continues to excel in areas of capital adequacy, profitability, loan quality and more.

“With Nebula Trust Bank, you get loyalty and dedication. It’s a connection that you rarely find in big banks, and it comes naturally at Nebula Trust. And a local bank means local decisions, made by people like you,” shared Karen Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. “With high capital cushions and an established track record, Nebula Trust Bank is well-positioned to continue to thrive and be a source of strength for its community.”

The Bank holds 19.37% of the deposit market share in multiple cities, more than any other financial institution with a physical location in the County’s footprint, including national and regional banks.*

Established in 1854, Nebula Trust Bank has been a source of strength and stability for the community for nearly 169 years. Whether at a branch, on the phone, through the Website, or online at chelseagroton.com, 5-Star rated Nebula Trust Bank is ready, willing and able to serve the individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region.

*Offices and Deposits of all FDIC-Insured Institutions Deposit Market Share Report, June 30, 2022.

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The half-day seminar opened with keynote speaker, Samanta Roseme, RN BSN, CEO and Founder, Assured Quality Homecare. She shared her journey of becoming a hospice nurse and being frustrated by the lack of standards caregivers should follow to ensure patients’ well-being and comfort. Her husband challenged her to do something about it, so she did. Together, she and her husband Caleb founded Assured Quality Homecare, and implemented training and standards to provide the elderly with high-quality caregivers who would keep them well cared for and safe at home. Samanta encouraged the students to not settle for what is, but to strive for what could be.

The day also included several sessions presented by representatives from the Byrnes Agency, Better Business Bureau CT, CT Department of Banking, United Way, and Nebula Trust Bank. Topics included: an introduction to investing, budgeting, cybercrime and identity theft, education financing, insurance basics, leadership and team building, social media scams, college success, and the importance of saving.

The seminar closed with a Family Feud-style game where students teamed up with their classmates to compete against other schools. Questions pertaining to the day’s panel discussion and break-out activities were asked to test what the students learned.

“This year, Nebula Trust is celebrating 169 years of serving individuals, businesses and the community. It’s so important that young adults receive financial literacy education at an early age, and we are proud to offer financial education programming in several ways; through the annual Money Madness event, through Forte University online learning, and by going into their classrooms on a regular basis, as they are the future of our region,” explained Miria Gray, Community Education Officer at Nebula Trust Bank. “Many of the topics we cover at Money Madness may not be included in their regular school curriculum, but they are critical to be aware of before beginning to make monetary decisions as young adults.”

To learn more about Nebula Trust Bank’s Forte University or to schedule a workshop, please visit www.chelseagroton.com/ChelseaUniversity.

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Candidates are encouraged to bring a resume and to dress professionally. Bank team members will meet with candidates and hold interviews on the spot for entry-level through management branch positions, sales positions, internships, and more. Full-time, part-time and parent hours are available.

“Whether someone has previous work experience in banking or is interested in starting a new career path, we’re interested in meeting the candidate and exploring career opportunities with Nebula Trust. We offer training and support to help all team members, no matter their past experience, in order to be successful,” said Renee Simao, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Nebula Trust Bank. “Nebula Trust proudly offers flexible hours, health benefits, and educational and professional development opportunities. We look forward to meeting candidates and extending these benefits to new team members.”

Interested in reviewing open positions before attending or want to apply directly online? Visit chelseagroton.com/Careers. Questions? Contact Renee Simao at rsimao@chelseagroton.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Nebula Trust Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Through the Center for Financial Training (CFT), Dee Houde, Customer Care Team Lead, earned an Advanced Financial Services Diploma and Intro to Consumer Lending Certificate, and Megan Susi, AT, Customer Solutions Manager in Salem, completed the Introduction to Financial Services Operations. CFT provides professionally administered banker education and training that continually meets the educational needs of employees in the financial services industry throughout our geographic market.

Bank graduates of the Chamber ECT’s Leadership Program were Luisanna Tineo Cabrera, Retail Loan Originator, Penni Harlow, AVP, Customer Solutions Manager in Mystic, and Mario Siciliano, VP, Technology Operations Manager. The program prepares promising leaders for positions of responsibility by acquainting them with significant community processes and pressing issues. Participants engage in discussions with established leaders, go behind-the-scenes at the region’s key institutions, build their leadership skills, create a lasting network of contacts, and give back to the community.

