First County Bank Spotlight – Henry Kim

Dana Veltri

Get to know Henry Kim, Vice President, Relationship Manager for First County Advisors, the Wealth Management Division of First County Bank.

Tell us a little about yourself!

I am a New York native, born and raised in Queens. I attended Archbishop Molloy High School, and for any avid basketball fans out there – it was also the alma mater for Kenny Anderson and Kenny Smith amongst others. Staying in my home state, I attended Cornell University majoring in Economics.

I met my lovely wife of over 15 years at a local church in Queens, but it wasn’t until we attended a swing dance event at Lincoln Center, where the initial “spark” took place. My wife and I currently reside in Westchester County, NY, with our two young kids, 10-year-old daughter and 8 -year-old son. My children were both born in Stamford (where we lived for several years), before reluctantly moving back to NY.

When I am not advising my Wealth Management clients, you can find me tirelessly practicing and playing baseball/softball, football, and basketball with my kids. Additionally, I love skiing!! While I can no longer do moguls, I do enjoy time on the slopes.

Do you have any secret talents or hobbies?

Rumor has it, I cook up some splendid Korean dishes including spicy stews, Korean BBQ, and for dessert, some sweet rice punch.

What is your favorite part of your role with First County Bank/ First County Advisors?

My favorite part of my role is the level of camaraderie and collective team spirit I have with my colleagues at First County Advisors, working together to assist and meet the needs of our clients. While most of my career was spent at firms larger in scale, there is something to be said about First County Bank’s culture – their genuine interest in each other’s’ successes, the Bank’s overall success, and most of all, really caring and getting to know our clients.

Do you have a favorite First County Bank moment? This can be any moment at the Bank that has made an impact on your life.

Since joining the Bank in June of 2022, I would say it was during my first week with the Bank. The warm welcome by all further solidified my choice to be part of the First County Bank team, for many years to come. A close second, would be being able to work closely with Paul Bubniak prior to his retirement. The level of care and time Paul committed to me during my onboarding, was certainly well appreciated. Paul was just another example of the high caliber individuals at First County Bank.

What can your clients come to you for?

Clients can reach out to me for any investment related areas – comprehensive financial planning, trusts and estate planning.


First County Bank Spotlight – Robert O'Brien

Dana Veltri

Meet Robert O’Brien, Vice President Commercial Banking Officer, and a member of our Business Banking division.

Tell us a little about yourself!

I am a Stamford resident, where I live with my wife and three children. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and my MBA from the University of North Carolina – Go Blue! Go Heels!  I enjoy watching sports of all kinds, especially English Premier League Football, supporting my favorite team Liverpool F.C..

When I am not dedicating my time to my family or my business clients, I support the mission of providing affordable housing in Fairfield County, by serving on the board of New Neighborhoods Inc.

Do you have any secret talents or hobbies?

I love logic puzzles and mind games, if you are having a trivia night – I’m the guy you want on your team!

What is your favorite part of your role with First County Bank?

Structuring loans to find the right solution for the project, helping my clients reach their business goals. At First County Bank we customize loans and provide a full suite of financial products to provide the flexibility to meet the different needs of our clients.

Do you have a favorite First County Bank moment? This can be any moment at the Bank that has made an impact on your life.

Since starting with First County Bank in the Summer of 2021, I was quickly able to see that the Bank really cares about their employees, just as much as they care about the customers and clients they serve.  This same mentality of care and support is what I provided to each one of my clients, helping them finance a new project, grow their company, and reach their business goals. Being able to tell my client “Yes, I can help you with that” is always my favorite moment.

What can clients come to you for?

For all types of mortgage loans – investment acquisition, construction loans, bridge financing, as well as business term loans and lines of credit.


First County Bank Spotlight - Tripp Moore

Dana Veltri

Get to know Tripp Moore, Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer, who works in our Business Banking division .

Tell us a little about yourself!

I am a local guy – born and raised in Greenwich, CT. I’m a proud father of two great kids, a daughter who is 20 and a son who is 17. When I am not supporting the needs of my business banking clients, you can find me outdoors. I love being out on the ocean whether its fishing or scuba diving. When the weather gets colder, I am out on the slopes as an avid skier – going for runs down the mountains in Vermont, the Colorado Rockies and even the Alps.

