Cambridge Trust Co.’s President and CEO Joesph Roller – always talkative and approachable – is the perfect example of someone who gives simply for the sake of giving.
Roller directs Cambridge Trust’s annual United Way campaign, asking his employees to He’s an outspoken advocate for the United Way and has strong ties with several of its partner agencies, namely the Community Art Center in Cambridge. “Overall he’s a very down to earth and genuine person,” said Jackie Wade, senior development manager of The United Way. “He doesn’t do it for awards. He feels it’s the right thing to do.”
Under Roller’s leadership, Cambridge Trust has raised more than $300,000 in the last five years for the United Way, benefiting children, youth and families throughout Massachusetts.
“It’s interesting,” Roller told Banker & Tradesman. “I can recall I started banking back in the ’70s. I remember the beginning of the campaign. I feel like I’ve had an opportunity to provide leadership at the bank and participate in the community. It’s always about the fun to encourage people to listen to the United Way opportunities.”
But Roller does not take all the credit. He said the community banking family in Massachusetts leads the way by setting an expectation of generosity.
“I think the key is that there are many participants in the bank. There’s something in the culture of community banks and being contributors to the community in which they serve,” said Roller. “They tend to attract individuals with that mindset. They gain a sense of pride in the organization and they want to be a part of that. The employees have this affiliation with the organization and have pride in supporting their community.”
Roller is not only a philanthropist, but a dedicated CEO as well. Under his leadership, the bank has grown from $601 million in total assets with eight branch locations to $1.3 billion in total assets with eleven branch locations today.
But despite his success, he thanks his employees above all.
“There are many unsung heroes throughout our bank,” Roller concluded. “From my personal perspective I feel strongly about individual participation. It may mean writing a check, convening a meeting or just joining a group of your employees at an event.”
