Maura Malo is president and CEO of Northwest Community Bank, where she provides strategic leadership focused on long-term strength, community impact and organizational culture.
She brings more than 30 years of senior-level banking experience, including prior roles as executive vice president and chief operating officer, and senior vice president and chief risk officer. Earlier in her career, Malo served as a Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. bank examiner.
She holds an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University, is a graduate of the National School of Banking, and is a recipient of the Connecticut Bankers Association’s New Leaders in Banking Award.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far?
My biggest accomplishment has been earning the opportunity to lead Northwest Community Bank as CEO in 2023, and strengthening the organization from the inside out. It has been an honor to help advance a culture of engagement, accountability and service while ensuring the bank remains a strong economic driver for our communities.
What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?
My next major goal is to lead a brand awareness initiative that clearly communicates the value of mutual community banking. I want more people to understand that community banks offer the same sophisticated products as large institutions — paired with personalized service and a deep commitment to the local economy.
What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?
Navigating the rapidly changing competitive landscape in community banking has been my greatest challenge. The rise of fintechs and evolving customer expectations require constant adaptation, disciplined strategy and innovation — all while maintaining regulatory rigor, strong risk management and the personal service that defines community banking.
How are you involved in the community?
I am deeply involved in the communities we serve through board service with FISH, the largest emergency homeless shelter in Litchfield County; the Warner Theatre in Torrington; and as a Northwest Regional Board member of Hartford HealthCare. These roles allow me to support access to essential services, the arts and health care — all vital to a thriving community.
I strongly believe leadership is about developing people and creating environments where others can succeed. Mentorship, accessibility and leading with integrity are core to my approach.