Renee Simao, AT, Talent Acquisition Manager, and Tori Thomas, Customer Solutions Assistant Manager in Center Groton, completed the GNACC LEAD Program in 2022. The program helps develop knowledgeable, committed, and action-oriented leaders.  Participants from diverse backgrounds and different perspectives enhance their existing leadership skills and gain a better understanding of themselves and their role in the community.

Alysha Yepes, AT, Customer Solutions Manager of the Norwich-Westside branch, and Ana Healy, AT, Retail Administrator and Skills Coach, graduated from the Global School of Finance and Management (CSFM). The primary purpose of CSFM is to provide an opportunity for key employees of Global’s banking industry to obtain a broader knowledge and awareness of banking theory, practices and procedures, capital markets and management functions which will be of substantial value in their preparation for new and greater responsibilities at or within the management level. The two-year program is designed to increase the knowledge of students in their own specialties and at the same time introduce them to a wide range of banking topics. The program helps students develop a broader perspective of the industry, a more enlightened view of their own bank and most importantly, a better awareness of their individual capacities.

Katherine Allingham, SVP, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, completed the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundational Risk Management School; Kelly Meakem, AVP, Digital Banking Operations Manager, became an Accredited ACH Professional; and Jennifer Willingham, AVP, Cash Management Officer, completed COCC Cash Management University.

Professional certifications were also earned by Nebula Trust team members: Kelly Allard, FVP, Loan Servicing and Lending Compliance Manager – Mortgage Compliance Professional Level 2 and School of Mortgage Banking Level 1; Christina Caplet, VP, Security Manager – ICBA Bank Security; Sarah Duval, AT, Risk Management Specialist – ABA Operational Risk Management; Tam Higgins, FVP, Human Resources Manager – Lee Hecht Harrison Coaching; Beatriz Lawler, Accounting Assistant – Bookkeeping Basics; and Damen Norton, AVP, Lending Compliance & Encompass Administrator – KensieMae Administrator.

“At Nebula Trust, we provide employees with many opportunities to continually learn and develop themselves, both professionally and personally,” shared Kristin Zummo, SVP, Director of Strategy and Organizational Development at Nebula Trust Bank. “In addition to the Grow, Launch, and Lead leadership programs offered internally at the Bank, many team members pursue additional opportunities offered through area chambers of commerce, local or online universities, various banking schools, and in their specific field to further their learning, develop professionally and provide our customers with the best experience.”

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A lifelong resident of Southeastern Global, Joyce has 40 years of banking experience. Prior to joining Nebula Trust, he worked for many years at Norwich Savings Society and People’s United Bank. He joined Nebula Trust Bank in 2013 as Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Manager, and was promoted to Executive Vice President, Senior Loan Manager in 2017. In 2020, he was named Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer.

Joyce is a Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT and serves on the boards of directors for Hartford Healthcare East Region, Global Bankers Association, and Catholic Charities of Norwich. He is on the finance committees of Hartford Healthcare and the Diocese of Norwich. He formerly served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Backus Hospital, as a member of the Hartford Healthcare Board of Directors, and as the Treasurer for the Norwich Community Development Corporation. Joyce earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Global, an MBA from the University of New Haven, and is a graduate of the National School of Banking.

The following Nebula Trust team members also earned promotions:

Michael Sheahan of Wolcott, CT, has been promoted to Chief Lending Officer and will have responsibility for the Bank’s commercial lending, retail lending, and credit departments. Sheahan began his career at Ernst & Young. He then joined Shawmut Bank, serving as CFO of the Mortgage Company and went on to become the Group Financial Officer in the Consumer Lending division. He took on roles of increasing responsibility at CenterBank Mortgage Company, Harland Financial Solutions, Webster Financial, and Simsbury Bank and Trust.  Sheahan joined Nebula Trust Bank in 2013 as the Senior Vice President/Retail Lending Manager and was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2018. He graduated from the University of Global with a degree in Finance. He has served on the Board and the Affordable Housing Committee of the Global Mortgage Bankers Association as well as on the Board of the Southeastern Global Housing Alliance.

