Androscoggin Bank is proud to announce two significant appointments in its retail leadership team, further strengthening its commitment to excellent service and community engagement.
Bart Gillespie Named Southern Maine Market Manager
Androscoggin Bank is delighted to welcome Bart Gillespie as its new VP, Southern Maine Market Manager. With a career spanning over 20 years in retail, Bart brings extensive experience in coaching, servant leadership, and customer relationship management to his new role.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Bart shared, “I am excited to be a part of an organization like Androscoggin Bank where the focus is on doing what is right for our clients, colleagues, and communities. It is very refreshing after years of large corporations to be where leadership walks the walk, and everyone’s voice is respected and heard.”
Before entering the retail sector, Bart served ten combined years in the Army National Guard and active-duty Navy, culminating as an Air Traffic Control Supervisor in Patuxent River, Maryland. After retiring from the military, Bart embarked on a retail career, holding positions at Consumer Value Stores (CVS), AMES Department Stores, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy. In 2016, he transitioned to TD Bank as the Branch Manager of the Yarmouth, Maine location, a role he held for eight years. During this time, he also served as a board member for the Maine Merchants Association, lobbying to Congress on behalf of Maine retailers.
Bart explained his passion for retail leadership, stating, “What motivates me is the ability to help colleagues and clients reach their personal, professional, and financial goals. I love to develop my teams and watch them grow in their roles, potentially becoming future leaders themselves.”
Currently residing in Litchfield, Maine, Bart enjoys quality time with his family and golfing. Androscoggin Bank extends a warm welcome to Bart Gillespie and looks forward to his contributions.
Sara Thomas Appointed as Retail Manager in Gray
Additionally, Androscoggin Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Sara Thomas as the new AVP, Retail Manager of the Gray branch. With over six years of experience in retail banking, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills to her new role.
Currently residing in Poland, Sara is thrilled to join Androscoggin Bank. She stated, “When the opportunity presented itself to make a career move to Androscoggin Bank, I did not think twice. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing organization, and one that is the only certified B Corp Bank in the state. Not only do their mission, vision, and values align with mine, but I truly feel like I can make a positive impact in Maine.”
Sara’s banking career began as a teller for TD Bank, quickly advancing to Branch Manager of the flagship location in downtown Portland. Her expertise spans both business and consumer accounts, and she is eager to leverage her skills to make a positive impact in the Gray Market.
Crystal Beaulieu, SVP and Director of Retail Banking at Androscoggin Bank, added, “Sara’s most recent role required her to lead a unique staffing dynamic of cross-trained colleagues which is not a typical staffing model. Nonetheless, she was a leader in all areas of performance and client experience and was overtly passionate about employee engagement, the development of her colleagues, and making a difference in the communities she serves. She previously resided in Gray and is excited to be a part of that community once again.”
A Maine native, Sara recently purchased her first home in Poland, where she lives with her husband, two cats, dog, and bearded dragon. She has a passion for animals, enjoys hunting with her father, and cherishes time spent with family. Additionally, Sara is actively involved in volunteering and networking, and is a dedicated member of the Gray/New Gloucester Optimist Club and Sebago Lakes Chamber.
Androscoggin Bank warmly welcomes Sara Thomas as a valued member of our team and looks forward to the positive impact she will bring to the Gray community.