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T H E 2 0 2 6 WOMEN IN BUSINESS H O N O R E E S B10 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MARCH 23, 2026 What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? My next major goal is to lead a brand aware- ness initiative that clearly communicates the value of mutual community banking. I want more people to understand that community banks offer the same sophisticated products as large institutions — paired with personal- ized service and a deep commitment to the local economy. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Navigating the rapidly changing competitive landscape in community banking has been my greatest challenge. The rise of fintechs and evolving customer expectations require constant adaptation, disciplined strategy and innovation — all while maintaining regulatory rigor, strong risk management and the personal service that defines community banking. How are you involved in the community? I am deeply involved in the communities we serve through board service with FISH, the largest emergency homeless shelter in Litchfield County; the Warner Theatre in Torrington; and as a Northwest Regional Board member of Hartford HealthCare. These roles allow me to support access to essential services, the arts and health care — all vital to a thriving community. M aura Malo is president and CEO of Northwest Community Bank, where she provides strategic leadership focused on long-term strength, community impact and organiza- tional culture. She brings more than 30 years of senior- level banking experience, including prior roles as executive vice president and chief operating officer, and senior vice president and chief risk officer. Earlier in her career, Malo served as a Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. bank examiner. She holds an MBA from Rensselaer Poly- technic Institute and a bachelor's degree from Western New England University, is a graduate of the National School of Banking, and is a recipient of the Connecticut Bankers Association's New Leaders in Banking Award. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? My biggest accomplishment has been earning the opportunity to lead Northwest Community Bank as CEO in 2023, and strengthening the organization from the inside out. It has been an honor to help advance a culture of engagement, accountability and service while ensuring the bank remains a strong economic driver for our communities. Maura Malo President & CEO northWest community Bank that success doesn't have to be all or nothing — growth can happen in seasons. In December 2025, my husband and I also purchased my family's coffee shop. While I lead Hartford Federal Credit Union, he runs day-to-day operations, allowing us to honor a family legacy while each pursuing our professional passions. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? My next goal is to lead our team through a period of strategic transformation — building on Hartford Federal Credit Union's strong foundation, strengthen- ing leadership depth, and successfully delivering major technology initiatives that enhance efficiency, security and the member experience, ensuring the orga- nization is well positioned for long-term growth and relevance. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? One of my greatest challenges has been leading through sustained uncertainty — balancing the demands of executive leadership while supporting employees through loss, disruption and change during and after the pandemic. Those moments continue to influence how I show up for my team as a CEO. B eth Mazza is president and CEO of Hartford Federal Credit Union, recently transitioning into the role after serving as executive vice president. With more than 20 years in the credit union industry, she is a financial leader recognized for steady, people-centered leadership. Since joining Hartford Federal Credit Union in 2020, she has helped guide the organization through significant change while strengthen- ing strategy, culture and performance. As executive vice president, she oversaw branch operations, lending, marketing, business development and compliance. What have been your biggest profes- sional accomplishments so far? Being selected to serve as president and CEO of Hartford Federal Credit Union is one of the most meaningful profes- sional accomplishments of my career. It represents a defining milestone and reflects the board's confidence in my strategic and operational leadership, judg- ment and ability to guide the credit union through complexity and into the future. Throughout my career, I made the inten- tional decision to work part time for nine years so I could be present while raising my sons. I want other women to know betH Mazza President & CEO hartford federal credit union