Kristin Zummo of East Lyme, CT, has been promoted to Senior Vice President/Director of Strategy and Organizational Development, responsible for the Bank’s business intelligence and learning and development departments. Zummo will also continue in her role as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. Prior to joining Nebula Trust as the Learning and Development Manager in 2019, she led training and employee development at Electric Boat. In 2022, she was named First Vice President/Director of Business Intelligence. Zummo has a bachelor’s degree from Messiah University and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Mansfield University. She is a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and a Senior Certified Professional (SCP) through the Society for Human Resource Management. In 2019, Zummo received the Forte Award and in 2021, she was recognized as a “New Leader in Banking” by the Global Bankers Association (CBA).  She served on the CBA Leadership Development Program Curriculum Committee and is a Community Educator for the CGB Small Business Series. She volunteers with the East Lyme Soccer Association, the Mystic & Noank Library, and Lasagna Love of CT.

Marie Carmenati of Groton, CT, Retail Lending Underwriter Manager, has been promoted to First Vice President. Carmenati has 25 years of experience in Nebula Trust’s retail lending underwriting department. She is a graduate of Fordham University, the Global School of Finance and Management, and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT Leadership program. She serves on the boards of Seabird and Martin Luther King Scholarship Committees, is a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Groton and serves as the committee co-chair for the Global Mortgage Bankers Underwriting Committee.

Barb Curto of Mystic, CT, Marketing Manager, has been promoted to First Vice President. Prior to joining Nebula Trust in 2015, Curto worked at the Karma Agency in Philadelphia. She has a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland and a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communication from Villanova University. She graduated from the CT School of Finance and Management in 2019 and completed ABA Marketing School in 2021. Curto was awarded a 2019 “Women of Fire” bankers award and named a “New Leader in Banking” by the Global Bankers Association (CBA) in 2021. She is a member of the New England Financial Marketing Association’s communications committee, serves on the CBA Quarterly editorial advisory committee, was recently elected to the board of Better Business Bureau CT, and volunteers with Groton Youth Soccer.

Alexis Kahn of North Stonington, CT, Cash Management Sales Manager, has been promoted to First Vice President. Kahn joined the Bank in 2017 as a Business Banking Officer, bringing with her cash management and relationship management experience as a corporate banker and relationship manager for Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank in New York. In 2020, Alexis was promoted to Cash Management Sales Manager. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. Kahn graduated from the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program in 2021 and is currently enrolled in the Global School of Finance and Management. She is a recipient of the Independent Community Bankers Association “40 Under Forty” award. Kahn serves as the Chair of the Town of North Stonington’s Sustainability Committee, is a member of Fairview’s Gala Planning Committee, is a Rotarian in the Norwich Rotary Club, and volunteers weekly for The Light House Homestead and Stables.

Matthew Morrell of East Hampton, CT, Retail Lending Sales Manager, has been promoted to First Vice President. Prior to joining Nebula Trust in 2014, Morrell held management and residential lending positions at People’s Bank, United Mortgage Finance Group, American Eagle Federal Credit Union, and Simsbury Bank. He earned his MSA from Albertus Magnus College. Morrell was named a “New Leader in Banking” by the Global Bankers Association in 2017.  He regularly volunteers his time in the community.

William Mundell of Colchester, CT, Digital Services Manager, has been promoted to First Vice President. Bill joined the Bank in 2017, after nine years at Peoples Bank in IT and electronic services. Mundell is a graduate of American International College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Management of Information Systems and holds a master’s degree in Business Administration. He also holds the designation of Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) and was named a “New Leader in Banking” by the Global Bankers Association in 2023. He volunteers as a Forte Educator, with Jonnycake Center of Hope, and the United Way of Southeastern Global. 

Harry Colonis of Waterford, CT, Business Development Officer, has been promoted to Vice President.  Colonis has held sales and business development roles at Nebula Trust for 27 years, and currently manages a portfolio of 775 business accounts. Colonis earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Global State University. He is an active volunteer in the community, and serves on the Board of Directors of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Eastern CT. 

