Jonathan Gilbode is the chief digital banking officer and senior vice president at Thomaston Savings Bank. Gilbode started his career as a teller and held roles of progressive responsibility in retail banking and operations.
He currently leads a team of 40-plus bankers across five teams, including the call center, deposit operations, digital banking, loan operations and marketing. His primary duties include overseeing core banking technology, expanding digital services, product development and strategic planning.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
Building the teams that I currently lead is my biggest accomplishment. I could not be more confident in my colleagues’ ability to execute on our strategic initiatives and I am eager for what we will continue to accomplish together in service to our customers and community.
How are you involved in the community?
My involvement includes serving as a director for Neighborhood Housing Services of Waterbury’s board of directors. I’m a capstone advisor for Capstone Advisor, American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking. I’m also a volunteer, Thomaston Savings Bank Can-Do-Crew.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy disconnecting from technology and spending time with my wife and three children.
Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty?
• Supported the bank’s participation in the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, which resulted in funding over $195 million in forgivable loans for local small businesses.
• Led the development and launch of the first BankOn certified account by a community bank in Connecticut.
• Conceived a community giving project that paired local restaurants and homeless shelters to provide more than 6,100 meals during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Show commitment to carrying forward the community-focused legacy of a tremendous financial institution.
Fun Fact
Before landing in banking, I aspired to become a microbiologist.
Theme Song
“Don’t Stop Believin” — Journey
Bucket List
What are two things that you would like to achieve before you turn 40?
My professional goal is to start a post-graduate degree program. Personally, I want to learn to play classical piano.
Click here to return to HBJ’s 2022 40 Under Forty Award Honorees