Country Bank Announces Promotions Across Key Departments

May 15, 2025 — Mary McGovern, President and CEO of Country Bank, is delighted to announce the promotions of several outstanding team members whose leadership and dedication continue to elevate the Bank and the communities it serves. These individuals exemplify the Bank’s iSTEP values through their exceptional service and impact—Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity.

Jodie Gerulaitis has been promoted to First Vice President of Community Relations. With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Jodie has a long-standing commitment to financial education and community engagement. She consistently represents the Bank with professionalism, warmth, and a strong dedication to making a difference. Her passion for financial literacy is evident in her advocacy efforts, including her recent testimony at the Massachusetts State House supporting mandated financial literacy in schools. In addition to overseeing the Bank’s financial literacy and community relations programs, Jodie serves on multiple nonprofit boards and leads initiatives that strengthen the Bank’s partnerships with regional organizations. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts Bankers Association School for Financial Studies, the American Bankers Association Bank Marketing School, and will graduate from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking this June. Jodie also earned an Executive Certificate in Management and Leadership from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Alyson Weeks has been promoted to First Vice President of Human Resources and Professional Development. With 16 years of service at Country Bank, including the past 10 years in the Human Resources function, Alyson has played a pivotal role in shaping the Bank’s culture and supporting its continued evolution. Her passion for developing people and building meaningful programs has strengthened professional growth opportunities for team members across the organization. In addition to her work at the Bank, she is an active member of the community, serving on the Board of River East School-to-Career, and as a member of the Pathfinder Business Technology Advisory Committee. Alyson holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Worcester State University and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from American International College.

Lorraine Askew has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Retail Banking Officer at the Ludlow Banking Center. A 23-year veteran of Country Bank, Lorraine brings extensive experience in customer service, retail banking, and team leadership. She is known for her strong mentorship and commitment to staff development, helping others grow into leadership roles. She is a dedicated community leader, actively involved with several organizations including the Ludlow Community Center/Randall’s Boys and Girls Club, the VFW Auxiliary, the Get Your Pink On Committee, and the Ludlow Rotary. Lorraine is a graduate of the Massachusetts Bankers Association School for Financial Studies and recently earned her associate degree in Business Administration from Holyoke Community College.

Melissa Stefanowich has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Retail Banking Officer at the Belchertown Banking Center. With over 17 years of experience in the banking industry, Melissa has built a career defined by hard work, leadership, and a passion for service. She is currently attending the New England School for Financial Studies and is a dedicated advocate for community causes, serving on the boards of Community Options, Belchertown Day School, and the MA/RI chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. Melissa also serves on the Bank’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Council and has led her branch through consistent growth and success.

“We are excited to announce the well-deserved promotions of Jodie, Alyson, Lorraine and Melissa,” said Miriam Siegel, Chief Culture and Development Officer at Country Bank. “Their hard work, dedication, and contributions have been instrumental to the Bank’s success. We take great pride in supporting our team members’ commitment to continuous professional and personal growth, empowering them to explore the many rewarding career paths in community banking.”

Please join us in congratulating Jodie, Alyson, Lorraine, and Melissa on their well-earned promotions and meaningful contributions to Country Bank’s continued success and mission.
           
Jodie Gerulaitis                                                     Alyson Weeks

       
Lorraine Askew                                                   Melissa Stefanowich

 
About Country Bank: Established in 1850, Country Bank has a rich history of supporting personal and business banking customers through financial solutions with FDIC and DIF insurance for added security. Country Bank is a full-service $2.0 billion mutual community bank serving Central and Western Massachusetts with 14 banking centers and 2 business offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton, Springfield, Uxbridge, and Worcester. With a commitment to personalized service and community involvement, Country Bank offers individuals, businesses, and municipalities a comprehensive range of banking products and services. Country Bank is a member of FDIC, DIF, and the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.