Westerly, Rhode Island... Washington Trust has announced that Paul J. Tavares, of East Providence, R.I., has been appointed Vice President, Branch Manager, of the Bank’s East Providence branch, scheduled to open on Taunton Avenue in September. He will be responsible for establishing new customer and business relationships in the East Providence area. An East Providence native, Tavares most recently served as Executive Director of the East Providence Housing Authority. Tavares was elected General Treasurer for the State of Rhode Island in 1998 and served two consecutive terms, until 2006.
“We’re excited to welcome Paul to our team,” said Joseph J. MarcAurele, Washington Trust Chairman, CEO and President. “His commitment to the area will help Washington Trust become part of the East Providence community and assist residents, businesses and non-profit organizations with their personal banking, commercial banking and wealth management needs.”
Tavares has 27 years of banking experience, primarily in the City of East Providence. His most recent banking position was held in 1997 as Vice President of BankRI. He has a long history of community and public service in the City of East Providence, serving on the School Committee and City Council. He is a member and past president of the Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood of RI, founder and first treasurer of the Portuguese American Scholarship Foundation, Parishioner of Saint Francis Xavier Church and former member of the Diocese of Providence Finance Council. Tavares was also a founder of the East Providence Children’s Portuguese School, where he served as president for ten years. He presently serves as Honorary Chairman of the advisory board to the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies at Rhode Island College. He and his family reside in East Providence, R.I.
Washington Trust’s 18th branch office, scheduled to open in September 2011, is located at 587 Taunton Avenue in Shopperstown Plaza in East Providence, R.I. The 5,600 square-foot branch will offer state-of-the-art technology, security and convenience for its customers, including five walk-up teller positions, one of which is ADA compliant, two drive-up lanes, a drive-up ATM, night depository, safe deposit boxes and a walk-up ATM.
Washington Trust is one of New England’s premier financial services companies, providing mortgage banking, commercial banking, small business banking, personal banking, and wealth management and trust services to individuals and institutions throughout the region. Washington Trust has seventeen convenient banking offices and four wealth management offices located throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Our team of experienced professionals are dedicated to providing customized, comprehensive financial solutions and personalized services. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the largest independent bank in Rhode Island and the oldest community bank in the nation. The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ Global Select, symbol: WASH). Web site address: www.washtrust.com.