Submitted by Lucas Fumiatti, Essex Bank
(August 5, 2026) — The Board of Directors of Essex Bank is pleased to announce that Lynn Giroux has officially assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 4, 2026. Along with her executive appointment, Giroux will join the Board of Directors for both Essex Bank and Essex Financial Services, Inc. During her 27-year tenure at Essex Bank, Giroux has driven extensive organizational growth.
Joining in 1999 as VP of Human Resources and Branch Administration, her responsibilities grew to overseeing Deposit Operations, Loan Administration, IT, Compliance, Marketing, and Facilities. She spearheaded customer-facing and digital technologies, developed cash management products for the Bank’s commercial portfolio, and expanded its physical footprint with the establishment of branches in Madison and Chester.
Giroux began her banking career in 1983, gaining experience in branch management, lending, and operations. She holds a BA in English from the University of Vermont, graduated from the New England School of Banking, and received The Commercial Record’s 2014 Women of FIRE award. Beyond her corporate role, she is a longtime community volunteer, actively participating on boards such as Camp Hazen YMCA, and working on a multitude of committees and panels for banking organizations such as the Center for Financial Training, along with the Vermont and Connecticut Bankers Associations.
Giroux commented, “I am deeply honored to have been selected by the Board to serve as President and CEO, following Diane Arnold’s retirement, especially as Essex Bank continues to celebrate its 175th anniversary throughout the year. This milestone is a powerful reminder of the trust that generations of customers, employees, and community members have placed in our Bank. As a mutual Bank, our strength has always come from relationships, and I look forward to leading Essex Bank forward with a continued focus on sound stewardship, personal service, and an unwavering commitment to the communities we are so proud to serve.”
Essex Bank has been 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.
