New Bank Opening Soon In North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, CT — GSB, also known as Guilford Savings Bank, is opening its newest branch in North Haven next month.

With construction of the new facility complete, officials are expecting the bank to open on March 1. The newly designed 2,000-square foot branch office at the intersection of Washington and Blakeslee Avenues in North Haven will be GSB’s seventh location, joining full-service banking centers in Old Saybrook, Madison, North Madison, Guilford, and Branford.

The new facility represents not just the expansion into a new market, but also “incorporates new designs and features designed to deliver great experiences through technology, including a customer engagement bar,” officials wrote in a news release.

“The customer engagement bar enhances GSB’s customer engagement capabilities through a combination of personal interaction and technology,” the news release states. “Those entering the lobby will be greeted by a friendly team member who — with the aid of a tablet — guides the customer to the appropriate service or product best suited to their unique needs.”

Timothy Geelan, GSB President and CEO, said “we are excited to celebrate the opening of this new branch office in North Haven, representing not only more community banking for this market, but also the expansion of our physical footprint further into Connecticut. We recognize this as an opportunity to work with the residents and businesses of all sizes and become partners with the community.”

Renee Miller has been named as branch manager of the North Haven branch office. Officials cited her experience in sales, customer service, business development, residential and commercial lending and leadership for being the right fit to lead the North Haven team. She has branch manager experience in nearby communities.

Miller also serves as a mentor for the Children’s Community School in Waterbury, teaches financial literacy classes for Hamden and East Haven high schools and previously served as co-chair of the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals group and a board member of Arts for Learning CT.

“The exciting thing about the North Haven market, specifically, and why I wanted to join GSB is I found the drive to be connected to the community particularly refreshing,” Miller said. “Being part of a community bank is extremely important to me. It is so different from any corporate, large bank. There is a true passion for the people.”

Maria Tessitore will serve as Assistant Branch Manager of the North Haven branch office. Tessitore has a great deal of experience in both consumer and business banking. She previously managed branches in North Haven for other financial institutions.

“GSB expanding the footprint in North Haven is going to be so successful, not only for North Haven, but for the surrounding area,” Tessitore said. “I feel a community bank is long overdue in North Haven. I see a lot of possibilities there as GSB puts down some roots.”

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related protocols, while the North Haven branch is officially opening with drive-thru services during normal business hours, lobby access is by appointment only. Customers may visit the GSB website to schedule an appointment as well as learn more about its services or open accounts online.

The appointment link can be found here.