Cornerstone Bank has donated $25,000 to the YMCA of Central Massachusetts for the fifth year straight. The money will support programs that build academic skills and help kids develop as future leaders.

“The YMCA is a place where children form lasting positive relationships with peers and mentors,” said Cornerstone CEO Todd Tallman. “We’ve seen how powerful that can be.”

Thousands of teenagers attend the YMCA of Central Massachusetts’ many programs every year, including summer camp, after-school activities, internships, food assistance, education, mental health assistance and programs for cancer survivors. Cornerstone Bank’s donation will help ensure that children continue to have access to these life-changing programs regardless of their financial means.

“The Y gives children the tools they need to develop into healthy and socially responsible leaders,” said Tallman. “We’re proud to have a small part in uplifting that important mission.”  

Rainy weather didn’t stop a big crowd from gathering outside the newest location for Cornerstone Bank. The ribbon-cutting event at 1125 Pleasant Street in Worcester’s Tatnuck Square marked the successful opening of Cornerstone’s 12^th location and included the unveiling of an original sculpture by a popular local artist.

“This artwork captures the cultural essence of this vital neighborhood we are so excited to serve,” said Al Ahmed, Cornerstone Bank’s EVP of retail banking. “We’re proud that our Tatnuck location features our best forward-thinking, user-friendly technology. It’s an important place for us to be at a pivotal time in Cornerstone’s growth.”

The sculpture, which lights up from the inside, was created by Aaron Stephenson and José Criollo, whose work is made of locally recycled metals and wood and can be seen in public areas throughout Worcester. The piece is topped with Cornerstone’s logo and shows four different iconic views of the city of Worcester.  

Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty and Massachusetts Senator Robyn Kennedy joined other dignitaries at the family-friendly grand opening celebration, which featured a bouncy house, ice cream truck, giveaways and games.

Cornerstone Bank has been renovating the property since purchasing it last year. The full-service branch includes two drive-up lanes with ATM capabilities and state-of-the-art, drive-up, live video tellers available during banking hours. Inside, there are specialists dedicated to lending and investment consultation, available by appointment only.

The new Tatnuck Square Branch is open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The branch is closed on Sundays.

Cornerstone Bank has donated $5,000 to Trinity Catholic Academy in Southbridge. The money will help fund a new playground for students, as the current space is limited to a portion of the school’s parking lot.

“Students deserve a safe and relaxing place to take a break and play during their busy school day,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “Studies show children develop critical social and cognitive skills on the playground. That’s why we felt this was so important to support.”

The new playground, called Bobcat Park, will occupy part of the school’s upper left lot. Trinity’s goal is to build a safe, welcoming space for children to play during recess. The school also plans to make the playground available to the public to benefit the Southbridge community.   

“We hope our contribution brings Trinity Catholic Academy closer to this dream,” said Tallman. “It’s hard to imagine what school would be like without the joys of recess.”

Over the past three years, Cornerstone has also donated to Trinity Catholic Academy to help pay for textbooks and other school supplies.

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.