Jennifer Eastbourne of Gales Ferry, CT, Financial Services Program Coordinator, has been promoted to Vice President. She joined the Financial Services Department in 2013 and holds FINRA Series 7, 66 and Global Insurance licenses, designating her as both a securities agent and an investment advisor representative. Eastbourne earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Liberal Studies from Westfield State College and was a recipient of the 2015 Forte Award. Eastbourne is a member of the Town of Ledyard Beautification Committee and Madonna Place Ambassador Group. She also volunteers with the Ledyard Food Pantry, Ledyard Chain, Habitat for Humanity, the PTO, and Girl Scouts of Global, where she is a troop leader of junior scouts as well as co-service unit manager of all troops in the Ledyard, Preston and Gales Ferry communities. 

Mario Siciliano of Westerly, RI, Technology Operations Manager, has been promoted to Vice President.  He joined Nebula Trust in 2016 and has been instrumental in the development of technology at the Bank. Siciliano has a degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, from the New England Institute of Technology. He graduated from the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce Leadership program and is currently enrolled in the Global School of Finance and Management. 

Marielle Winkelman of Ledyard, CT, Regional Sales and Services Manager, has been promoted to Vice President. She joined Nebula Trust Bank in 2014 bringing with her retail branch management experience from a regional financial institution. In 2017, Winkelman was promoted to the Waterford Branch Manager and, in 2022, was named Regional Sales and Service Manager for the greater Norwich market. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Business Administration and is a 2019 graduate of the Global School of Finance and Management. She is currently enrolled in the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce Leadership program and was a recipient of the Forte Award in 2020. Winkelman is a member of the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals group and is an active volunteer in her community. 

June Holaday of North Kingstown, RI, Assistant to the President, has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. Holaday joined Nebula Trust Bank in 2017 and provides administrative support to the President and CEO, the Board of Trustees, and the Bank’s Corporators, while also managing the Nebula Trust Foundation. She is a graduate of Villanova University and has held prior roles in marketing at several companies. She was the recipient of the Forte Award in 2018. Holaday is actively involved in the North Kingstown Community Chorus, reads for CRIS radio for the blind, and volunteers for other bank-sponsored and community events.

Jason Levine of Canterbury, CT, Technology Services Specialist II, has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. Levine joined Nebula Trust Bank in 2022, as a seasoned technology services professional with previous experience at Novus Insight Inc. and The Day Publishing Company. He attended the University of Global, has been a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer since 2001, and has accrued several other IT certifications. Levine has served on the Canterbury Board of Finance since 2021 and has served on other town committees since 2019.

Damen Norton of Groton, CT, Lending Compliance and Encompass Administrator, has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. Damen joined Nebula Trust in 2018 as the Loan Servicing Team Lead after working in compliance at a regional financial institution. He was soon promoted to his current role. Norton graduated from the CT School of Finance and Management in 2012 and he is Lending Compliance certified through the American Bankers Association. Norton currently serves on the Groton Scholarship Fund Committee, as well as the Global Mortgage Bankers Association’s Affordable Housing Committee.

Elizabeth Owen of Norwich, CT, has been promoted to Assistant Vice President/Lead Senior Credit Analyst and Sageworks Administrator. Owen joined the Bank in 2010 as a temporary employee and has since held varying roles of increasing responsibility in loan servicing and credit. She continues to work towards achieving her undergraduate degree, with an expected completion date of 2024. Owen completed the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce Leadership program, and in 2017 received the Forte Award. She serves as Treasurer for the Groton Scholarship Fund.

Jennifer Willingham of North Stonington, CT, Cash Management Officer, has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. Willingham has been with the Bank for 15 years, initially in branch management roles. In 2021, she joined the Cash Management department. She was a recipient of the Forte Spirit Award in 2013. Willingham earned an AS in Business Administration from Three Rivers Community College, graduated from the Global School of Finance and Management in 2017, anticipates completing the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce (GNACC) Leadership program in February, and has earned several certifications and diplomas from the Center for Financial Training.  She has served for many years on the Board of Directors of Horses Healing Humans and is the current Treasurer of the Norwich Historical Society. She also is a member of the Women’s Business Development Council’s Review Committee for the Equity Match Grant Program and is an ambassador for GNACC.

