Florence Bank
Ryan Hess
Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Banking Officer
When Ryan Hess was studying business at Stonehill College, he knew two things: He wanted to work in the financial sector, and he didn't want an office job. An extrovert, he wanted to be out in the community, working with people. Hired in June 2023, Ryan has over 14 years of experience in banking, serving in roles from credit analyst and portfolio manager to leadership in commercial lending.
"Florence Bank is a great place to come to work," he says. "I see the impact I can have as a partner to a customer and how Florence Bank and I can play into peoples' success."
Ryan holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Stonehill College. He is currently Vice Chair of the Springfield (MA) Zoning Board of Appeals, Co-Chair of the Ronald McDonald House Golf Tournament Committee, and a member of the Make-A-Wish Golf Classic Tournament Committee.
Barbara-Jean DeLoria
Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Risk Officer
For the past three decades, Barbara-Jean has held several managerial positions in various lending functions, including commercial lending, credit, loan review and consumer lending. As Chief Credit Risk Officer, Barbara-Jean is responsible for managing the residential mortgage division, loan servicing, collections and the commercial credit department.
Barbara-Jean joined Florence Bank in 2014 with extensive mortgage loan production knowledge as well as commercial and retail lending experience. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Bentley University. She currently serves as the board of director and treasurer for the Caring Health Center. Additionally, she lends her banking knowledge as a member of the Small Business Review Board of Massachusetts.
Michael Lynch
Senior Director of Business Development
For more than 30 years, Mike Lynch has helped build businesses in Western Mass. As the Senior Commercial Loan Officer, Mike is responsible for managing the Florence Bank team of commercial lenders and is well-versed in structuring a variety of financial solutions for Florence Bank clients. With extensive knowledge about commercial lending, Mike has a vested interest in the community he lives in and keeps his hand on the pulse of the local industries and local markets that Florence Bank serves.“We see our roles as lenders, as advisors and consultants, not ‘order takers.’ We take the time to understand our borrowers’ needs so that we can structure loans accordingly. Our approach is to do what’s best for the borrower, which allows us to build lasting relationships” states Mike. “After all, it’s the relationship that we treasure, not the transaction.”
Mike is currently a member of the Make-A-Wish golf committee, Greater Holyoke YMCA Board of Trustees and Service Above Self Committee.
James Montemayor
Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
James joined Florence Bank in 2006 and covers the Hampden County territory from our West Springfield Banking Center. With over 35 years of banking experience, James is committed to providing the individual attention needed to help local businesses meet their financial goals.
“I am proud to be part of such a great commercial team; from administrative assistants, to credit analysts, to our commercial servicers” states James. “Together, we provide outstanding service and support to each borrower, which is second to none.”
James, affectionately known as “Monte,” earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Administration from Western New England University. Monte is also actively involved within the community where he serves as President of the Board of The Gray House.
Henry "Hank" Downey
Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
With over 17 years of banking experience, Henry “Hank” Downey works hard serving the needs of businesses within Western Massachusetts. Hank believes in the economic health of his community and wants to provide growth opportunities and solutions to local businesses.
“It is a great feeling to know that I can respond quickly and transparently to my customers’ loan requests. This is made possible by the experience of our commercial team and our local decision-making process.”
Hank received his BA from Fordham University and his MBA from the UMass Isenberg School of Management. Hank is active in the community as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield and as Chairman of the Brightside Golf Classic.
Andrew Sullivan
Vice President, Commercial Lender
After earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management from Elms College, Andrew’s first role was in public accounting, auditing banks, but he discovered quickly that accounting wasn’t for him. Instead, he developed his interest in banking.
Andrew got his start in the industry as a credit analyst at a mutual bank in the region. He has also served as a credit analyst, portfolio manager, and small business loan officer at a mutual bank, as well as a commercial loan officer at a credit union. He now also holds a master of business administration from Elms College.
Andrew became a commercial lender with Florence Bank in October 2023 and appreciates the atmosphere at the bank. “We have a great team in our commercial credit department,” he says. “We all work together to help our customers.”
Christopher Fager
Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
With 15 years of experience of banking experience, he is skilled at commercial loan origination and analysis, portfolio management and customer service.
Over his career, he has worked with companies across all industries and has extensive knowledge with those in construction, manufacturing, nonprofits, auto dealership, logistics, dental, veterinarian and wholesale distribution.
Christopher holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. He is active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club and Helix Human Services. He is also well known as a youth coach in West Springfield that many people call him Coach Fager.
Callie Flanagan
Vice President, Small Business Lender
Callie Flanagan has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry, spending the last 13 helping small businesses start and grow in Western Massachusetts. This experience includes roles of credit analyst, loan officer, and director of lending at a local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Most recently, she served as Lender Relations Specialist with the Small Business Administration and brings extensive knowledge and practice of various SBA loan programs.
She loves combining her skills, experience, and passion to assist small businesses and is looking forward to working with the Florence Bank team and customers to help the business community thrive.
Callie is a lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Fordham University. She is currently Vice Chair of Holyoke Economic Development and Industrial Corporation and is a member of the Ladies’ Ancient Order of the Hibernians, which focuses on charity work in the community.
Xiaolei Hua
Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
With 20 years of banking experience, Xiaolei is a seasoned commercial lender skilled in business development, relationship management, and financial and credit analysis. He has held roles including commercial lender, credit officer, and portfolio manager, and brings deep expertise in helping clients achieve their financial goals.
Xiaolei earned both his bachelor’s degree in finance and MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and completed the New England School for Financial Studies at Babson College.
Active in the community, he serves on the boards and finance committees of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and Tech Foundry and was recognized by BusinessWest as a 40 Under 40 honoree.
Kimberly Baker
Vice President, Commercial Loan Operations & Compliance Officer
As a seasoned banker with over 30 years of banking experience, Kim oversees the operations and compliance function of the commercial lending department. Her knowledge and attention to detail makes her a trusted source to the lenders she works with, and the customers they serve.
“In order to be successful in business, you need to know your customer and listen to their needs” states Kim. “I truly believe no one can match the service Florence Bank has to offer, and I am proud to be part of the team.”
Kim earned her bachelors’ degree in Finance from Westfield State College and her MBA from UMass Amherst. Kim is very active in the community as an accounting instructor for the Center for Financial Training (CFT), member of the Town of Hatfield Finance Committee, and a member of the annual Ski United committee to benefit the United Way of Hampshire County.
Linda Haley
Vice President, Commercial Loan Administration Manager
Linda joined Florence Bank in 2018 following three decades of experience in the financial services industry. Having successfully run a business of her own for five years, she has extensive experience in commercial lending and an excellent understanding of financial regulations, employer lending regulations, and the design of loan repayment programs.“As a former business owner, I understand the importance of partnering with a financial institution that truly values building strong relationships with their clients. I enjoy partnering with new and existing commercial clients to provide expert lending assistance that will help to grow their businesses.”
Linda has completed numerous higher education programs that include a certificate from the Fairfield University School for Residential Lending and countless professional certifications within Financial Services, Business Banking, Accounting, and Business Law through Springfield Technical Community College. She is also a 2019 graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies.
Our Commercial Lending team is always ready to help you build your business. Beyond that, our goal is to build a long-term relationship so we can contribute to your success for years to come. Whether your business is just starting out, or established and growing, our commitment is the same. We are here to help.