Do you have any secret talents or hobbies?

I enjoy gardening and working in the yard. Did I mention I like being outdoors? As for secret talents I can wiggle my ears and can do a mean Donald Duck impression.

What is your favorite part of your role with First County Bank?

I take great pleasure in helping our clients achieve their financial goals.  Whether it is financing the growth of a business or a purchase of investment real estate, it is very rewarding to know that I am helping people improve their financial well-being.  Also, I appreciate working for a Bank that can help clients with so many aspects of their financial lives.  Introducing clients, as their needs dictate, to my colleagues in First County Advisors, Cash Management Services, retail banking or the residential mortgage lending group is another great benefit to working at First County Bank.

Do you have a favorite First County Bank moment? This can be any moment at the Bank that has made an impact on your life.

I would say my return to First County Bank.  Having worked here previously as well as at other Banks gives me a great perspective and appreciation for what a special place First County Bank is.  Returning to work here with my colleagues has been such a pleasure and one of the best experiences of my professional life.

What can clients come to you for?

Clients can come to me for virtually any kind of borrowing needs. I offer solutions and credit options tailored to the goals of my business clients. I also serve as their point person, introducing them to my Bank colleagues, to help them with other financial needs, now and in the future.


First County Bank Spotlight - Richard Muskus

Dana Veltri

Meet SVP, Chief Lending Officer & Director of Business Banking – Richard Muskus.

Tell us a little about yourself!

Born and raised in Greenwich, I am a fourth-generation resident, and second-generation banker for over 25 years.

Although my wife and I attended Greenwich High School together, we actually never met (it’s a big school!) until after college.

Growing up and residing locally, I have been involved in so many rewarding roles from coaching youth football to Greenwich Representative Town Meeting, to holding a number of board roles supporting community endeavors. I am currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Purchase College, Treasurer of the Greenwich Department of Human Services Foundation, and a role close to my Polish ancestry, President of the Joseph Pilsudski Society in Greenwich, a club my grandfather and two friends started in 1950. As my 3 children move through college and into their careers, I continue to emphasize the need to give back to the community and become a positive impact.

What is your secret talent you’d like to share so we know more about you?

I inherited so many great values from my parents and grandparents, but working with my Italian grandfather, Louis Albano, for the better part of my childhood I learned a dozen or so trades very early. He built or renovated dozens of homes and as such I became a novice mason, electrician, plumber, landscaper and carpenter by the time I was 15. From those days I started a fence contracting business in college and even continued that part time while working in my early days for Merrill Lynch. To this day I have refused to hire anyone to do fence work, that’s all me!

What is your favorite part of your role with First County Bank?

My favorite part about my role at First County Bank is that it is very familiar and truly aligns with how my career in banking evolved. Having worked locally for so many years I know, and in some cases have previously worked with many of my new colleagues for years. Our workplace commands a true team environment, and the leadership here has created a professional family atmosphere, working collectively toward our customer-centric goals of making a difference in the communities we serve.

Do you have a favorite First County Bank moment? This can be any moment at the Bank that has made an impact on your life.

In my short time at the Bank I can safely say that my second favorite moment was pizza day, but the first was undoubtedly my first day. My decision to join the team was reinforced by an incredibly welcoming day met by longtime friends and making new ones. My professional journey leading me to First County Bank, felt like home right away.


First County Bank Spotlight - Kyle Fallon

Dana Veltri

Get to know Kyle Fallon, Credit Analyst in our Commercial Credit department.

Tell us a little about yourself!

I was born and raised in Norwalk, CT. After graduating from Norwalk High School, I attended the University of Miami. I majored in Finance and received minors in Accounting and Classics. I spent a semester abroad in Rome my junior year and had the opportunity to visit 12 different countries during that time. I have both an older sister and younger sister and am very close with my parents. I enjoy reading, cooking, traveling and hanging out with friends and family in my free time.

What would you consider to be the best book that you have read within the last year?

I honestly read a ton. I block out 30 minutes each day during my lunch break to read and disconnect from my phone. I probably start and finish one to two books a month. The best book I have recently finished was “The Righteous Mind”, a social psychology book by Jonathan Haidt. This book analyzes human morality as it relates to politics and religion.

