Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1477111
8 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | August 15, 2022 40 UNDER FORTY | 2022 Jonathan Gilbode is the chief digital banking officer and senior vice president at Thomaston Savings Bank. Gilbode started his career as a teller and held roles of progressive responsibility in retail banking and operations. He currently leads a team of 40-plus bankers across five teams, including the call center, deposit operations, digital banking, loan operations and marketing. His primary duties include overseeing core banking technology, expanding digital services, product develop- ment and strategic planning. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Building the teams that I currently lead is my biggest accomplishment. I could not be more confident in my colleagues' ability to execute on our strategic initiatives and I am eager for what we will continue to accom- plish together in service to our customers and community. How are you involved in the community? My involvement includes serving as a director for Neighborhood Housing Services of Waterbury's board of directors. I'm a capstone advisor for Capstone Advisor, American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking. I'm also a volunteer, Thomaston Savings Bank Can-Do-Crew. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy disconnecting from technology and spending time with my wife and three children. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Supported the bank's participation in the SBA Paycheck Protection Program, which resulted in funding over $195 million in forgivable loans for local small businesses. • Led the development and launch of the first BankOn certified account by a com- munity bank in Connecticut. • Conceived a community giving project that paired local restaurants and homeless shelters to provide more than 6,100 meals during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. • Show commitment to carrying forward the community-focused legacy of a tremendous financial institution. Fun Fact Before landing in banking, I aspired to become a microbiologist. Kayla Foley is the CEO of StaffOnTap, a dig- ital marketplace connecting understaffed nursing homes and temporary nurses. Foley founded the company while pursuing her MBA at Cornell. In the first three months of launching, StaffOnTap had gross revenues exceeding $95,000. Foley began working in her family business of nursing homes in the seventh grade and continued her passion for senior care through entrepreneurship. She started StaffOnTap by raising $125,000 through pitch competitions and loans. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My biggest accomplishment was creating a business that can solve a major healthcare crisis in a sustainable way. After hundreds of interviews and years of research, I created a business model that can simultaneously empower nurses, provide an affordable staffing solution to nursing homes and improve the quality of care for seniors. How are you involved in the community? I love getting involved in young professional networks and women's entre- preneurship groups. I recently moved back to Hartford after graduate school and am looking forward to reintegrating into the Hartford community. What do you like to do outside of work? Running a tech company makes you sit inside a lot! I use horseback riding as my mental break to unplug and get outside. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Built a scalable business while com- pleting two master's degrees at Yale and Cornell. • Was director of business development for a $175 million company at the age of 24. • Was formally recognized as a Future Leader of Long-term Care in America. • Was the youngest member on the Board of Directors at the Westerly Chamber of Commerce. Fun Fact My first business was candy vending machines at the local bowling alley. Theme Song "Wildflowers" – Tom Petty Congratulations to Jonathan on being selected as a 2022 40 Under Forty Award Recipient! Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and initiative to the Bank while providing innovative enhancements, services & products. This honor is very well deserved. -Stephen L. Lewis President & CEO Thomaston Savings Bank Jonathan Gilbode Senior Vice President Chief Digital Banking Officer Member FDIC Kayla Foley Age: 27 Company: StaffOnTap Title: Founder & CEO Number of years with current company: 1.5 Town where I live: Simsbury Town where I work: Hartford region College: Boston College Highest degree: Master's degree in public health from Yale University; Master's degree in business administration from Cornell University Jonathan Gilbode Age: 38 Company: Thomaston Savings Bank Title: Chief Digital Banking Officer Number of years with current company: 16 Town where I live: Watertown Town where I work: Thomaston College: Western Connecticut State University; University of New Haven Highest degree: Master's in business administration