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.

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 Chair of the Springfield Regional Chamber. Additionally, she lends her banking knowledge as a teacher at the Center for Financial Training in Norwich, CT.

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 Treasurer on the Board for The Gray House.

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 extravert, he wanted to be out in the community, working with people.

Hired in June 2023, Ryan has over 11 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.

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.

With over 30 years of local banking experience, Joe specializes in developing new business relationships in the Greater Springfield area as well as in Northern Connecticut. Throughout his banking career, he’s been an integral part of local commercial lending teams and previously held the title of Relationship Manager.

“It’s refreshing to work for a bank that puts their customers first above any kind of transaction. It’s great to be part of a team that values the quality of customer service above everything else.”

Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and his MBA from Western New England University. He is a member of the board for Revitalize CDC, formerly known as Rebuilding Together Springfield; a board member and the treasurer for the West Springfield Youth Soccer Club; and treasurer of the West Springfield Youth Lacrosse Club.

Doug has over 25 years of commercial banking experience in Western Mass. With a broad background in lending, Doug has extensive knowledge helping businesses with company acquisitions, equipment financing, real estate transactions and construction lending.

“It is a great opportunity to be affiliated with Florence Bank, which has such an excellent reputation and does so much good in the community. Everyone here has made me feel right at home from the beginning.”

Doug is a certified Public Accountant who earned an undergraduate degree from Westfield State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut.  In addition to his commitment helping clients succeed, Doug is committed to helping the local community and serves on the board of the Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corporation.

Candace joined Florence Bank in 2018 and has over 20 years of local banking experience. Candace specializes in developing new business relationships in the Greater Springfield area and assists with the management of the Bank’s commercial loan portfolio.

“Being part of a community bank, employees have the ability to take the time to get to know their customers. As a member of the lending team at Florence Bank, I am committed to fostering strong business relationships as the Bank continues to grow within Western Mass.”

Candace earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is currently pursuing an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management. She is secretary of the East Longmeadow Basketball Association, and in 2017, was recognized by BusinessWest as a member of the 40 Under Forty Class which celebrates young business and civic leaders in Western Massachusetts.

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.”