MountainOne Bank Announces 2025 Officer Promotions

Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— MountainOne announced the promotion of six Mountaineers to Officer roles.

Heather Row, Vice President, Commercial Portfolio Manager
Heather's extensive knowledge of underwriting, particularly in Commercial and Industrial exposures, has been essential to managing risk and expanding the bank's portfolio. She is recognized for her meticulous approach to analysis and her ability to think strategically. She has also been instrumental in mentoring junior team members and helping them to develop as professionals.
 
Ryan Belanger, Assistant Vice President, Network and Systems Officer
Ryan has been a driving force behind MountainOne's technology initiatives, playing a critical role in strengthening the organization's IT infrastructure. His depth of experience in network and system management, combined with a thoughtful approach to problem-solving, allows him to be a key contributor to technology projects and cross-functional initiatives. He is a respected mentor, an Emerging Leaders Program graduate, and a trusted partner across business lines and with external service providers.
 
Gwenn Bishop, Assistant Vice President, Senior Mortgage Underwriter
Gwenn has made a significant impact through the delivery of tailored solutions by enhancing the customer experience in the bank's consumer lending division. She has successfully managed complex consumer lending applications, led efforts to improve internal processes, and developed external relationships with government lending agencies. Her work on product development and reporting has played a key role in MountainOne's success.
 
Erik Ray, Assistant Vice President, Community Banking Officer
Erik has played a pivotal role in overseeing daily operations at two key branches while managing a growing client portfolio. His leadership has elevated the level of customer service delivery, and he continually identifies new growth opportunities. Erik is an Emerging Leaders Program graduate and stands out for his commitment and involvement with local nonprofits, further strengthening MountainOne's deep connection to the community.
 
Kyle Shepard, Assistant Vice President, Operations Manager
Kyle's leadership has been pivotal in driving substantial improvements in operations, particularly through system migrations and process enhancements. His oversight of initiatives like the Digital Banking platform rollout has demonstrated his ability to leverage technical expertise and strategic insight. Kyle is also an Emerging Leaders Program graduate.
 
Sarah Bloom, Officer & Operations Analyst
Sarah has been a key driver of operational improvements, consistently delivering solutions that enhance efficiency across the organization. From leading major initiatives, such as the migration to a new Digital Banking platform and implementation of Positive Pay and Debit Card Controls, to developing reporting and workflow automation, her expertise has had a lasting impact beyond Operations.
 
"An Officer designation is more than a title; it is a recognition of talent, leadership, trust, and commitment to our mission, and the meaningful impact one has within our organization," said Beth Petropulos, Senior Vice President, Senior HR, and SAFE Act Officer at MountainOne. "Heather, Ryan, Gwenn, Erik, Kyle, and Sarah have each demonstrated excellence in their roles and genuinely represent MountainOne's core commitments. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their respective Officer promotions and look forward to all they will accomplish in the years to come."

Tags: MountainOne,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Tuesday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.
 
"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."
 
Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.
 
She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 
 
"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...
 
"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."
 
The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories