John Merrill (Encore)

In October 1010, Fidelity Bank, one of the oldest and fastest growing, independent community banks in Central Massachusetts, appointed John Merrill to the newly created position of president, chief financial designer and chief lending officer.

Merrill has spent the majority of his 28-year banking career in Central Massachusetts, including serving as regional president for both Sovereign and Fleet banks. Most recently, he managed Sovereign's Business Banking division and was responsible for small- to medium-sized commercial customers from Maryland to New Hampshire.

More than a decade ago, Merrill helped to create the Worcester Venture Fund with Tripp Peake and Will Cowen of Long River Ventures.

Fidelity Bank offers a full range of Banking, Investment and Insurance products and programs, and has full-service offices in Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Millbury, Shirley, and Worcester. Fidelity Bank has total assets of more than $500 million and a net worth nearly two times the minimum regulatory requirement.