New Bristol County Savings Bank CEO talks about his top priorities

NEW BEDFORD – John Silva is not the first Portuguese immigrant to take the helm of a bank in Massachusetts, but surely belongs to a very small exclusive clan.
Silva recently assumed the role of chief executive officer of Bristol County Savings Bank in addition to his responsibilities as president. His appointment comes after the retirement of former CEO Patrick J. Murray.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Bristol County Savings Bank forward and to guide our bank in putting its financial strength, talent and time to work for the good of our communities,” said Silva, who hails from Relva in Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel, Azores.
The new CEO said he has always felt a connection to people who are creating or growing a business of their own.
“I come from a background where hard work is expected and respected,” said Silva, who came to the United States in 1974 at age 6. “In my new role as president and CEO, I take great satisfaction in leading a bank that helps small business owners take their companies from modest beginnings to new levels of growth and success. To me, that’s what community banking is all about, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
Silva’s plans for Bristol County Savings Bank
Silva said his top priority as CEO will be to lead the bank toward smart and stable growth, in addition to giving back to the local communities.
“Bristol County Savings Bank has set the gold standard both in the level of financial support we provide and in the volunteer service and leadership we provide to our community’s most impactful non-profit and civic organizations,” he said. “One of my top goals is to expand upon that commitment.”
Silva said he plans to build upon the bank’s “incredible history of giving back.”
“Our recently retired CEO Pat Murray demonstrated true dedication to service, and I will ensure that our team continues to live up to our slogan ‘Count on Us,’” said Silva, who is also assuming his former position as president of the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation.
Yet, he acknowledged the current banking landscape presents many challenges for community banks.
“We are constantly challenged with adapting and evolving in an industry where the pace of change is faster and more demanding than ever before,” he said. “We are committed to maintaining our ‘high-touch’ brand of banking, while weaving in new technologies to stay competitive and relevant for our customers, their families and their businesses.”
In a prepared statement, his predecessor said Silva is well prepared to lead Bristol County Savings Bank and taking on the challenges inherited with this new role.
“John has done an outstanding job leading the bank as our President and Chief Banking Officer,” said Murray. “He is well prepared to take on the CEO role, while continuing to share his vision for how best to serve our customers and communities.”
Silva brings about 30 years of banking experience to the role of CEO
Silva joined Bristol County Savings Bank in 2016.
Before being named president and chief banking officer in May 2024, he served as executive vice president and chief lending officer, executive vice president/commercial lending and senior vice president/commercial lending.
Prior to that, he served in different capacities at Santander and its predecessor banks for more than 25 years.
“I have always been interested in numbers and finance,” confessed Silva, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from Roger Williams University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island.
“As I started my career in banking in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, I found that working with small businesses and helping them get access to the resources and advice they needed to grow was especially rewarding to me,” he said.
Being active and involved in the community is also important for Silva, who has resided in Bristol, R.I., since he moved here from the Azores.
He is a Board member for the YMCA of Pawtucket, where he also serves on the Executive and Finance Committees. In addition, he is a Board member for the Rhode Island Bankers Association and the South Eastern Economic Development Corporation (SEED), as well as a trustee of RIPEC.
Silva said he is looking forward to making a difference as CEO, with the support of his team.
“Of course, I have the benefit of working with a talented leadership team, as well as dedicated staff, and see the positive impact they make every day to help fulfill our mission of supporting our communities,” he said.
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