News

Sawyer Savings Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Taylor Papka as Human Resource Officer.

Papka brings more than a decade of banking, leadership, and customer service experience to Sawyer Savings Bank. She began her banking career in 2014 where she advanced through a series of roles including teller, lead teller, service manager, and branch manager. Most recently, she expanded her professional background in human resources supporting recruiting, onboarding, and employee administration.

Throughout her career, Papka has built a reputation for empathetic leadership, strong customer relationships, and a proactive approach to team development. As a branch manager, she focused on creating a warm, community-centered banking environment and helping her team grow through coaching, communication, and support.

In her new role, Papka will bring together her experience in banking operations and human resources to support both colleagues and customers while contributing to the bank’s community-focused mission.

Papka studied at Dutchess Community College and later pursued social sciences at SUNY Empire State. She completed the Human Resources Management certificate program through eCornell and is pursuing her Associate Professional in Human Resources certification through HRCI. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, volunteering, and spending time with her rescue dog, Belle.

Sawyer Savings Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Sandra Miller as Assistant Vice President, Director of Customer Experience. In this role, Ms. Miller will draw on more than two decades of banking experience to help strengthen customer relationships, enhance service delivery, and support the bank’s continued commitment to exceptional community banking.

Sandra began her banking career in 2002 and has built an accomplished background in branch leadership, customer relationship management, staff development, and retail branch banking. Most recently, she served for more than 12 years as Branch Manager and Human Resources Assistant where she directed daily branch operations, developed strategies to improve customer service standards, enhanced team performance through training, and built strong relationships with customers and the community.

“Sandra brings a tremendous depth of banking knowledge and a genuine passion for customer relationships,” said Jenn Gutheil-Denier, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sawyer Savings Bank. “Her leadership experience, commitment to service excellence, and ability to build strong connections with both customers and colleagues make her an outstanding addition to our team. We are excited to welcome Sandra to Sawyer Savings Bank.”

In her new role as AVP, Director of Customer Experience, Sandra will focus on elevating the customer journey across the organization, supporting frontline teams, and helping ensure that every interaction reflects Sawyer Savings Bank’s high standards of personalized service and community commitment.

“I am truly excited to join Sawyer Savings Bank and take on this new opportunity,” said Miller. “Banking has been such an important part of my professional journey, and I’m honored to step into a role where I can help strengthen the customer experience, support my colleagues, and build lasting relationships within the communities we serve.”

Ms. Miller holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Outside of the bank, she enjoys time with her husband, Henry, cheering on their children at sporting events, and relaxing with a good book alongside their dogs.

Sawyer Savings Bank is proud to welcome Amanda Grant as the new Branch Manager of its Saugerties location. With more than ten years of experience in retail banking and deposit operations, Amanda brings a strong background and a friendly, customer-focused spirit to her new role.

As Branch Manager, Amanda will oversee the daily operations of the Saugerties branch, support local business growth, and mentor her team. She looks forward to helping people reach their financial goals through the bank’s trusted products and services, and to strengthening community connections through regional events and organizations.

“I’m excited to take on this new opportunity and continue building connections with the wonderful people here in Saugerties,” said Grant. “Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service experience, and I’m eager to lead them as we strengthen our presence here.”
Jennifer Gutheil-Denier, Chief Operating Officer at Sawyer Savings Bank, shared her enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to have Amanda join our team. Her experience, leadership, and passion for local involvement make her the perfect fit to lead our Saugerties branch.”

A Saugerties resident, Amanda earned her associate degree from Dutchess Community College and is also a Notary Public. When she’s not at the bank, she enjoys watching football, cooking with her daughter Grace, spending time with her significant other Mike, and being outdoors with her dog.

Sawyer Savings Bank is excited to welcome the addition of Charles Morris as residential Loan Originator. With over 15 years of mortgage lending knowledge and deep roots in the Hudson Valley, Charles has a strong understanding of the local market. His expertise allows him to guide borrowers through every step of the mortgage process while addressing the unique needs of the community.

“I enjoy using my experiences and expertise to help guide borrowers through achieving their most important investment – home ownership. I am excited to join Sawyer Savings Bank and be part of a team that genuinely cares about the community it serves and prides itself on its customer-first approach.” Said Morris.

“We are excited to welcome Charles to Sawyer Savings Bank,” said James Whitaker President and CEO of Sawyer Savings Bank. “Charles brings with him an impeccable reputation for providing customers with the products, services, tools and advice that will help them wherever they are in their unique financial journey. He will make an excellent addition to the lending team to deliver an exceptional client experience.”.

Charles holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. He served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Mortgage Professional Women (NAMPW) from 2017 to 2023. Charles has also been a member of several professional organizations, including the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR), Business Networking International (BNI), and he has served on the Service Committee of the Dutchess County Association of Realtors (DCAR).

