Guilford, CT GSB (Guilford Savings Bank) has hired three local, experienced commercial loan officers, reinforcing a dedication to fostering local business development. The continued growth of GSB’s Commercial Banking Group exemplifies the community bank’s ongoing commitment to providing the small- and mid-sized business (SMB) market with superior lending services and access to capital that enable local businesses in the community to thrive. 

By expanding its team with Brett Eagleson, John Rivers, and Devin Hawthorne, GSB is better positioned to meet the diverse needs of its clients with unparalleled expertise, straightforward to sophisticated solutions based on their unique needs, and the direct, personalized service they deserve.

Hawthorne is an experienced credit-trained banking professional with a twenty-year track record of serving clients, generating new business, and evaluating loan requests. Hawthorne has held senior positions responsible for commercial and industrial (C&I) and commercial real estate (CRE) markets at TD Bank, Berkshire Bank, and People’s United Bank, where he managed large portfolios and developed strong relationships with business professionals. His ability to provide high customer service and his specialized experience in commercial lending make him an excellent fit for GSB.

Rivers has twenty-five years of experience in commercial banking, specializing in business development and relationship management. This includes his recent twenty-year tenure in senior lending roles at Webster Bank, where he consistently delivered for and built lasting relationships with his clients. His expertise lies in listening to and understanding their needs and then building tailored financial packages to fuel their continued growth and success. His strategic approach and client-centric mindset make him a valuable addition to the GSB team, as does his community commitment which has included board service to the Greater New Britain Chamber of Commerce and volunteerism through Literacy Volunteers of Central CT.

Eagleson rejoins GSB with over 16 years of experience in commercial real estate finance. His extensive background includes portfolio management, debt underwriting, and loan origination, resulting in over $170 million in loan production. Brett joins GSB most recently from The Washington Trust Company, where he successfully originated $30 million in new CRE debt in his first year. His previous tenure at GSB and other institutions like the former People’s United Bank and O,R&L Commercial Real Estate has equipped him with a broad network and deep industry knowledge. In service to his community, he has dedicated his time and resources to advocating on behalf of the victims of 9/11.

“We are excited to welcome Brett, John, and Devin to our team,” said chief lending officer Lyle Fulton. “Their experience and dedication to client success align perfectly with GSB’s mission to support and grow local businesses.”

GSB is committed to offering robust lending solutions tailored to the needs of our business clients. The bank is well-equipped to support owner-occupied and investment Commercial Real Estate Mortgages, Working Capital Lines of Credit, and Term Loans for a wide range of industries with the goal of offering innovative solutions to ensure its clients have the financial backing necessary to achieve their goals.

“The addition of these talented professionals underscores our commitment to providing exceptional lending solutions,” said commercial loan origination manager Michael Paz. “Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will significantly enhance our ability to serve our clients effectively.”