Brigitte Ritchie, Vice President, State Director of Public Affairs & Community Relations for Citizens Bank in Vermont was named the Vermont Bankers Association’s 2009 recipient of the Outstanding Community Service Banker Award. The award was presented during the annual banquet at the recently held Vermont & New Hampshire Bankers Association annual conference at the Stoweflake Resort in Stowe, Vermont.
This was the 25th year of the award which is given to a banker for their commitment of service to the community; to an individual who exemplifies the real and tangible dedication so many bankers have for the communities in which they live.
Ms. Ritchie’s involvement in the Chittenden County area is extensive. She is a cancer survivor and avid dog lover. She began her animal rescue aspirations when her favorite Golden Retriever, Willie, succumbed to cancer. Even though she had other dogs at home, she was devastated. Her dog of 10 years had been a therapy dog while she herself was battling cancer. Thus her devotion to rescuing dogs began and she has since traveled hundreds of miles rescuing and transporting dogs.
When Citizens Bank expanded its footprint through the purchase of Charter One Bank in 2004, Brigitte was tapped for her current position. She developed a comprehensive, innovate and effective community relations program in Vermont and used the opportunity to develop and introduce programs in Vermont as well as foster strategic partnerships to positively benefit communities that need it most. Through her community needs assessments, Brigitte introduced the Technical Assistance Grant Program which allowed for much needed funding to non-profit organizations across the state that provide counseling for potential home buyers and business owners as well as budget counseling.
Affordable housing is also critical to any community and Brigitte introduced the Housing Bank program to Vermont. Other programs Brigitte is involved with include:
Citizens Job Bank Program
The Street Outreach Program
Shelter heating initiative
Dragon Boat Festival
Brigitte currently serves on the campaign committee of the United Way of Chittenden County and is on the boards of the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce and Greater Burlington YMCA as well as the steering committe4e of the Burlington Legacy Project.
In her nomination letter, Cathleen Schmidt, President of Citizens Bank in New Hampshire and Vermont stated “Brigitte is a true example of an individual that is committed to improving the communities of Vermont and leads this cause with much dedication and heart. I am very proud to call her a colleague.”
The Vermont Bankers Association is comprised of twenty-three commercial and savings banks, savings and loan associations and trust companies. It provides services to its members and assures their concerns are known to the public, the legislature and governing bodies.