The Cooperative Bank names Barnes chairman of the board of directors

The Cooperative Bank (TCB) has appointedt Thomas Barnes as chairman of the board of directors. Barnes previously served as TCB's interim president and CEO from January to June 2014. As chairman, Barnes will ensure that the board's decision making process proceeds in an orderly fashion and to continue to build consensus decisions within the board. Barnes started his career as a bank examiner with the Massachusetts Banking Department and was a career senior regulator with the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), retiring in 2011 as its deputy director for examinations, supervision, and consumer protection. Throughout his career he has also been a speaker and panelist at numerous banking and thrift forums, taught as an adjunct instructor at the University of N.H. and served on the board of incorporation of a local hospital. "Tom brings invaluable leadership to our board. His knowledge of both our company and the industry as a whole make him a great partner and the perfect fit to serve as the Chairman," said Phil Bryan, president and CEO of TCB. Barnes is a graduate of Boston State College, the US Department of Treasury Executive Leadership program and the ABA's Stonier Banking School. He currently resides in Hampton, NH. Founded on South Street in Roslindale in 1898, The Cooperative Bank (TCB) is a full-service community bank committed to meeting the financial needs of individuals, families and small businesses with up-to-date products, competitive interest rates and the highest quality personalized service. TCB specializes in commercial and residential real estate and business lending throughout Massachusetts, and has branches in Roslindale, West Roxbury and Charlestown. With cutting-edge personal and business banking services, TCB aims to serve as its customers' bank for life.