Community lender Windsor Federal announced that CEO George Hermann, who has been at the helm for 11 years, will step down from his position in July, following the bank’s annual meeting.
Taking over the $755-million asset bank’s top spot will be Luke Kettles, who was named president on Jan. 1.
With over 30 years of banking experience, Kettles joined Windsor Federal in 2016 as executive vice president – chief lending officer. His background in commercial lending management and leadership includes roles as chief lending officer at Hampden Bank of Massachusetts and commercial regional executive at Berkshire Bank.
“The executive search process was an exhaustive one and I am pleased that out of a deeply talented and highly qualified pool of candidates, the Board selected Luke as the next president and CEO,” said Hermann, who will become executive chairman after he steps down as CEO. “The strength of our organization lies in our customers and communities. Having been with Windsor Federal for seven years, Luke is entrenched in the Bank’s mission and purpose, and I am confident that he will carry forward in our commitment to them.”
Hermann joined Windsor Federal, which has about 102 employees, in 2012 as president and CEO, having previously served as president and CEO of The First National Bank of Suffield.
He has 30-plus years of community banking experience and championed for policies that support local banks, including efforts to encourage legislation allowing federal savings associations to operate as covered savings associations, paving the way for mutual institutions, like Windsor Federal, to continue to grow.