What is your favorite part of your role with First County Bank?

My favorite part about working at First County Bank is the opportunity it provides me. Each and every day I am able to connect with various coworkers across many departments and get to be involved with a variety of assignments. I am constantly leveraging the knowledge of my experienced coworkers and my development, as both an individual and professional which has been significant. I enjoy the exposure I get to the many people, businesses and nonprofits within the local community.

Additionally, First County Bank is supporting my continual education, through the enrollment in the Connecticut School of Finance and Management.

Do you have a favorite First County Bank moment? This can be any moment at the Bank that has made an impact on your life.

My favorite First County Bank moment was receiving the 2021 Millennial and GenZ award, hosted by the WestFair Business Journal. I was honored to be nominated by First County Bank and receive the award. Many coworkers and members of the senior management team came out to support me at the event. First County Bank has always treated me as family.


First County Bank Named a Top Workplace by HEARST Media Services

Dana Veltri

First County Bank Named a Top Workplace in Fairfield, New Haven,
and Litchfield Counties by HEARST Media Services

STAMFORD, CT, November 18, 2021 First County Bank has been named a Top Workplaces in Fairfield, New Haven, and Litchfield counties for the second year in a row by Hearst Connecticut Top Workplaces.

The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few. First County Bank is one of only 56 companies in Connecticut to make the list.

Robert Granata, Chairman and CEO at First County Bank, reflected on receiving the Top Workplaces honor for a second year in a row; “being named a Top Workplace is an outstanding win for each and every one of us at First County Bank.  I’m honored. We could not be the organization we are without our employees. We are thankful for their dedication and commitment to making First County Bank a great place to work.”

Eric Rubino, Energage CEO, also commented; “when you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward. Top Workplaces draw on real-time insights into what works best for their organization, so they can make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their people and their business.”

About First County Bank

First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, CT, for 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $1.9 billion and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces 2020-2021 award. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About Energage

Making the world a better place to work together.TM

Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 14 years of culture research and the results from 23 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

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How to Send Money with Zelle® Safely

Dana Veltri

Zelle® is a fast, safe and easy way to send and receive money with people you trust, like your babysitter, your fellow PTA mom, your son’s soccer coach, or your coworker. Whether you just enrolled with Zelle® or have been an active user for a while, there are a few tips you should always keep in mind to ensure you are being safe when sending money.

  • Only send money to people you know and trust

Money moves fast with Zelle®, directly from bank account to bank account within minutes* . So, it’s important you know and trust the people you’re sending money to.

Why? Because you can’t cancel a payment once it’s been sent, if the recipient is already enrolled with Zelle®. And if you send money to someone you don’t know for a product or service you might not receive (like paying for something in advance), you may not get your money back. Keep in mind that sending money with Zelle® is similar to handing someone cash.

  • Beware of payment scams

One example of a payment scam is buying event tickets at a price that seems too good to be true from a stranger and never receiving them. If the seller asks you to use Zelle® to purchase the tickets, you should refuse unless the seller is a person you personally know. Also, keep in mind that no one from First County Bank will ask you to send them money with Zelle® as a test or to send money to avoid a fraud event.

Neither First County Bank nor Zelle® offers a protection program for authorized payments made with Zelle®. So, if you aren’t sure you will get what you paid for, you should use another payment method with purchase protection, such as a credit card.

  • Treat Zelle® like cash

Did your friend change phone numbers recently? It’s easy for people to change their phone number or email address. When in doubt, contact your friend to verify the email or U.S. mobile number they used to enroll with Zelle® before you hit “Send.” Another good check point for ensuring you’re paying the right person is to confirm the first name that is displayed for enrolled emails and U.S. mobile numbers. If a person has already enrolled a U.S. mobile number or email address with Zelle®, you can’t cancel the transaction, so it’s important you get it right the first time.

If you’d like more information on safely using peer-to-peer payments, check out these articles from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Helpful Tips for Using Mobile Payments Services and Avoiding Risky Mistakes

Tips on Using Peer-to-Peer Payment Systems and Apps
How to Keep Your Personal Information Secure Online

*U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle®. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes.

Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.


Four New Corporators Join First County Bank

Dana Veltri

Four New Corporators Join First County Bank

STAMFORD, CT, November 10, 2021 First County Bank is pleased to announce four new corporators: Willard Miley, Bruce Moore, Jr., Kaveeta Channamsetty and Anderson R. Livingston who were elected during a recent Corporators meeting. A First County Bank corporator is a unique role offered to community representatives and thought-leaders, who promote the mission and vision of the bank while supporting the business community and nonprofit development.

The Board of Directors of First County Bank recruits corporators who are successful in their business or profession and have strong knowledge of the communities First County Bank serves. Corporators play a critical role in a mutual community bank. The role of a corporator includes: assisting the bank in increasing its visibility and credibility in the community, advising the bank on community and customer needs, and supporting the bank’s business development.

“First County Bank is delighted to welcome our new corporators. With their wealth of business and leadership experience from distinct industries, they will provide insights into the small business community, supporting the bank’s strategies,” said Robert Granata, Chairman and CEO of First County Bank. “We look forward to the contributions our new corporators will bring, as they keep the best interests of the community and the bank in mind.”

First County Bank welcomes the following business leaders to their board of corporators:

Willard Miley

Willard started his First County Bank career in 2002 and is currently our President and Chief Operating Officer. He serves on the Advisory Board for the Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF) and the Housing Development Fund, Inc, (HDF).  Willard earned his Bachelor’s degree in business from The University of Bridgeport and graduated from the National School of Banking at Fairfield University and the Connecticut School of Finance and Management. Willard lives in Fairfield, CT with his wife and daughter.

Willard Miley

Bruce Moore, Jr.

Bruce is the President and owner of Eastern Land Management, Inc. doing business in Westchester, Fairfield and New Haven Counties.  He has been with the company for over 16 years and has been President for 3 years.  Bruce has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and is a graduate of Curry College. Bruce is on the Board of Directors for the Fairfield County House and also serves on Southern Connecticut Building Owner’s and Manager’s Association as a Board of Director.  He also volunteers at the Stamford Boys & Girls Club. Bruce, his wife and three children, reside in Stamford, CT.

Bruce Moore Jr.

Kaveeta Channamsetty

Kaveeta is the owner of Pearl Dental, which has three locations, Mt. Kisco, Stamford and Trumbull. She has a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Stony Brook University SUNY and has been a dentist for over 17 years.  Kaveeta works with outreach programs for underserved communities nationally, is a NY State Trooper Surgeon and provides mentorship for recent dental graduates. Kaveeta resides in Stamford, CT with her husband and two teenage children.

Kaveeta Channamsetty

Anderson R. Livingston

Anderson is a managing partner of Armondale Ventures, LLC, a private equity firm.  He has been with the organization for 7 years and previously was the Director of Risk Management for American Express. Anderson holds an MBA from Cornell University Johnson School of Management and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Babson College. Anderson is Chairman of the Board for the Ferguson Library and a Board Member of the Stamford Family YMCA. Anderson lives in Stamford, CT.

Anderson R. Livingston

About First County Bank

First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, CT for 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $1.9 billion and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces 2020-2021 award. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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First County Bank Foundation Announces Annual Reyno A. Giallongo Community Legacy Award Recipient

 

Community Legacy Award Recipients Nelson and Louisa Heumann, with Robert Granata, Chairman and CEO of First County Bank and President of First County Bank Foundation

STAMFORD, Conn., November 4, 2021 -First County Bank Foundation is pleased to announce that Louisa and Nelson Heumann of Southport, CT, are this year’s recipients of the Reyno A. Giallongo Community Legacy Award. The annual award along with a $2,500 donation check for the Fairfield Theatre Company (FTC), in the Heumann’s name, was presented at a reception held on November 1st at First County Bank’s Westport branch located at 1135 Post Road East.

