Norway Savings Bank celebrates and recognizes employee achievements in 2021

NORWAY, Maine – Each year, Norway Savings Bank holds an Annual Employee Awards Banquet to celebrate the outstanding employee achievements from the previous year. For the second year in a row, the celebration was held virtually, allowing employees to “attend” the banquet with their family, watching the presentation from the comfort of their own homes.

Individual awards included:

President’s Award
This year’s President’s Award was awarded to Maria Edwards, Vice President, Branch Manager & Mortgage Loan Officer of our Yarmouth branch. Over the years, Edwards has established herself as someone who embodies the very essence of what the President’s Award represents – consistently delivering top level performance by displaying strong initiative, a high level of motivation and commitment, exceptional leadership and support to fellow employees in a positive and respectful manner.

“Maria exudes positive energy and takes pride in helping others whether it’s a customer, employee, business partner, prospect, mentee, potential job applicant or even a stranger.” stated Dan Walsh, President & CEO. “She is truly interested in understanding the details of their story and uncovers opportunities to help these individuals live their lives in color.”

Employee of the Year
Ryan Dillingham, Assistant Vice President, Systems Administrator and Assistant Network Manager was named 2021 Employee of the Year. Dillingham was nominated by several NSB employees across the bank for the significant positive impact he makes in supporting customers and co-workers.

“Everything that is asked of Ryan is always met with a gracious ‘can do’ response,” shared Darci Hamm, EVP and Senior Retail Banking Officer. “No task is too small or too large, and the people on the receiving end of support are always left feeling valued and encouraged.”

Best Supporting Role Award
The Best Supporting Role Award recognizes an employee who consistently provides outstanding support and goes above and beyond to ensure world-class customer service throughout the organization. Beth Garza, Loan Operations Assistant Manager – Servicing, was honored as the 2021 Best Supporting Role Award recipient.

“Beth continues to look for efficiencies and ways to learn and grow in a way that will help others and is always there to support her team and anyone who reaches out,” said Rick Flagg, SVP and Senior Commercial Banking Officer. “Not only is she more than happy to help with her own team, but frequently helps other NSB teams in any way she can.”

Culture Champion of the Year
The Culture Champion of the Year award recognizes an employee who exhibits the elements that define the Norway Savings Bank high achievement and high support culture. Amanda Drouin, Assistant Market Manager of our Saco and Kennebunk branches, was recognized as the 2021 Culture Champion of the Year.

“No matter what is asked of her, Amanda pushes forward and perseveres” stated Jennifer Cook, Senior Vice President, Head of Trust & Wealth Management. “Throughout 2021, Amanda stepped up and took on more responsibility with a smile and positive attitude. She received several nominations from colleagues with common themes including: ‘incredible drive and determination, always present and accessible, inspiring, reliable.’ These are all traits that make Amanda such an asset to our team!”

Culture Awards
Each year culture awards are presented to employees who exhibit elements of the bank’s culture through their daily responsibilities and high quality of work. The following individuals were recognized for their work throughout 2021:

Communication Award: Courtney St. Amant (Human Resources), Talley Estes (Commercial Administration), Heather Kroitzsh (Customer Care Center) and Michele Close (Cash Management)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award: Jamie Toohey (Human Resources), Lin Dehetre (Auburn) and Amanda Burhoe (Norway)
Hunger for Excellence Award: Sharon Breytenbach (Finance), Rose Onos (Retail Loan Center), Sarah Porter (South Paris) and Robin Miller (Fryeburg)
Leadership Award: Frank Farrell (Information Technology), Keysha Wright (Exchange Street), Ashley Roberts (Retail Loan Center) and Jessica Dow (Human Resources)
Team Member Experience Award: Dale Ward (Deposit Operations), Cheryl Powers (Human Resources), Pam Gaudet (Commercial Administration) and Debbie Ward (Retail)

Length of Service Awards
Employees who celebrated a milestone anniversary with the bank were also recognized prior to the virtual event.

45 Years of Service: Delma Patenaude (Cooks Corner)
40 Years of Service: Debbie Ward (Retail)
35 Years of Service: Holly Chase (Bridgton/Naples) and Diane Andrews (Finance)
30 Years of Service: Roxanne Ames (Marketing)
25 Years of Service: Karry Kane (Maine Street, Brunswick) and Tina Croteau (Norway)
20 Years of Service: Rick Flagg (Commercial Lending), Ruth Morales (South Portland), Anita Hamilton (Commercial Credit) and Elizabeth Reardon (Commercial Credit)
15 Years of Service: Susan Quinn (Gray), Rob Harville (Commercial Lending), Jill French (Customer Care Center), Bill Onorato (Scarborough) and Becky Buchanan (Retail Loan Center)
10 Years of Service: Ashlie Baker (Loan Servicing), Joline Avery (Windham), Phil Munton (Retail Support), Pam Gaudet (Commercial Administration), Michelle Wickham (Asset Management Group), Harmony Hebert (Customer Care Center) and Jenifer Damon (Naples)
5 Years of Service: Randy Saunders (Facilities), Lin Dehetre (Auburn), Sarah Porter (South Paris), Ashley Roberts (Retail Loan Center), Lisa Cressey (Retail Loan Center), Susan Hunt (Loan Servicing), Lynsie Duricko (Gorham/Standish), Eddie Williams (Auburn), Sarah Vermette (Yarmouth), Bobbi Burke (Marketing), Dan Bernard (Information Technology), Tina Merritt (Project Management), Patricia Shields (Human Resources), Heidi Ortiz (Finance), Matthew Brady (Commercial Credit) and Amanda Drouin (Kennebunk/Saco