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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 6, 2026 31 POWE R 50 | BANKING & FINANCE Frank Micalizzi Regional President and Head of Connecticut Commercial Banking Equal Housing Lender. ©2026 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. AMP-10545 260316 VF mtb.com Congratulations to Frank and all of this year's honorees, from your friends at M&T Bank. Hartford Business Journal's Power 50 D avid W. Glidden has led Liberty Bank since 2019 and serves on its board of directors and as president of the Liberty Bank Foundation. Prior to joining Liberty, Glidden was region- al president for TD Bank in northern New England and upstate New York, overseeing regional banking operations. In 2025, Liberty marked its 200th anni- versary with yearlong community initia- tives, including charitable donations and F rank P. Micalizzi is regional president and head of commercial banking for Connecticut at M&T Bank, where he oversees collaboration across business lines and directs commu- nity market activities statewide. He joined M&T in 2009 after more than 25 years with JPMorgan Chase and previously led middle market and commercial teams in New York and Connecticut. volunteer efforts. The bank also formally established a mutual holding company structure, which Glidden said will help preserve its mutual status while providing flexibility for growth and diversification. Liberty reported more than $8.7 billion in assets, $90.1 million in pre-provision net revenue and $84 million in net income for 2025, exceeding budget. The Liberty Bank Foundation awarded $2.3 million to 150 organizations, and employees logged more than 16,500 volunteer hours. Looking ahead, Glidden cited artificial intelligence as both an opportunity and challenge, along with evolving customer expectations, competition from fintech and neobanks, and geopolitical uncertain- ty affecting the economy and regulatory landscape. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? The job of a true leader is not "being in charge" but taking care of teammates "in our charge." Culture is king, and if you have no culture, you have no soul. That's why at Liber- ty Bank our workplace culture is a top priority. Teammate feedback is a gift, and as a leader you have to not only listen to what your teammates are saying, but take action on what you hear. Also, a leader must be present to build relationships with teammates; build trust and confidence in your leadership; and inspire teammates to follow your lead. In 2025, Micalizzi cited the opening of a full-service branch at Honey Locust Square in Bridgeport's East End as a major milestone, restoring banking access to a neighborhood without a full-service bank for more than 25 years. He also pointed to M&T's continued investment in Bridgeport, including maintaining 1,000 employees in the city, expanding its technology center and supporting nonprofits through the Amplify Fund. The bank has ranked as Connecticut's No. 1 SBA lender for the past three years. Looking ahead, he identified cybersecurity and fraud prevention as key challenges, along with opportunities to deepen client relationships through digital tools and personalized service. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? Listening, empathy and creativity are essential qualities for effective leadership because they build trust, foster collabo- ration and encourage innovative thinking. Leaders who actively listen create space for diverse perspectives and show respect for their teams' voices. When this is paired with genuine empathy, they better understand challenges and respond in ways that strengthen relation- ships and morale. Creativity allows leaders to turn insight into action, unlock new ideas, solve problems with flexibility and guide their teams through change with confidence. David W. Glidden President & CEO Liberty Bank Industry: Banking No. of employees: 850+ Education: Bachelor's degree, Providence College; The National School of Banking; Ivey School of Executive Management Birthplace: Holyoke, Massachusetts Frank P. Micalizzi Regional President & Head of CT Commercial Banking M&T Bank Industry: Banking No. of employees: 22,500 (about 2,000 in CT) Education: Bachelor's degree in education, Davis and Elkins College; Senior Leadership Program, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan Birthplace: Reggio Calabria, Italy This event celebrates Connecticut's most exceptional businesses, recognizing their achievements, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the state's economy and communities. DEADLINE | JUNE 12 NOMINATE TODAY! PRESENTED BY Honoring Innovation, Leadership, and Community Impact Across Connecticut SCAN TO LEARN MORE & NOMINATE OR VISIT HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM/HBJ-EVENTS