Philip “Phil” Emma, executive vice President and COO of New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp is retiring on Dec. 31 after 20 years with the organization.
“Phil’s talent and leadership have been vital to the success of our organization,” NHMB President and CEO Gregg Tewksbury said in a statement. “His banking knowledge and expertise coupled with his unwavering desire to retain the best of community banking, has been essential to the organization as chief operating officer. Phil will be greatly missed, and we wish him the very best in the next phase of his life.”
Emma has had an extensive career in financial and operational roles for public and private companies and financial institutions, spanning 44 years. He joined Merrimack County Savings Bank in 2000 as senior vice president, CFO and treasurer. In 2008, he was promoted to executive vice president, and in 2010 added the responsibilities of COO for the bank. He became executive vice president of NHMB upon its formation in 2013, continuing in the position through his promotion to COO. He also served as president of MillRiver Wealth Management from April 2015 through June 2016 and president of the Merrimack from January 2016 through October 2018.
“Under Phil’s leadership, the Merrimack sought every opportunity to lend responsibly, while supporting both personal and business customers,” Linda Lorden, president of the Merrimack, said in a statement. “During his time as President, we’ve also increased our lending capacity, managed the growing cost of regulation and technology and provided more career opportunities for our valued employees. His commitment to Merrimack style has greatly benefited our employees, customers and the communities we serve.”
Emma also played a key role in the formation of NHMB, when the Merrimack and Meredith Village Savings Bank formally affiliated to share resources.
“It has been an absolute honor to spend the last 20 years at such a remarkable organization,” Emma said in a statement “We’ve developed a business model that has worked quite well. Our three banks have each recorded a significant amount of success over the past 150 years, by remaining loyal and respectful to employees, customers and the community. We are very fortunate to have the great talent that exists among our wonderful staff. I’m blessed and I’m fortunate to have connected with so many people over the years. Now I’m looking forward to many new experiences with family and friends and opportunities to continue to make a difference.”
Outside of work, Emma is the vice chair of the board for Concord Hospital. He has played an active role with the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, the American Bankers Association’s accounting group, and represented New Hampshire on their Community Banking Council. He was also an active board member of New Hampshire Bankers Association, and previously served on the boards for CATCH, the White Birch Center in Henniker, Riverbend, Second Start, Canterbury Shaker Village and Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum.
