Lee Bank Announces New President and CEO
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LEE, Mass. — Lee Bank's board of directors has approved a management transition plan whereby Chuck Leach will succeed David Bruce as the next president and CEO of the bank.
The transition plan is targeted to become effective on July 9.
Leach, a Lee resident, has most recently served as senior vice president in charge of wealth management at Berkshire Bank. Prior to that, he served in senior management roles at TD Bank Wealth Management Group in Pittsfield and the Gilder Technology Group in Housatonic.
“Chuck Leach brings a wide range of experience from both the banking and financial sectors,” Bruce said. “His commitment to our community and a personal approach to banking are in keeping with Lee Bank’s philosophy and vision as a community based and independent full-service bank.”
“I am honored to have been appointed as the president and CEO of this wonderful community institution that has served the banking needs of businesses and families in Berkshire County for 163 years,” Leach said. “Lee Bank is a robust, well-run organization with terrific employees, led by a strong senior management team. Dave Bruce, the boards of directors, and the entire staff have done an amazing job at the bank during his 26-year tenure. I look forward to building on the solid foundation they have established while continuing to maintain Lee Bank’s independence and to focus solely on the needs of our customers and the local community.”
Before joining Lee Bank, Leach served as senior vice president/managing director of wealth management and chief investment officer at Berkshire Bank Wealth Management, where he was employed from 2007 to 2015. Prior to that, he served as vice president/senior portfolio manager at TD Bank Wealth Management Group from 2002 to 2007, and as vice president of the Gilder Technology Group and the Telecosm Fund from 1999 to 2002. Leach received his M.B.A. from the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, Calif. (1999), and his B.A. from Colby College, Waterville, Maine (1991).
He and his wife, Leigh, have two children and reside in Lee.
Though Bruce is stepping down from the day-to-day operations, he will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors of Lee Bank and its mutual holding company, Berkshire Financial Services.
“It has been my great honor to have served as the president and CEO of Lee Bank since 1989, and to have worked with an exceptional team for the entire time. Chuck is an outstanding leader and I am both pleased and confident to transition the reins to him. Please join me in welcoming and supporting Chuck as he leads the bank forward,” Bruce said.
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