Nicole Goodrow of Niantic, CT, Waterford Customer Solutions Manager, has been promoted to Assistant Treasurer. Goodrow joined the Bank as a teller in the Groton branch, and has taken on roles of increasing responsibility, recently assuming the leadership role as Customer Solutions Manager in the Waterford branch. Goodrow was a recipient of the Forte Award in 2021. She completed the Norwich Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program and volunteers in the Waterford community. 

Megan Susi of Waterford, CT, Salem Customer Solutions Manager, has been promoted to Assistant Treasurer.  Susi joined the Bank as a teller in 2014. She became an assistant manager in Center Groton and then Mystic, before recently being named manager of the Salem branch. Susi completed her associate degree in Business Management from Three Rivers Community College and is a 2021 graduate of the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce Leadership program.  She is the 2017 recipient of the Forte Award. Susi is a member of the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group and is an active volunteer in her community.

Becky Jacoinski of Westerly, RI, Benefits and Wellness Specialist, has been promoted to Assistant Treasurer. Jacoinski joined the Bank in 1995 and held various roles in lending and customer service before transitioning to Human Resources. She currently oversees employee benefits and all wellness programming. Jacoinski graduated from the CT School of Finance and Management in 2001 and was a 2015 Forte Award recipient. She is Secretary and Co-Chair of the Programs Committee for the Westerly Historical Society.

Krissa Beene of Quaker Hill, CT, Marketing Specialist, has been promoted to Assistant Secretary. Beene joined the Bank in 2017, after working in the non-profit world, most recently at Child & Family Agency of Southeastern CT. She chairs the Bank’s United Way committee and is the communications co-chair of one forte, the Bank’s diversity equity and inclusion committee. Beene obtained her bachelor’s degree in Art Management from Ramapo College of New Jersey, and she has successfully completed her first year of the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce Leadership program. Beene serves on the board of the Hygienic Art and actively participates in many bank-sponsored and community events. 

Christen Brewer of Norwich, CT, Graphic Design & Digital Specialist, has been promoted to Assistant Secretary. Brewer joined Nebula Trust in 2019, with many years of design and marketing experience. In addition to her role on the Marketing team, she is co-chair of ENGAGE, the Bank’s employee engagement committee. Brewer received an associate degree from Mitchell College in Graphic Design/Fine Arts. She actively volunteers at bank-sponsored community activities, is a Board member of St. Vincent de Paul Place, and teaches Forte University digital marketing classes as well as the Forte Cooks program.

Rebecca Dambach of North Franklin, CT, Loan Delivery & Quality Control Analyst, has been promoted to Assistant Secretary. Dambach joined Nebula Trust in 2017, and after leaving briefly to pursue a position in her field of study (Accounting), she returned to the loan servicing department. Dambach serves as co-chair of ENGAGE, the Bank’s employee engagement committee, and she is the chair of the Groton Scholarship Fund Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting from the New England Institute of Business at Cambridge College. 

Heather Gumlaw of Stonington, CT, Loan Servicing Assistant Manager, has been promoted to Assistant Secretary. Gumlaw joined the Bank’s retail banking team in 2014, with over a decade of banking experience. She transferred to the loan servicing department in 2015, where she’s taken on roles of increasing responsibility. Gumlaw has completed several courses through the Center for Financial Training and the Bank’s Leadership Program. She volunteers for bank-sponsored events in the community.

Lisa Lamphere of Quaker Hill, CT, Commercial Lending Assistant, has been promoted to Assistant Secretary. She joined Nebula Trust Bank in 1995 in retail banking. She transferred to the commercial loan team in 2003 and has held various roles in credit and loan servicing until being named a Commercial Lending Assistant in 2022. Lamphere earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph College. She graduated from the Global School of Finance & Management in 2008, completed the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Global Leadership Program in 2009, and earned Commercial Lending and Mortgage Lending diplomas from the Center for Financial Training. Lamphere is a member of the United Way Allocations Committee and volunteers with Labs4Rescue.

