Cornerstone Bank has pledged its ongoing support of Our Bright Future, a youth enrichment organization serving Central Massachusetts. The bank is donating $25,000 a year through 2028.

“Investing in children helps to ensure promising days ahead,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “Our Bright Future gives kids important tools to thrive in a tech-driven future. We’re proud to have supported this impactful work for years.”

Our Bright Future provides resources to empower young people with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). Programs allow kids to explore their curiosities and hone life skills. A diverse range of summer school and after-school activities includes robotics, sports, art, homework help, and bioscience. The organization aims to inspire and equip young people with the education and resiliency necessary to emerge as bright leaders.

“We believe in the power of science and technology to set up future generations for success,” said Tallman.  “We hope our pledge to continue with financial support over the next few years allows every child to turn dreams of a bright future into reality.”

Cornerstone Bank recently welcomed Richard Nicholson as its new senior vice president, regional manager. The Northbridge resident joins the team with more than two decades of experience in financial services, most recently serving communities across New England at JPMorgan Chase.

“We’re excited to have Rich on our team,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “He is a strategic leader who’s passionate about financial literacy and community development, and we know his energy will serve our customers well.”

In his role, Nicholson leads and manages day-to-day operations at Cornerstone Bank’s branches, ensuring clients have access to the highest level of service. He also oversees sales and operations at branches, while fostering strong customer engagement and community relations.

Nicholson has an MBA from Nichols College and a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University. He has dedicated his time to organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Middletown Police Activity League, Pathways for a Better Life, Young Voices, and numerous economic and development committees.

Cornerstone Bank recently welcomed Jen Conrad as its new senior vice president, director of commercial services. The Worcester resident joins the team with nearly three decades of experience, most recently at Fidelity Bank, where she spent 16 years.

“We’re excited to have Jen on our team,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “Her experience with portfolio growth, implementing strategy and serving commercial and municipal clients is impressive and will benefit our customers well.”

In her role, Jen is responsible for the onboarding and retention of new and existing business, non-profit and municipal clients. She works with customers and prospects to provide the most efficient, cost-effective and enhanced products and services to maximize their interest, enhance efficiency and cash flow and protect their finances from fraud.

Jen graduated from Assumption College with a Bachelor of Arts and is currently a member of the National Automated Clearing House Association and the Association of Financial Professionals. She was named to the Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2012.

When she’s not helping Cornerstone clients with her financial expertise, Jen loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, golfing and volunteering.

Cornerstone Bank is contributing $8,000 to Abby’s House as part of its 12^th Annual Spring-Tacular event on May 15.

“We’re proud to support the vital work of Abby’s House in Worcester, which empowers local women through shelter, affordable housing and services,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “This organization assists some of the most vulnerable people in our community with its impactful services and advocacy.”

All proceeds raised by Abby’s House through its 12th Annual Spring-Tacular support women and children facing homelessness, violence, poverty and trauma.

The week-long celebration, which includes an online auction, starts on May 8 and concludes with an in-person celebration on Thursday, May 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Prior Performing Arts Center at the College of The Holy Cross. For more information, tickets or the online auction, visit abbyshouse.org/event/12th-annual-spring-tacular.

Cornerstone Bank has donated $2,000 to allow five different student groups to enjoy curated tours of the exquisite plant collective at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, in addition to bus transportation.

“We’re so lucky to have a resource like the Botanic Garden in our community,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “We want as many students as possible to have access to the inspiring lessons the exhibits offer.”

The field trips are available for students in under-resourced school districts serving low-income families. Tours at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill encourage students to learn, explore, investigate and have fun all at the same time. All programs are 90 minutes long and designed to align with Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering and Next Generation Science curriculum standards, immersing students in hands-on outdoor activities and fostering a connection with nature.

This donation marks the second consecutive year Cornerstone has supported this endeavor.

Cornerstone Bank recently welcomed Tim Rayder as its new vice president, facilities director. The Springfield resident joins the team with more than 20 years of experience, most recently as the director of engineering and facilities at the XL Center in Hartford.

“We are proud to welcome Tim to this key role on our team,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “As we upgrade our existing branches and add new locations, Tim’s extensive experience will be invaluable. He is driven to build a best-in-class facilities management approach to enhance our operational efficiency.”

In his new role, Rayder will lead the strategic planning, direction and management of facility operations across all Cornerstone Bank locations. He is also tasked with identifying areas for improvement by leveraging data-driven insights to inform decision-making, and developing and implementing strategies to optimize facilities management while promoting a culture of innovation. 

After an impressive career spanning four decades in financial services, Randal Webber, president of Cornerstone Bank, says he’s ready to spend more time with his family. Webber plans to retire early next year.

“What I will miss most are the fantastic people,” said Webber, who’s been with Cornerstone Bank for 16 years. “They are the reason I stayed so long. Banking has gone through great transitions, but what I’ve found most rewarding is watching people around me grow into leadership positions.”

While he’ll be stepping down from his current position at the bank, Webber plans to stay involved in operations as a member of the Cornerstone Bank board of directors just as the bank merges holding companies with Holyoke-based PeoplesBank.

“The merger is exciting and that drives me to want to stay involved,” said Webber. “I absolutely love the strategic aspect of what I do, so this change will keep me engaged in Cornerstone’s growth.”

Webber started his role as President of Cornerstone Bank four years ago after serving as the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Lending Officer. He previously worked as chief lending officer at SpencerBANK before it merged with Southbridge Savings Bank in 2016 to form Cornerstone Bank. Over the last decade, Webber has helped facilitate significant growth of the bank’s commercial and retail service and operations.

“I’m excited for Randy as he embarks on this new chapter, but we will miss him tremendously,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “He’s played a critical role in helping us honor our commitment to the well-being of our community and our customers. His banking insights are invaluable, and so is his ability to foster the professional development of our team.”

Webber says his departure is bittersweet, but he is most excited to spend more time with his grandchildren and hone his skills on the golf course. “I love that I can feel good about the track Cornerstone is on right now. When I’m gone, I know the team will continue to thrive and take community banking to new levels, and that’s the best feeling of all.”

Cornerstone Bank has donated $2,500 to the Worcester County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee in support of this beloved local tradition. This year’s parade will take place on Sunday, March 16. It kicks off at noon from the corner of Park Avenue and Mill Street. The parade route is approximately 2 miles long.

“We’re delighted to help support this popular annual tradition that has been enjoyed by so many in our community for more than four decades,” said Cornerstone CEO Todd Tallman. “It’s a great, family-friendly opportunity for the residents to come together to have fun and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.”

Ample free parking is available at the end of the parade route at Doherty Memorial High School, 299 Highland Street, Worcester. Shuttle buses will be running every 10 minutes from the high school to the assembly area for parade participants. On-street parking on side streets may also be available where permitted.

Altaf Ahmed, executive vice president of retail banking at Cornerstone Bank, shared his insights into the ongoing power of in-person banking in the digital age for this article in the Worcester Business Journal: Brick & mortar: Central Mass. banks are standing behind the power of in-person banking.