Diane Arnold Named 2017 Woman of FIRE!
Plantsville, CT — August 23, 2017 – Essex Savings Bank’s Diane Arnold has received a 2017 Woman of FIRE award by The Commercial Record. Women of FIRE is an annual award that recognizes the key, female players in the local FIRE (Finance, Insurance and Real Estate) sector. The annual Women of FIRE award celebrates the best and the brightest women in the industry.
“As the underrepresented gender in these industries, women work particularly hard to rise to the top and achieve excellence on a day-to-day basis,” said Timothy M. Warren Jr., CEO of The Warren Group. “I am pleased to announce that the nomination process has brought us an exemplary class of winners for this year’s Women of FIRE. Whether executive, innovator, philanthropist, or all of the above, their powerful influence is being felt in some crucial sectors of our state’s economy. Please join us in giving them their well-earned praise.”
Diane is a Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Officer / Senior Loan Administration Manager at Essex Savings Bank. She was recognized for the career she has built for herself in Commercial Banking. Beginning as a teller, her former titles include Credit Analyst, Assistant Vice President. Under Diane’s leadership the Bank’s commercial loan portfolio has increased by over $31 million in the course of just three years. Her attention goes beyond commercial lending as she serves as a mentor to many individuals in the lending area. In addition to Diane’s professional attributes, she was also recognized for her philanthropic work including the last eight years volunteering for organizations that aid the elderly.
“I have known Diane professionally since the start of her career in banking dating back to our shared time at Branford Savings Bank. At that time, I was thrilled to give her the opportunity to participate and excel in their first officer’s training program. I knew Diane would be a star in this industry and when the opportunity presented itself I sought her out as an Assistant Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. I am proud of the recognition she has been given in receiving this award. I have complete faith that she will continue to flourish in this industry”, stated Gregory R. Shook, President and CEO of Essex Savings Bank.
Upon receiving the award, Diane shared her sentiments, “I am so honored to have been nominated and selected as a Woman of FIRE for 2017. The Bank’s Senior Management team and the Board of Directors have been very supportive of me and provided me with growth opportunities within the Bank, for which I am very grateful. I have had several influential managers throughout my career and I hope to pay it forward by being a positive role model for others.” Diane was one of 14 women named this year’s Women of FIRE.
About the Women of FIRE awards:
The FIRE (Finance, Insurance and Real Estate) sector has emerged as a keystone of the Connecticut economy, transforming the knowledge, wealth and dreams of the world’s most ambitious visionaries into reality. As more and more women rise to the top of businesses and
institutions in this sector, there is a growing need to shine a light on their achievements to inspire others. The Women of FIRE awards celebrate these women and their hard work and service to others.
The Commercial Record delivers full access to award-winning news coverage of the Connecticut real estate, banking and financial industries – keeping you up to date on the latest trends, transactions, regulations and legal issues affecting your business. Access real estate and credit
records statewide – compiled weekly for easy reading and analysis, in print and online.
Essex Savings Bank is a FDIC insured, state chartered, mutual savings bank established in 1851. The Bank serves the Connecticut River Valley and shoreline with six offices in Essex (2), Chester, Madison, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook providing a full complement of personal and business banking. Financial, estate, insurance and retirement planning are offered throughout the state by the Bank’s Trust Division, Essex Trust and wholly-owned subsidiary, Essex Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC.
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