Frank J. Gaudio (left) and The First Bank of Greenwich staff. Contributed photo
By Greenwich Sentinel
The barn at the Greenwich Historical Society was arranged for a fully catered dinner, but the evening’s real attraction was not the food or the setting. It was the pleasure of watching a bank explain itself through the people who work there.
The First Bank of Greenwich’s employee recognition dinner had the practical architecture of such occasions: awards, gift cards, service anniversaries, photographs and a microphone that occasionally became part of the comedy. At one point, the presenter looked toward the camera and said, “Did I just get so short? I need a box.” The room laughed, the picture was taken and the awards continued.
That moment said something useful about the bank. Its public personality has always been energetic, personal and resistant to the idea that banking must be solemn. At this dinner, its community spirit was turned inward. The people who spend their days assisting customers, solving technical problems, reviewing documents and keeping branches organized were the guests of honor.
The bank’s strength begins with employees who notice people, solve problems and celebrate one another with genuine care every day.
Oscar Sylva received the Most Valuable Player award, though he could not attend because he was at a graduation. Five managers had nominated him. One submission praised his friendly, professional approach and willingness to take ownership of customer problems involving ACH transactions, wires and remote scanners. “He genuinely cares about delivering excellent quality work,” the nomination said.
Alexa Linksman received the Bank Whisperer award, created for an employee who represents the essence of a true banker, whether working with customers or behind the scenes. Her nomination described her as knowledgeable, helpful and intent on improving procedures while protecting the bank’s assets.
Bryan Santos received the Taskmaster award. The title sounds severe, but its definition was generous: someone who does more than check boxes, takes pride in the work and begins thinking about the next challenge before the current assignment is finished. His nomination noted that he answers phones, helps customers, supports back-office work and remains calm through competing demands.
Kevin O’Connell was recognized in the new Job Well Done category for working quietly, staying focused and finishing what needs to be finished. Felipe was named Best Intern of 2026 for filing what the presenter described as endless folders and customer documents with a cheerful attitude.
The service awards revealed another part of the story. Damiano Alessandro and Patricia “Patty” Enright were recognized for five years. Emily Newcamp and Steven Murphy reached 10 years. Evan Corsello was honored for 15. Mark L. McMillen and Brenda L. Curcio reached 20 years, a milestone requiring extra ceremony, secret planning and representatives accepting for colleagues who could not attend.
Twenty years is almost the entire history of the bank, founded in 2006. McMillen and Curcio joined while it was still “in organization,” before the institution had accumulated the customers, branches, programs and civic relationships that now define it. Their anniversaries were living pieces of the bank’s origin story.
The Greenwich Sentinel has chronicled that story for years: the bank’s work securing Paycheck Protection Program loans during the pandemic, its support for local nonprofits, cultural partnerships, charitable checking program and willingness to stand behind community institutions before success was assured. The Sentinel Foundation honored the bank as Best Community Bank and later presented President and Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Gaudio with the Greenwich Sentinel Award.
Gaudio has said, “I eat, breathe, and sleep customer service every day of my life.” The dinner showed what makes that statement possible. Customer service is often described as a policy, but here it appears to be a chain of human decisions: answer the phone, stay calm, follow through, fix the scanner, protect the assets, file the folders, help the branch and recognize the colleague who did the work.
The bank is loved in Greenwich because it acts like a neighbor. Its employees act that way because the institution treats them as people worth noticing. A dinner in a historic barn cannot create that culture in one evening. It can reveal it, applaud it and make sure everyone gets into the photograph.
Contributed photo.
Celebrating Our Employees and Honoring Two Remarkable Milestones
At The First Bank of Greenwich, our annual Employee Appreciation Event is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the individuals who make our bank successful. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as we honored two exceptional leaders who are celebrating 20 years of service with the Bank: Mark McMillen, EVP & Chief Operating Officer, and Brenda Curcio, SVP & Chief Information Officer.
When Mark and Brenda joined The First Bank of Greenwich in the summer of 2006, the Bank was just beginning its journey. Brenda joined as the Deposit Operations Manager, while Mark came aboard as Loan Operations Manager and Compliance Officer. Together, they became instrumental in building the foundation of the organization we know today.
In those early days, no task was too small and no challenge too great. From developing policies and procedures to recruiting and training employees, they worked tirelessly to establish the operational framework needed to support a growing community bank. They were involved in every aspect of preparing for opening day, even stocking deposit slips and ensuring the smallest details were in place for customers and employees alike.
Over the past two decades, Mark and Brenda have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Bank’s mission, customers, employees, and communities. Through periods of growth, change, and innovation, they have consistently led with integrity, vision, and a relentless focus on continuous improvement.
Their careers are also a testament to the opportunities that exist within our organization. Both have advanced through the ranks, earning leadership positions through hard work, expertise, and dedication. Today, they serve as key members of the executive leadership team, helping shape the strategic direction of the Bank and guiding decisions that will influence its future for years to come.
While much has changed since 2006, one thing has remained constant: their commitment to excellence and their passion for making The First Bank of Greenwich stronger, better, and more innovative with each passing year.
We are deeply grateful for Mark’s and Brenda’s 20 years of loyal service, leadership, and countless contributions. Their legacy can be seen throughout the organization they helped build, and their influence continues to inspire colleagues across the Bank.
Congratulations, Mark and Brenda, on this extraordinary milestone. We thank you for your dedication and look forward to many more years of your leadership and partnership as we continue to grow and serve our community.