Timothy P. Geelan served as president and CEO of GSB from 2014 until retiring in 2025, leading the bank through a period of growth, innovation and community impact.
Geelan joined GSB in 1994 after seven years in commercial banking and rose through the ranks to lead the organization. Under his guidance, the bank doubled its assets, expanded its footprint and enhanced client experiences through strategic investments in people, technology and facilities.
He championed the adoption of the Greenleaf Servant Leadership model, and the opening of Ascend Bank’s new Resource Center, The Commons in Wallingford, in 2025. His vision paved the way for the merger with Eastern CT Savings Bank and the rebrand to Ascend Bank, positioning the organization for long-term success while preserving its mutual bank values and deep community roots.
What have been the biggest professional accomplishments in your career?
My greatest achievements have always been rooted in people, community and purpose.
As president and CEO of GSB (Ascend Bank), I embraced a servant leadership approach — supporting, empowering and investing in our employees so they could thrive both professionally and personally.
I’m especially proud of establishing four community foundation endowments in Branford, Guilford, Madison and Middlesex County, creating a lasting source of support for the community I care deeply about.
Leading the bank through transformative growth, including initiating the merger with Eastern CT Savings Bank and rebranding to Ascend Bank, was both challenging and rewarding. We invested in technology, facilities and culture to better serve our clients and prepare for the future.
Every milestone, from opening The Commons in Wallingford to seeing our team grow in skill and confidence, has been a testament to what’s possible when you lead with heart, vision and an unwavering commitment to the people and communities you serve.
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In what ways are you involved in the community?
I am deeply committed to strengthening our communities through active service and leadership. Over the years, I helped establish the foundation endowments, creating a youth advisory board for Guilford Foundation.
I served on the boards of local nonprofits, including the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, The Guilford Foundation, Middlesex Hospital and HOPE Partnership. I’ve also contributed to the broader banking community through board service with the Connecticut Bankers Association and CT Community Bankers Association to support the local banking community.
On the Job
Guiding business principle: Lead with vision, serve with heart, and invest in people and community to achieve sustainable growth and lasting impact.
Best way to keep your competitive edge: Evolve with purpose — invest in people, embrace innovation, and nurture the relationships that keep trust and opportunity growing.
Best business decision: After building my early career at Connecticut National Bank and Shawmut, I joined Guilford Savings Bank (now Ascend Bank) in 1994, marking the beginning of a 31-year journey in community banking. This decision proved to be one of the best of my professional life.
Biggest missed opportunity: A year ago, my top priorities were clear: rebrand beyond the parochial and limiting Guilford Savings Bank name, and partner or merge with a like-minded mutual bank. I’m proud to say both milestones were accomplished as I stepped into retirement — bringing the organization into a stronger, more promising future.”
Goal yet to be achieved: Learn how to enjoy retirement! Starting as a paperboy as a preteen, I worked my entire life. Four months in, I am still trying to figure out this retirement thing.
Personal touch in your office: A world globe that my parents gave me when I became president and CEO at GSB. It has a message indicating they were proud of me. Given what I put them through during my formative years, they could have added ‘and surprised too!’
Personal Side
Place of residence: Guilford
Favorite way to relax: Pyrography, gardening, smoking ribs, and raising our chickens and two rescue dogs named Flannery and Tenley.
Hobbies: Pyrography
Last vacation: France, my wife’s lifelong dream
Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption”
The car you drive: Honda Ridgeline
Currently reading: “The Nazi Mind — Twelve Warnings from History,” by Laurence Rees
Favorite cause: Community foundations (particularly, Middlesex, Guilford, Branford and Madison foundations)
Second choice career: Priest, or more realistically, restaurateur