Hartford Business Journal Special Editions

C-SUITE | 2023 AWARDS B13 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | OCTOBER 30, 2023 Congratulations to Bryan Cassidy, our Chief Information Officer, for being selected as a 2023 C-Suite Award Honoree by the Hartford Business Journal! Integrity, Vision, Passion & Teamwork. These are the qualities for our leaders at Torrington Savings Bank. TorringtonSavings.Bank | (860) 496-2152 T eresa Knox oversees several key areas of the credit union in her role as executive vice president/COO, including the branches, contact center, deposit and card services, process excellence, risk and facilities. With these areas, Knox is continuously looking for ways to improve the member experience by ensuring that American Eagle offers the right products and services and is accessible to assist in-person, online (email and chat) or through a call or video interaction. What have been your biggest professional accomplish- ments over the past year? I took on two additional areas that aligned with the reorganization of the credit union under our new CEO. I expanded the risk team to ensure we were appro- priately staffed in key areas, including regulatory and fraud. Our process excellence department launched a companywide initiative to rally the entire workforce in making the credit union more efficient, training every employee on process improvement methodologies. We began a multi-year effort to implement video teller machines in all of our drive-thru branches, allowing our members to use the machine as an ATM, or talk to a live represen- tative during expanded hours. In what ways are you involved in the commu- nity? As a board member of the Credit Union Building Financial Independence Foun- dation, I am actively involved in providing financial education to our communities, particularly at local high schools. I recently partic- ipated in two financial reality fairs, where over 800 high school students learned about real-life financial choices. On the job Guiding business principle: Build the best team and provide growth opportu- nities for their success. Best way to keep your competitive edge: Networking! Best business decision: Working for a credit union! Credit unions were formed under the principle of 'People Helping People' – whether that is helping our members, employees or the communities we serve. C hris Ann Meaney is part of the exec- utive leadership team at Bristol Health. Born and raised in Alaska, Meaney's 23 years working in a Magnet institution prepared her to be a transformational leader. She believes in empow- ering front-line staff, and understands the value of implementing strategies to improve quality of care. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? I am dedicated to building effective, loving, successful teams — with a shared vision — that value what each member brings to the table, think creatively and have fun. I am proud of the team/family I helped develop and the outcomes we've achieved while keeping patients the center of our work. I'm proud to have helped lead Bristol Health to earning the Magnet designation, which demonstrates our commitment to quality, safety and caring for caregivers. Only 8% of hospitals worldwide have the Magnet designation. We also earned the Excellence North Alli- ance Silver Award, which recognizes our achieve- ments toward the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. In what ways are you involved in the community? Most recently, I became a volunteer EMT where I use my clinical skills to help others in need. From facilitating bingo at the local nursing home, to fostering dogs, to partici- pating in fundraisers that support kids in need, I find that I am lifted up by giving back to my community. On the job Guiding business principle: I lead with love. People are afraid of using that word in the professional setting, but the reality is that we need to show genuine kindness in our daily work. No matter what pressures, stressors, or challenges I experience, I choose to always wear a smile. Best way to keep your competitive edge: Being brave. Growing through education. Connecting with and nurturing professional relationships. Teresa Knox Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer AMERICAN EAGLE FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION Size of organization: $2.5B in assets, 350 employees, 14 branches Education: MBA, Western New England University Chris Ann Meaney Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer BRISTOL HEALTH President BRISTOL HOSPITAL MULTISPECIALTY GROUP Size of organization: 1,837 employees Education: Bachelor's degree in nursing, University of Alaska; Master of Health Administration, University of Phoenix; Doctor of Nursing Practice, Quinnipiac University WINNER CATEGORY | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER WINNER CATEGORY | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

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