CEO Profile: Joseph Carelli, Citizens
J
oseph Carelli is president of Citizens, New Hampshire and Vermont. He oversees the bank’s Northern New England Leadership Team and community investment activities.
Carelli manages the bank’s Commercial Banking portfolio for New England and is a member of the Citizens Executive Leadership group.
A 44-year veteran of the banking industry, Carelli joined Citizens in 1992 and held various positions in Credit Administration, Community and Middle Market Banking, and managed the Commercial Real Estate, Healthcare and Not-for-Profit banking groups before assuming his current role in 2011.
An active member of the community, Carelli serves on the St Anselm College advisory board for The Center for Ethics in Society and chairs the programming committee. He is on the board of Northeast Delta Dental and chairs the common subsidiary board. He has served on many NH based non-profit boards including past chair of The World Academy, chair of NH Bankers Association, board member of the NH Business and Industry Association and Nashua Center for the Handicapped.
Carelli is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a degree in finance and accounting. He has attended executive leadership programs at Harvard Business School and Babson College. A father of three, he lives with his wife, Paula, in Hollis, New Hampshire.
What makes your company or work environment unique?
I’ve been the New Hampshire and Vermont State President for 13 years and before that I have worked within the bank with a focus on commercial banking since 1992.
What I have found throughout all these years is that Citizens is a really remarkable company. In addition to providing banking and financial services, we are positioned to use our reach, innovation, and insights to position our stakeholders for long-term success while helping build a more diverse and sustainable future where we all can thrive. By catalyzing economic growth in the communities we serve, we hope to create thriving communities where we all prosper. Through our innovative products and personalized services, we are helping communities reach their potential by advancing small business growth and investing in community development and revitalization.
Citizens has also created a great foundation for an amazing work environment, by investing in our colleagues’ growth and development. We’ve accelerated our focus on creating an inclusive culture, upskilling in-demand capabilities for diverse talent, and continuing our efforts to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization.
One of the things we pride ourselves on at Citizens is our Credo – we perform our best every day so we can do more for our customers, colleagues, communities, and shareholders. We help build stronger communities and support the local economy by being involved at every level – from skills-based volunteerism, nonprofit Board service, to our philanthropic giving. We are engrained in our communities professionally and personally including right here in Manchester. We have strong partnerships with many nonprofits that serve our neighbors, including Granite United Way, Easter Seals NH, Waypoint, and Granite YMCA, amongst others.
What accomplishments within your company are you most proud of?
My career at Citizens began working with our commercial banking teams around the state, leading our efforts supporting the needs of small business, not for profit and commercial real estate customers. I can proudly say that we have helped thousands of clients grow their business and create opportunities for themselves and countless employees, helping to keep our NH economy vibrant and growing. I also get to spend time meeting with organizations supporting those in need and ensuring that our investments in these organizations are supporting important efforts like expanding workforce development, teaching financial empowerment and strengthening our communities.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming leaders in the greater Manchester community?
I would encourage up-and-coming leaders to get involved – lean into what the city has to offer. Volunteer, join a Board or Council, attend local community events. We are a stronger community when we are connected. Helping our nonprofit community thrive strengthens Manchester’s people and our city’s competitiveness.
What attributes do you think makes our business community and greater Manchester region special?
While Manchester is the most populated city in northern New England it still has a small-town feel. Its prime location to Boston, the White Mountains, lakes region and coastal towns both in New Hampshire and Maine make it attractive for families and businesses alike. It has cultural gems, like the Currier Art Museum and is a premier dining and shopping destination. Manchester truly has something for everyone.
