by Kristin Proulx Jarvis

Linda Normandin '91G. Photo courtsey of Laconia Savings Bank.

As the new president and CEO of Laconia Savings Bank, Linda Normandin, who received her MBA in 1991, will make history this winter. Normandin will be the first female president to head this growing financial institution-the largest independent bank in the state-which includes 15 offices, 255 employees, $800 million in assets and 172 years of history. Normandin, selected unanimously by the bank’s board of directors, will replace current President Bruce Clow after his retirement in January.

Normandin began working at the bank 30 years ago as a teller. Since then, she has held many leadership roles, including her most recent position as chief operating officer. Normandin has also served as a leader of many community organizations, including Community Health and Hospice and the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation.

In addition to her years of work and community service, Normandin credits her experience in PSU’s graduate program in business administration with helping her rise to the top.

“It was helpful being out in the business world and taking courses at night, because you could apply them in business settings,” she said. “It was key to have the educational background. It rounded you off as an individual, and the degree helped separate you from other candidates.”

Normandin says she looks forward to the challenge of her new position, and hopes to be a mentor to other young women and men hoping to rise to leadership roles in business. Support from the community, her management team and the outgoing bank president will help make the transition smooth, she said.

“Bruce Clow is leaving a great organization in my hands,” she said. “The challenge will be to sustain that success and take it to the next level.”