In brief – Avery Insurance adds Commercial Risk Specialist

PORTSMOUTH – Avery Insurance, a fourth-generation, family-owned, independent insurance agency located in New Hampshire, recently hired Danielle Rice as a Senior Commercial Risk Specialist. In her role, Rice will work with Avery clients to develop comprehensive insurance program and recommend risk management solutions, security policies, business continuity plans, and recovery measures.

"Her passion for cultivating strong client relationships coupled with a desire to help clients make informed decisions makes her a great addition to the Avery team," said Tod O'Dowd, President, Avery Insurance. "She is a well-rounded and resourceful professional — we're confident our clients will love working with her."

Prior to joining Avery Insurance, Rice spent nearly 20 years as a commercial insurance account manager. She lives in Belmont, with her husband, Justin, their children Annabelle and Mylo, and two rescue dogs Maxwell and Leo. To learn more about Avery's approach to complete asset protection, please visit www.Averyinsurance.net.

Town of Newmarket announces appointment of Bart McDonough as Director of Planning and Community Development

NEWMARKET – Town Manager Steve Fournier announced the appointment of Bart McDonough as Director of Planning and Community Development for the town of Newmarket to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of longtime Town Planner Diane Hardy.

With extensive experience, McDonough is currently serving as Town Planner for the Town of Kittery. He has served in that position since March 2020. During her time as Town Planner, he was instrumental in a fast-growing community, working to ensure the proper development for its future. Previously he served in similar positions in Salisbury, Mass., and for the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission.

Fournier stated, "I am happy to announce Bart's appointment as Community Development Director. His knowledge and enthusiasm for thoughtful economic growth, implementing smart regulations and policies to address the future impacts of climate change and his commitment to the intelligent advancement of workforce housing easily made him the top choice for the position. He will be a great asset to the Town of Newmarket, and I look forward to seeing Bart help guide the future growth of the community."

Bangor Savings Bank promotes Lannie Moffatt to Chief Operating Officer, Kim Pope

to Chief Banking Officer

BANGOR, Maine – Bangor Savings Bank announces the promotions today of two leaders: Lannie Moffatt to Chief Operating Officer and Kim Pope to Chief Banking Officer. As industry experts and tenured leaders at Bangor Savings Bank, they bring a depth of expertise, knowledge, and community commitment to their new roles.

Moffatt has been with Bangor Savings Bank for more than 15 years, most recently as Chief Experience Officer, Executive Vice President. With over two decades in banking, her experience includes management and leadership in customer service and sales, human resources, training, talent acquisition and retention, call center management, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Her new COO role expands the scope of her responsibilities to include customer and employee experience, operations, consumer banking, marketing and community relations, and information technology.

Pope has been promoted to Chief Banking Officer and Executive Vice President from Director of Consumer Banking, Senior Vice President. Prior to joining Bangor Savings Bank in 2019, she was employed by Citizens Bank for over 20 years, most recently as the New England North Regional Director of Business Banking. Her banking experience includes sales management, lending and leadership in retail and commercial banking, payroll, employee benefits, and investment and insurance services. As Chief Banking Officer, Pope will lead Commercial Banking, Community Development, Bangor Payroll, Bangor Insurance, Treasury and Payment Services, Mortgage and Consumer Lending, Bangor Wealth Management, and Bangor Wealth Management of New Hampshire.

"Leadership at Bangor Savings Bank requires an unwavering commitment to serving our employees, customers, and communities. Both Lannie and Kim deliver on this commitment in their daily interactions and leadership", said Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank. "Kim brings with her decades of deep knowledge and experience in serving the complex and unique needs of our clients. Lannie's passion for employee and customer experience will allow our organization growth and enhancement in the care of all those we serve."

Both Pope and Moffatt have deep ties within their communities. Moffatt currently sits on the Board of Accountancy for the State of Maine and has served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Eastern Maine, the Bangor Humane Society, and the Maine Discovery Museum. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Husson University. Pope serves on the Advisory Board for the NH Small Business Development Center and regularly volunteers with local community organizations. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire and holds certifications in Employee Benefits and Commercial Credit Management.