Fidelity Bank's John Merrill Named a Community Bank Hero by Banker & Tradesman

LEOMINSTER, MA--(Marketwired - May 30, 2014) - Bankers don't normally rank with Spiderman and Batman. But unlike them, John Merrill, president & COO of Fidelity Bank, a community bank with offices across Central Massachusetts, is a real-life hero, according to Banker & Tradesman.

The prestigious trade journal named Merrill to its 2014 roster of Community Bank Heroes, chosen for their integrity, leadership and commitment. They both excel in their careers and devote professional and personal time to making the local communities they serve better places for all, Banker & Tradesman said. Merrill was honored at the awards gala in Boston at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on May 29.

A lifetime Worcester resident, Merrill has played a key role in Worcester's revitalization as vice chair of the Worcester Business Development Corp. He brought together six community banks that provided $14 million in financing toward the redevelopment of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette building, which Quinsigamond Community College recently leased.

Merrill, 55, currently serves on the boards of Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Worcester Regional Municipal Reserve Board and Saint Vincent Hospital. He's the former chairman of Junior Achievement of Central Massachusetts, Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Club and Centre City Development.

Last year, he bicycled more than 100 miles in the PanMass Challenge fundraiser for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. As treasurer of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, he helped recruit former Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray to take over as CEO in 2013. In 2007, Merrill received the Aubrey Reid Award for distinguished community leadership in Worcester. 

"John is hardworking, dedicated and compassionate," said Edward Manzi Jr., CEO of Fidelity Bank. "His care for his community, colleagues and customers make him a true community hero."

Merrill joined Fidelity Bank in 2010. As president and COO, he oversees all customer-facing business lines. Under his leadership, the bank's commercial loan portfolio has grown by 45 percent. 

A Westfield State University graduate, Merrill began his career with Shawmut Bank. He held executive positions with Fleet Bank and Sovereign Bank before joining Fidelity Bank. 

About Fidelity Bank
Fidelity Bank -- one of the oldest and continually growing independent, local community banks in Central Massachusetts -- offers a full range of banking, investment and insurance products and programs, and has full-service offices in Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Millbury, Shirley, and Worcester.

Fidelity has received a "5-Star" rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation's leading independent bank rating and research firm. Fidelity earned this rating by excelling in the areas of capital adequacy, profitability and asset quality. In addition, Fidelity has been named one of the Top Places to Work in Massachusetts by the Boston Globe for three years in a row.

Since 1888, the bank has remained committed to businesses, families and individuals in the communities it serves; in turn, loyalty demonstrated by members of those cities and towns has allowed the bank to become one of the strongest financial institutions in the region.

Today, Fidelity Bank is well capitalized and has total assets of $565 million. The FDIC and the Share Insurance Fund insure 100% of all deposits. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. Member SIF.

For further information, visit www.fidelitybankonline.com or call 800.581.5363.