Karen Sastri, a 25-year employee at NBT Bank, has been elevated to the position of chief diversity officer of the financial institution, which operates through a network of 140 banking locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. In her new role, Sastri will provide continuity for NBT’s established diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and work with leadership to establish new programs and best practices, focusing on recruitment, retention and development.
“NBT has long viewed our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion as a journey — one that we are committed to continually growing and evolving,” said John Watt Jr, president and CEO of NBT. “For several years, we have been fortunate to have incredible individuals execute the responsibility of this role in a shared capacity. While each left their indelible marks, we know that Karen will continue their work with the passion and dedication she is known for bringing to the table, buoyed by the sole focus of this as her primary function.
Sastri joined NBT Bank in 1996 and has extensive experience in training and development and employee relations. She earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Albany and holds a strategic Human Resources Business Partner certification.