North Country This Week

CANTON – A 20-plus-year employee and current vice president at North Country Savings Bank (NCSB) will become the new president and chief executive officer in November.

Brian Coakley will replace President/CEO Theresa Phalon who announced her retirement this week. Phalon has served in that capacity since 2016, succeeding David Swanson.

Phalon’s anticipated November retirement announcement was made by the bank’s chairperson Jeanine R. McLellan.

“At retirement, she will have spent nearly 37 years serving the needs of the bank’s clientele. Ms. Phalon has a long and successful tenure with North Country Savings Bank, then Canton Federal Savings and Loan Association having joined the bank in April 1987,” a press release states.

Prior to her appointment as President and CEO, Phalon served as the bank’s Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for many years. Under her leadership, NCSB has expanded its geographic footprint by opening offices in Franklin, Clinton and Essex counties. Most recently, the bank has opened a full-service branch in Malone.

Coakley, a graduate of Hamilton College, began his career with NCSB in March 2002, and has most recently held the position of vice president and chief financial officer.

“It’s an honor to follow in Mrs. Phalon’s footsteps. Over her 37-year career, she has represented North Country Savings Bank and our customers with unwavering commitment and passion. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to customer service that forms the foundation of our culture,” Coakley remarked. “I personally couldn't be more excited to lead our team as we carry forward our tradition of being a Mutual Bank and serving the communities of the North Country.”

While Phalon is leaving her position as CEO, she will continue to play a role in the bank’s long-term success as a member of the Board of Trustees.