Submitted by Lucas Fumiatti, Essex Bank
(August 1, 2026) — Essex Bank is proud to announce the promotions of three key members of its lending team: Hilary Mondelci, Diane Riggio, and Denise Sokolowski.
Hilary Mondelci has been promoted from Vice President/Loan Administration Manager/Assistant Corporate Secretary to Vice President, Operations Officer and Assistant Corporate Secretary. She joined Essex Bank in 2011 as a teller and joined the loan team in 2012, where she has enhanced operational efficiency, strengthened internal controls, fostered cross-functional collaboration, and more. She is a graduate of the Connecticut School of Finance and Management and earned a BSBA from Post University. She resides in Chester with her family.
Diane Riggio has been promoted from Assistant Vice President, Residential Loan Officer to Vice President, Residential Loan Officer. Riggio joined the bank in 2014 as a Residential Underwriter and has continued to advance within the organization, taking on increasing responsibilities that have contributed to the Bank’s continued success in residential lending. In her new role, she will continue to assist customers with their residential lending needs and provide guidance throughout the mortgage process. She resides in Ivoryton with her family.
Denise Sokolowski has been promoted from Vice President/Senior Credit Officer to Senior Vice President/Senior Credit Officer. Since joining Essex Bank in September 2025, she has strengthened the Bank’s credit culture, provided essential oversight of credit underwriting standards and portfolio management, and improved efficiency through enhanced system utilization and reporting capabilities. She also serves as Secretary of the Shoreline Greenway Trail, a not-for-profit organization.
President and CEO Diane Arnold comments, “Few are more deserving of recognition than Hilary, Diane, and Denise. I have no doubt that these three will continue their excellent work in their new roles.”
Essex Bank is a leading provider of financial services since 1851. Featuring six Bank branch locations, Essex Trust, and wholly owned subsidiary Essex Financial, Essex Bank empowers customers throughout the Connecticut Shoreline and River Valley. Essex Bank prides itself on safe banking practices, personalized service, and deep community investment. It was the first bank in the State of Connecticut to share profits with the community it serves, and each year – through its Community Investment Program – Essex Bank donates up to 10% of its after-tax net income to nonprofit organizations and community development projects. The Bank also has won numerous awards for its team and expertise, including the Best of the Shoreline, and is rated by Bauer Financial as a 5-Star institution. For more information, please visit www.essex.bank.