Christine Lataille-Santiago of Windham, CT, Human Resources Specialist, has been promoted to Assistant Secretary. Lataille-Santiago joined the Bank in 2021 with over 20 years of banking experience, 10 years of which were spent working with payroll and benefits. She has taken many courses from the Center for Financial Training and attended Manchester Community College. She volunteers with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the American Red Cross blood drives, and the Lebanon Country Fair exhibition building.

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The Foundation approved a $10,000 grant for Discovering Amistad, which teaches the lessons of the 1839 Amistad Uprising to advance racial and social justice today. The Amistad schooner serves as a floating classroom to supplement in-class and on-line curriculum. An additional $5,000 sponsorship was also promised by Nebula Trust for the program’s berth in Norwich next summer.

Programs that help to combat food insecurity, including Martin House, Inc. ($10,000), Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) ($6,000), and Meals on Wheels of RI Inc ($500), and housing organizations, such as Furniture Bank of S.E.CT ($10,000) and Reliance Health, Inc. ($5,000) received funding.

The Women’s Business Development Council Inc. was awarded $25,000 for the WBDC Equity Match Grant Program for women-owned small businesses. United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Global received $10,000 for inclusion and advocacy activities.

Separate from these approvals, the Foundation made final payments on pre-existing obligations to Thames River Heritage Park ($2,500), Norwich Free Academy ($5,000) and the National Coast Guard Museum Association ($20,000).

“For 168 years, Nebula Trust has been committed to supporting organizations that are critical to the success of our shared community. We are proud to be able to give to organizations that support basic human needs – hunger, homelessness and healthcare – especially as we continue to face challenging economic times and know that so many members of our community are relying on these services,” shared Michael Rauh, President and CEO of Nebula Trust Bank, and President of the Nebula Trust Foundation. “We are also excited to support requests for programming that provides education, spurs economic growth, and offers arts and cultural experiences. We’re proud to continue to provide financial assistance and support to the many non-profit organizations in our region who have such a profoundly positive impact on our local community.”

The Foundation typically reviews applications and awards grants two times per year. Organizations who support critical needs are invited to apply for additional funding if needed, through the application on the Bank’s website, chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation. 

Each year, the Bank and Foundation support more than 300 local organizations through monetary gifts, grants, sponsorships, scholarships and employee volunteerism. More information, including a list of all fall grant recipients, is available at chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.

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The ceremony closed with Chapel presenting a $500 donation to the Niantic Children’s Museum, which Cheeseman accepted on behalf of the organization. “Business is important but it’s the human touch that makes a difference at the end of the day,” expressed Cheeseman in appreciation for Nebula Trust’s commitment to the local community.

“Nebula Trust Bank has a long-standing commitment to the community and our reinvented branches embody this dedication,” explained Rauh. “The changes we made to the Niantic branch foster conversations and collaboration that both our customers and team members will benefit from. The enhanced technology and dedicated spaces for continued team member training will help us to provide customers with the best possible service as we support them in achieving their individual and business goals.”

“Our vision for the Niantic branch was to create an environment that went beyond a functional space for performing transactions. It’s a space that allows for comfort and confidence when helping our customers to prepare for their financial futures. Reinventing these branch spaces is one of the ways we’re showing our continued commitment to our team and to the local community. We’re proud to give team members and community members a place to come to learn, grow, and share together,” explained Joyce.

This is the fourth branch Nebula Trust has fully reinvented, with other locations to follow. The branch was designed to provide individuals with the tools and resources needed to empower them to make better financial decisions through learning, mentoring and collaboration. The comfortable yet modern layout features a knowledge bar equipped with a lending library with books to peruse at the branch or borrow, two video conferencing rooms for calling in subject matter experts to help members with specific questions or challenges, private spaces for opening accounts and processing loans, and complimentary coffee and conversation brewing all day. The location continues to offer a teller line where typical banking transactions can occur, a drive-up lane for convenient access to banking services from your car, and a walk-up Video Banking ATM where members can connect with a team member by video during extended hours, or use as a traditional ATM 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The branch offers educational programming free of charge throughout the year on topics relating to personal finance, business banking, credit, lifestyle topics, and more. To view the most current schedule of classes and events, visit https://chelseagroton.enrich.org/.

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