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C-SUITE | 2025 AWARDS HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 B5 T imothy P. Geelan served as pres- ident and CEO of GSB from 2014 until retiring in 2025, leading the bank through a period of growth, innova- tion and community impact. Geelan joined GSB in 1994 after seven years in commercial banking and rose through the ranks to lead the organization. Under his guidance, the bank doubled its assets, expanded its footprint and enhanced client experiences through strategic invest- ments in people, technology and facilities. He championed the adoption of the Greenleaf Servant Leadership model, and the opening of Ascend Bank's new Resource Center, e Commons in Wallingford, in 2025. His vision paved the way for the merger with Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank and the rebrand to Ascend Bank, positioning the organization for long-term success while preserving its mutual bank values and deep community roots. What have been the biggest professional accomplishments in your career? My greatest achievements have always been rooted in people, community and purpose. As president and CEO of GSB (Ascend Bank), I embraced a servant leadership approach — supporting, empowering and investing in our employees so they could thrive both professionally and personally. I'm especially proud of establishing four community foundation endowments in Branford, Guilford, Madison and Middlesex County, creating a lasting source of support for the community I care deeply about. Leading the bank through transformative growth, including initiating the merger with Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank and rebranding to Ascend Bank, was both challenging and rewarding. We invested in technology, facilities and culture to better serve our clients and prepare for the future. Every milestone, from opening e Commons in Wallingford to seeing our team grow in skill and confidence, has been a testament to what's possible when you lead with heart, vision and an unwavering commitment to the people and communi- ties you serve. A l Subbloie, CEO and founder of Budderfly, leads the fastest-growing energy-as-a-service company in the U.S., focused on cost savings and carbon reduction. Under his leadership, Budderfly has ranked on the Inc. 5000 list five years in a row and earned spots on Deloitte's Fast 500 and Fast Company's 2025 Most Innovative Companies — ranking second in the energy category and 25th overall. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? Over the past year, I helped lead the company to achieve unicorn status by surpass- ing a major ($1 billion) valuation milestone. Under my leadership, the company reached EBITDA positive goals, marking a significant step toward sustained profitability. ese achievements reflect a strong business model, positioning the company for continued growth. It has been a pivotal year, building momentum and demonstrating the value of the company's vision. Al Subbloie Founder & CEO BUDDERFLY Size of organization: $250M in revenue Employees: 400 Education: Bachelor's degree in economics, Trinity College WINNER CATEGORY | CEO, LARGE COMPANY, 200+ EMPLOYEES In what ways are you involved in the community? I actively engage with students, busi- ness leaders and the broader Connecticut community to promote entrepreneurship and clean technology. From mentoring students at UConn, Amity High School (where I attended) and Ansonia High, to speaking at industry events and partnering with our customers to implement real-world energy solutions, I am proud to help advance innovation and sustainability across the state. I am also involved in the Tommy Fund, supporting children and families facing pediatric cancer. On the Job Guiding business principle: Aim for No. 1 in any market — growth and profitability come from strong business models, not just products. Best way to keep your competitive edge: Relentless innovation, disciplined fitness, sharp thinking in shifting markets — always ahead, stay paranoid, never complacent. Best business decision: Building the Budder- fly model from scratch in a new market — ignoring the status quo. Worst business decision: Chasing disruptive models within a traditional framework too late. Biggest missed opportunity: Timing of being acquired in a previous venture. Goal yet to be achieved: Creating new disruptive models to directly improve life for the masses. Personal touch in your office: Dogs welcome, open door for any conversation. Personal Side Residence: Orange Favorite way to relax: Research and learn about technology regarding boats, snowmo- biles, motorcycles and going to Yankees games. Hobbies: Watching and making movies, working out, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, jet skis, boats, kayaking and family time. Last vacation: Florida Keys Favorite movie: "Love of the Game" In what ways are you involved in the community? I am deeply committed to strengthening our communities through active service and leadership. Over the years, I helped establish the foundation endowments, creating a youth advisory board for Guilford Foundation. I served on the boards of local nonprofits, including the Community Foun- dation of Middlesex County, e Guilford Foundation, Middlesex Hospital and HOPE Partnership. I've also contributed to the broader banking commu- nity through board service with the Connecticut Bankers Association and CT Community Bankers Association to support the local banking community. On the Job Guiding business principle: Lead with vision, serve with heart, and invest in people and community to achieve sustainable growth and lasting impact. Best way to keep your competitive edge: Evolve with purpose — invest in people, embrace innovation, and nurture the relationships that keep trust and opportunity growing. Best business decision: After building my early career at Connecticut National Bank and Shawmut, I joined Guilford Savings Bank (now Ascend Bank) in 1994, marking the beginning of a 31-year journey in community banking. is decision proved to be one of the best of my professional life. Biggest missed opportunity: A year ago, my top priorities were clear: rebrand beyond the parochial and limiting Guilford Savings Bank name, and partner or merge with a like-minded mutual bank. I'm proud to say both milestones were accomplished as I stepped into retirement — bring- ing the organization into a stronger, more promising future." Goal yet to be achieved: Learn how to enjoy retirement! Starting as a paperboy as a preteen, I worked my entire life. Four months in, I am still trying to figure out this retirement thing. Personal touch in your office: A world globe that my parents gave me when I became president and CEO at GSB. It has a message indicating they were proud of me. Given what I put them through during my formative years, they could have added 'and surprised too!' Personal Side Place of residence: Guilford Favorite way to relax: Pyrography, gardening, smoking ribs, and raising our chickens and two rescue dogs named Flannery and Tenley. Hobbies: Pyrography Last vacation: France, my wife's lifelong dream Favorite movie: "Shawshank Redemption" e car you drive: Honda Ridgeline Currently reading: "e Nazi Mind — Twelve Warnings from History," by Laurence Rees Favorite cause: Community foundations (particularly, Middlesex, Guilford, Branford and Madison foundations) Second choice career: Priest, or more realisti- cally, restaurateur Timothy P. Geelan President & CEO (Retired 2025) ASCEND BANK (FORMERLY GSB) Size of Organization: $2.4B in assets Employees: 220 Education: MBA, University of New Haven