Liberty Bank president, CEO Chandler J. Howard to retire

MIDDLETOWN — Chandler J. Howard, president and CEO of Liberty Bank since 2007, will retire at the end of the year.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Chandler for all he has done to advance the bank over the past decade,” Mark Gingras, chairman of the board said in a prepared statement.

“His steadfast leadership has resulted in tremendous growth while also nurturing an environment of teamwork and volunteerism that is unmatched in the industry.”

More than 10 years ago, Chandler shared his vision for Liberty Bank’s future — to become the most admired company in Connecticut, according to a news release.

During his tenure, the bank has increased its assets from $2.7 billion to $4.8 billion, expanded its physical footprint from 34 to 55 full-service branches, completed three bank acquisitions, rolled out new technology and capabilities, and has been named a Hartford Courant Top Workplace six years in a row and the No. 1 Large Employer in 2017, as voted by employees and selected by an independent committee, the release said.

Chandler is a recipient of the Hartford Business Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award and most recently received Middlesex United Way’s Leadership Award.

“I am extremely proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together for both our customers and the communities in which we serve.

“With the team’s continued hard work, I am confident that Liberty Bank will remain the strong company it is today.”

Howard