Louisa and Nelson Heumann are involved in numerous activities that support the local community. Louisa Heumann is the Chair of the Board of the Fairfield Theatre Company (FTC), serves on the development committee of KEYS (Kids Empowered by Your Support) located in Bridgeport and coordinates Make Music Fairfield every June for the town of Fairfield.  Additionally, Louisa has been a volunteer English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, working with the Latino community weekly in Norwalk through the Norwalk Senior Center South. Nelson Heumann has been a driver for Meals on Wheels for over 10 years, managing the same route every week. He also served on the town of Fairfield’s Parking Commission. Together, the Heumanns have been instrumental in supporting education, the arts and economic development causes by donating their time and energy.

“During these difficult times in our community, First County Bank Foundation is proud to recognize Louisa and Nelson Heumann, a local couple whose commitment and passion for helping others is consistent with the values and mission of First County Bank”, stated Robert J. Granata, Chairman and CEO of First County Bank and President of First County Bank Foundation. “When we learned about the volunteerism of the Heumann’s, we knew they embodied the spirit of the Reyno A. Giallongo Community Legacy Award”, added Granata.

“We sincerely thank First County Bank Foundation for recognizing our work. We feel it is a responsibility as citizens to help our local neighbors by giving our time and energy to causes that are important to the livelihood of our community”, stated the Heumanns. “Support of programs focused on education and the arts is critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic”, added Louisa Heumann.

Established in 2018, the Reyno A. Giallongo Community Legacy Award, named after First County Bank’s retired Chairman and CEO,  recognizes the exceptional achievements and meaningful contributions of an individual or couple, residing in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan or Westport, who through their actions, experience, talent and skills, directly benefit activities and programs in the areas of affordable housing, economic development, education or quality of life for families and children, as consistent with the First County Bank Foundation mission. The Community Legacy Award honoree receives a commemorative plaque and $2,500 donation to the nonprofit of their choice.

About First County Bank Foundation

Established in 2001 in honor of the Bank’s 150th anniversary, First County Bank Foundation was created to distribute funds annually to nonprofit organizations that support community and economic development, affordable housing, and programs that support quality of life and educational enrichment for children and families. As a mutual bank with no shareholders, First County Bank considers grants made by the foundation a means of paying dividends back to the local communities it serves.

About First County Bank
First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Conn. for more than 165 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking.  First County Bank has more than 220 employees and assets in excess of $1.7 billion. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on FacebookInstagramTwitter, and LinkedIn.


First County Bank Spotlight - Robert Long, Jr.

Dana Veltri

Get to know Robert “Bob” Long, Jr. Vice President, Trust Officer for First County Advisors (The Wealth  Management Division of First County Bank).

Tell us a little about yourself.

My wife and I met at the University of New Haven and have been married for 30 years. We have two beautiful children who are 28 and 23 years old.  My oldest is a veterinarian and she lives in Mooresville NC.  My son lives locally and is a commercial video editor at a marketing firm.  My family means the world to me, and I always made time to be very involved in their activities.

When my kids were young, I coached my daughter’s travel soccer team and when my son participated in the marching band in high school, I volunteered to drive the instrument truck to all the shows including Dayton, OH.  I enjoy working in the yard and spending time with my two dogs.  My wife and I love to travel and go on vacation.  Even though my kids are adults they still enjoy coming on vacation with us.  I like playing golf and am a big fan of the New York Giants.

What is your secret talent you would like to share so we know more about you? (Do you dance, cook, garden, loudly whistle, create art, play an instrument, sing, build things, play sports, compete, or train for anything, etc.)

I wouldn’t call it a secret talent, but I can work a grill and cook some mean BBQ ribs.

What is your favorite part of your role with First County Bank?

The favorite part of my job is being able to help people achieve their goals and dreams. I begin by listening to what my client’s intent is for their wealth, (i.e., retirement, leaving it to the next generation, planning for education, or philanthropy) and building a customized plan tailored specifically for them. It is priceless and gratifying to see their reaction when you tell them that their goals and dreams are achievable.

Do you have a favorite First County Bank moment? This can be any moment at the Bank that has made an impact on your life.

I can honestly say that joining First County Bank has been like coming home.  Everyone here has been so open and welcoming.  As I speak with colleagues, I’m finding that I have a connection with so many people here, whether we worked at other banks together, or I know members of their family.  It really hit home when we were doing a photo shoot and I was told to come meet the photographer.  As he walked out of the conference room, I realized it was my wife’s first cousin and we gave each other a hug. I think this solidified it for me that the Bank’s slogan, “It’s where you belong,” couldn’t be any truer.

