Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | June 8, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 7 Peter Rice President & CEO Hanscom Federal Credit Union, at Hanscom Air Force Base, in Bedford Age: 50 Employees: 318 Central Mass. employees: 54 (They all live in Central Mass. communities, including me!) Annual revenue: $107 million Rice has emerged as an innovator in financial education, using gamification and coaching to improve financial literacy and wellness. Hanscom Federal Credit Union is expanding its WealthTrek concept into Worcester, building on a program that has coached more than 4,000 members and helped thousands improve savings and credit scores. His approach aims to make financial education more accessible, engaging, and impactful. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I'm deeply mission-driven, combining strategic think- ing with an out-of-the-box mindset to turn complex challenges into community-driven solutions. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Commit to taking one step forward every day. Consistent progress drives mean- ingful impact. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Liv- ing and raising my family in Central Massachusetts gives me a deep personal investment in its future. Peter Staiti Senior vice president, commercial banking regional executive Rockland Trust, in Worcester Headquarters: Hanover Age: 47 Employees: ~2,300 Central Mass. employees: ~100 Assets: $24.8 billion Staiti is one of the most well-known and influ- ential commercial bankers in Central Massachu- setts, serving as Rockland Trust's primary banking leader in the region. Since 2025, he has led efforts to expand the bank's presence locally, helping provide nine figures in financing to businesses and develop- ment projects across Greater Worcester. His deep knowledge of the commercial lending market has made him a trusted advisor to the region's business leaders. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? Relationship management is central to my approach. I take the time to understand the needs of business owners and provide the guidance and experience to help them succeed. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Humility and learning. ere is always something to be learned when we take the time to truly listen to another person's perspectives and experiences. Brian Westerlind President & CEO Webster Five Bank, in Auburn Age: 46 Employees: 145 Local deposits: $1 billion, as of June 30 Assets: $1.3 billion, as of June 30 Westerlind is pursuing a different path at a time when consolidation continues across the banking industry. In his first full year as CEO, Webster Five posted record profits, increased net income by 40%, achieved record charitable giving, and maintained its Outstanding Community Reinvestment Act rating. His strategy centers on organic growth, ex- panding relationships with businesses and nonprof- its while preserving the community bank's culture and independence. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart? Taking some- thing complicated and making it clear enough to act on, without losing what makes it matter. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Listening before deciding. e better move is almost always to ask one more ques- tion, take in one more perspective, and then move forward with clarity. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? e chance to spend my career building an institution that strengthens the place that raised me is not something I take for granted. Elizabeth Mineo President of the Worcester and Eastern Connecticut region Beacon Bank, in Worcester Headquarters: Boston Employees: 2,000 Central Mass. employees: 128 Annual revenue: $511 million (2025) Assets: $22.2 billion, as of March 31 Mineo leads Beacon Bank's Central Massachu- setts operations at a pivotal moment for the institu- tion. e only woman leading one of the bank's six regions, she helped guide the merger and rebrand- ing of Berkshire Bank, Brookline Bank, Bank Rhode Island, and PCSB Bank into Beacon Bank. Under her leadership, the Worcester and Eastern Connecti- cut region now manages $3.075 billion in assets while maintaining a local decision-making model focused on client relationships and community engagement. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I tell it like it is and love to roll up my sleeves and do the work because that's how you learn what clients and teams are experiencing. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? We're bullish on the Central Massachusetts market. Worcester is one of the strongest midsize growth markets in New England. How do you unwind? I garden and literally can- not pass a garden center without stopping in. Shruti Miyashiro President & CEO First Tech Federal Credit Union, in Marlborough Headquarters: San Jose, California Employees: 1,776 Central Mass. employees: 962 Assets: $28.7 billion (2025) Miyashiro's banking career has come a long way since her origins as a teller in her senior year of college. Aer Marlborough-headquartered Digital Federal Credit Union joined forces with First Tech Feder- al Credit Union on Jan. 1, she's now tasked with leading the 2-million member firm as it works to combine its operations across coasts. DCU was the smaller of the two parties involved in the merger, but having come to DCU aer leading Santa Ana-based Orange County's Credit Union, Mi- yashiro should be well-versed with the California mar- ket. DCU is expected to take on First Tech's name and branding, although the timing has yet to be finalized. While the combined firm's future in Marlbor- ough remains to-be-determined, the credit union was already Central Massachusetts' largest prior to the merger. Regardless of what happens to its local headquarters, it seems the firm will continue to have a visible presence in the region, with 23 branch loca- tions and a May renewal of its longstanding naming rights for Worcester's 14,805-capacity arena and convention center. - Story written by Eric Casey Dana Neshe Chair, president & CEO Middlesex Savings Bank, in Natick Age: 58 Employees: 520 Central Mass. employees: 200 Net income: $33 million With $3.9 billion in local deposits, Neshe leads the largest bank headquartered in Central Massachu- setts. Since 2025, Middlesex Savings Bank has more than doubled its year-over-year net income while expanding net interest margin, strengthening capital ratios, and growing its mortgage portfolio. Neshe's current focus is enhancing the bank's cash man- agement and treasury capabilities to better serve business customers throughout the region. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I'm known for thoughtfully evaluating complex issues from multiple perspectives and identifying balanced solutions that align diverse stakeholder interests. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Listen to those you work with and recognize that the best learning oen comes from coworkers and partners. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Cen- tral Massachusetts combines entrepreneurial spirit, strong community connections, and access to key regional markets. "True leadership is rooted in service and purpose." - Peter Rice, Hanscom Federal Credit Union B A N K I N G & F I N A N C E P OW E R 1 0 0

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