Laura Abbott, Senior Credit Officer at Merchants Bank, announced that Cheryl Houchens has joined the bank as Loan Compliance and CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) Officer.
Houchens brings more than 20 years’ experience in banking to her new position. She will be responsible for ensuring the bank’s compliance with all loan-related state and federal regulations, and overseeing its extension of credit and investment in community development programs.
Houchens has been at Merchants for most of her banking career. She initially joined the bank in 1992 and later served as Residential Mortgage Manager and Credit Analyst II. In 2010 she moved to KeyBank, where she was Senior Underwriter/Portfolio Manager for two and a half years.
“We are so pleased that Cheryl has re-joined the Merchants Bank team,” Abbott said. “Her extensive experience and well-established connections in Vermont’s banking community will help us continue to meet community needs in investment, services and lending, including those needs in low- and moderate-income areas.”
Houchens holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of North Carolina and has completed training at the American Bankers Association National Compliance School in San Diego, Calif.
An outdoor enthusiast, Houchens’ interests include gardening, biking, skiing, canoeing and traveling with family.