Names to know – Avery Insurance adds flood zone expert

PORTSMOUTH — Avery Insurance Agency, a fourth-generation, a family-owned, independent insurance agency located in New Hampshire, recently hired Shelley Knox as a Senior Account Manager for the personal lines division. In her role, Knox will write new business, manage her own clients, and provide support to all personal lines clients, and prospects. Additionally, Knox will serve as a member of the Avery Gold Team, helping high net worth clients mitigate risk, insure to value, and serve as a Flood 2.0 lead agent to help clients understand the changes in the Federal Flood Program that recently took effect.

A Certified Insurance Service Representative agent, Knox will provide the highest standards of customer service, has a comprehensive understanding of risk and exposures, and complete annual continuing education courses to ensure she has the most up-to-date information necessary to help clients make informed coverage decisions. "Shelley is licensed in personal lines, health, and life insurance, her extensive knowledge of all varieties of insurance and her particular understanding of the new risk rating platform will be most beneficial to our clients and team," said Tod O'Dowd, President, Avery Insurance. "We know our clients will enjoy her prompt approach to servicing their accounts."

Kelly Hutchinson joins Newburyport Bank

as Vice President, Business Banking Officer

NEWBURYPORT, Mass. – Kelly Hutchinson has joined Newburyport Bank as Vice President, Business Banking Officer. In that role she will be responsible for developing new and existing customer relationships, as well as recommending lending and account products based on customer needs. She will report to Stephanie Santos, VP, Business Banking Manager, Commercial Lending.

Prior to joining Newburyport Bank, Hutchinson served as Market Manager for Sanford, Maine based Partners Bank. Hutchinson serves on the Board of Directors of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. She resides with her husband in Epping, N.H.

Commenting on Hutchinson joining Newburyport Bank, Santos noted, "Kelly has a deep understanding of the Seacoast area, its businesses, and their needs. She'll be able to use that knowledge, along with her skills, to further our business banking efforts in New Hampshire. I'm confident that she'll do a terrific job in serving our existing customers and helping us develop new ones."

Waterstone Mortgage names Ray Tweedie

as Branch Manager in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — National mortgage lender Waterstone Mortgage Corporation announced the opening of a new branch in the greater Seacoast area, led by industry veteran Ray Tweedie.

Tweedie has more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry, 20 of which have been in the mortgage business. When deciding to join Waterstone Mortgage, he was drawn to the company's forward-thinking leadership team, as well as their dedication to innovative mortgage technology.

"I think Waterstone Mortgage has the right approach to technology – to find solutions that streamline processes, save time, reduce costs, and execute more quickly than the competition," Tweedie says.

In addition, Tweedie looks forward to serving his clients with Waterstone Mortgage's wide array of home loans.

"Waterstone has a true customer-centered focus, and their wide variety of products allows me to find the right lending solution for each individual situation," he says. "I love that we have a 5% down Single Loan Close Construction Program, as well as medical professional and community hero loans. Helping those who help us is important for me and my team."

"We look forward to working with Ray and his team as they continue to serve homebuyers in the Portsmouth area and beyond," says Waterstone Mortgage President & CEO Jeff McGuiness. "Not only does Ray bring an exceptional level of mortgage knowledge, but he also has a passion for serving individuals and families who want to build wealth through homeownership. We are excited to have him join the team."

The Waterstone Mortgage Portsmouth office is located at 100 International Drive, Suite 355. Tweedie's team currently consists of two senior loan officers, Keely Maguire and Mark Ranieri. In the coming months, Tweedie is planning to expand the team by finding like-minded, customercentric loan originators.

Northeast Credit Union promotes Michelle Couch to Assistant VP Project Management

PORTSMOUTH – Northeast Credit Union announced the promotion of Michelle Couch to Assistant Vice President Project Management. In her new role she'll continue to build the organization's Project Management Team. Together with her team, and other internal stakeholders this cross-functional role will support the credit union's capabilities to enhance throughput, as well as overall quality and consistency for Northeast's organizational initiatives.

"Michelle has been an integral member of the Leadership Group since joining Northeast four years ago and has been a valuable resource for staff through all stages of projects from intake through post-close review. Her collaborative style and willingness to apply her skills wherever needed have contributed to many shared successes since she joined us," shares Mike Gagnon, SVP Chief Technology Officer.

"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to lead the expansion of Northeast's Project Management Team. Project Management is not just about planning; it's about the people, and together we can make great things happen," says Couch.

MVSB promotes Julie Clement

to VP, Business Development

and Small Business Lender

PORTSMOUTH — Julie Clement has been promoted to Vice President, Business Development and Small Business Lender for Meredith Village Savings Bank. In this role, she will lead the business team as well provide a full range of banking solutions to local businesses, municipalities and nonprofits. Clement is based out the Portsmouth office and will also provide support to the Bank's newest branch in Rochester, set to open in early June at 21 Farmington Road (Route 11).

"Julie's extensive knowledge of business banking services and attentiveness to the needs of each business have allowed her to serve our clients with the highest level of personalization," said Marcus Weeks, Senior Vice President, Senior Retail Banking Officer. "We are excited to have Julie's leadership and experience guiding our talented business banking team forward as we continue to grow."

Clement has over 20 years of banking experience and she joined MVSB in 2017 as the Assistant Vice President, Cash Management and Small Business Lending Officer for the Seacoast area.

Clement is active in the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth, Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Hampton Rotary Club.