What can customers/clients come to you for?

As a Relationship Manager my clients come to me for advice on trust and estate planning, retirement planning, portfolio construction as well as traditional banking and lending needs.


First County Bank Spotlight - Maria Bivona

Dana Veltri

Get to know Maria Bivona, Branch Manager of our Springdale, Stamford, location.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I have been fortunate to be part of the First County Bank family, since 2007.

I reside in Trumbull with my husband, my 12-year-old son, and an adorable cat, named Chip.

Traveling is something I love to do, and my favorite place in the world is Sicily, where I was born and raised. Even though my son and I love to explore Europe, going back home to “Nonna” is always our first choice.

During my career with FCB, I had the pleasure of participating in several community events. My favorite one was the Stamford Cancer Walk. It is very rewarding to see the entire community get together to support those whose life has been affected by such a terrible illness.

For the past couple of years, I have been volunteering at the Trumbull Nature and Art Center, and as of this year, I became a member of their Board of Directors.

What is your secret talent you would like to share so we know more about you? (Do you dance, cook, garden, loudly whistle, create art, play an instrument, sing, build things, play sports, compete, or train for anything, etc.)

Baking! I find it relaxing, especially on cold winter nights. I love to try new recipes and experiment with them. I cannot promise that the outcome will always be perfect, but it’s still very enjoyable nonetheless.

What is your favorite part of your role with First County Bank?

My favorite part of my job is being able to establish a strong relationship with both my coworkers and customers. My biggest satisfaction is being able to help and encourage others to achieve both their financial and personal goals.

What can customers come to you for?

Customers can come to me for my knowledge of banking products and to provide them with the appropriate recommendations based on their banking needs and financial goals.


Charlie B. Carroll, Jr coaching youth football team

First County Bank Spotlight - Charlie B. Carroll, Jr.

Charlie B. Carroll, Jr coaching youth football team

Dana Veltri

Meet SVP, Charlie B. Carroll JR., CFP®, Head of First County Advisors (the Wealth Management Division of First County Bank)

Tell us a little about yourself!

I enjoy being able to support local youth programs and have participated in a couple of different ways. One is as a coach for over the last 10+years, coaching football, basketball and baseball to boys and girls ages 7-14.  In addition, I have held several leadership positions including league commissioner for 16 towns across Connecticut. I am currently President/Head Coach for our Lady of Mercy boys’ basketball team. I have always learned so much about myself and my teammates from being a part of team sports. I look at sports as another classroom for kids to learn valuable life lessons, but I also do not take things so seriously, as being around kids brings out my inner child as sports are fun for all ages.

One day in between games the announcer did not show up so I was asked if I would help announce the game. After that game, I built quite a fan base in my community and around the league, and was requested as an announcer by both parents and kids alike.

What is your secret talent you would like to share so we know more about you? (Do you dance, cook, garden, loudly whistle, create art, play an instrument, sing, build things, play sports, compete, or train for anything, etc.)

I grew up playing several instruments including the trumpet, which I do not play anymore. During a festival in St. John’s Harbor, I learned how to play the Conch (shell), which when you cut off the end of the shell is like a trumpet. Since learning how to play the Conch shell, it has become the family instrument helping us celebrate holidays or special family events, with as many loud breathes as my lungs will allow me. My son has even picked up the skill.

What is your favorite part of your role with First County Bank?

As a recent member of the First County Team, I enjoyed the opportunity of meeting with all my new colleagues, who come from unique and diversified backgrounds. I have also enjoyed meeting our clients as well. Everyone has a story that makes them who they are today, and I am in a great place to foster these unique connections.

Do you have a favorite First County Bank moment? This can be any moment at the Bank that has made an impact on your life.

My first week was really a great experience where no matter how long I would talk with someone, my new team members were always quick to say how “glad I was going to be to have joined First County Bank.”

Anything else you’d like to say about you or your experience at the Bank ?

We wake every day with a mission to make our customers live better through our service to them. We have a great responsibility to take care of our customers and their families for generations to come.