Outside of work, Charles stays active through his love for sports. A former college and minor league basketball player, he is a part-time ski instructor and coaches soccer and softball. Charles also enjoys hiking and skiing with his seven-year-old daughter, Alyssa.

Sawyer Savings Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Nicole Lowrey to Assistant Vice President, Director of Bank Operations. In this new role, Mrs. Lowrey will bring her experience in Finance, Lending and Deposit Operations to support the bank’s continued growth and success throughout all of Sawyer’s Delivery Channels.

With over 12 years of experience in the banking industry, most recently successfully serving as the Bank’s Lending Officer, Mrs. Lowrey has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership in loan processing, compliance oversight, and customer service. She has successfully guided the loan servicing and lending originations team, ensuring the efficient management of the Bank’s existing loan portfolio as well as loan applications and approvals while delivering exceptional results. This promotion reflects her steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and building strong client relationships.

“Nicole’s newly created role is a key part of our organizational changes as we embrace our commitment to be a Forever Community Bank,” said James Whitaker, President, and CEO of Sawyer Savings Bank. “This restructuring is a strategic move that will not only ensure greater operational compliance but also drive enhanced efficiency. I am confident that these changes will help us better serve our community and position the bank for long-term success.”

In her new role as AVP, Director of Bank Operations, Nicole will not only continue overseeing loan servicing, assess loan applications, conduct risk evaluations, and recommend credit decisions that align with the bank’s strategic goals, but will also now assume oversight for the back office activities of the Deposit Operations department. She will serve as a key resource for addressing questions, managing work allocation, and leading staff development and training initiatives.

“Nicole has demonstrated exemplary problem-solving, leadership and motivational skills throughout her successful tenure with Sawyer Savings Bank,” said Jenn Gutheil-Denier, S.V.P. & C.O.O. of Sawyer Savings Bank. “We believe Nicole is the perfect choice to lead bank wide operations. She brings significant value and perspective to our already-talented leadership team as we continue to strive for improvement and growth.”

“I am honored with this promotion,” said Lowrey. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue advancing our technological capabilities, improving operational efficiencies, and ensuring that we provide the best possible customer experience for our  customers, communities, and staff.”

Mrs. Lowrey is a very involved member of the community where she and her husband, Jon, are raising two children, Cierra and Bradley. She currently is a board member for the Saugerties Outlaws Youth Football league and an extremely active volunteer with her local volunteer fire department.

Sawyer Savings Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Nicole Lowrey to Lending Officer. In this new role, Mrs. Lowrey will bring her experience in commercial and residential lending management and customer experience to support the bank’s continued growth and success throughout all Sawyer’s delivery channels.

With over 10 years of experience in the banking industry, most recently as Loan Supervisor, Lowrey has demonstrated exemplary leadership in loan processing, compliance oversight, and customer service. She has consistently delivered exceptional results, oversaw a lending team and ensuring the efficient management of loan applications and approvals. This promotion reflects her strong commitment to quality, innovation, and relationship-building.

In her new role as Lending Officer, Nicole will focus on expanding lending services, fostering deeper relationships with our customers and communities, while helping businesses and individuals achieve their financial goals through tailored lending solutions. She will also be responsible for assessing loan applications, conducting risk evaluations, and recommending credit decisions that align with the bank’s strategic vision.

“We are thrilled to promote Nicole Lowrey to Lending Officer,” said James Whitaker, President, and CEO of Sawyer Savings Bank. “Nicole’s passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences, being a collaborative and engaging leader, and with her deep expertise in lending practices make her a valuable asset to our team as we continue to enhance our lending capabilities.”

“It is rewarding to be part of a team that works extremely hard to provide our customers and our communities with competitive lending products and great service,” said Lowrey. “There is no better feeling than helping someone achieve their dream of buying a home or starting a business where I live and raise a family.”

Mrs. Lowrey is a very involved member of the community where she and her husband Jon are raising two children Cierra and Bradley. She currently is a board member for the Saugerties Outlaws Youth Football league and an active volunteer with her daughter’s Girl Scout troop and her local volunteer fire department.

Sawyer Savings Bank is pleased to announce that Penny Wilson has joined the Bank as Branch Manager at its Marlboro location. Ms. Wison brings over 20 years of experience in the banking experience to the position.

As Branch Manager, she will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day operations, business development, and community involvement through active participation in various civic and service club organizations.

“I was attracted to Sawyer Savings Bank as it’s a true local community bank with a long history of investing back into the communities that it serves, reflecting my belief of giving back to the communities that I work in,” said Ms. Wilson.

“We look forward to working with Penny as she oversees our Marlboro branch’s activities. I anticipate that her valuable years of experience, leadership skills, and professionalism will continue to provide a customer experience that our customers have become accustomed to,” said Sawyer Savings Bank CMO and CXO Jennifer Gutheil-Denier.

Ms. Wilson holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in business management and administration, both from Mount Saint Mary College, and has been a strong supporter of Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York and the United Way of Ulster County. In her free time, she enjoys taking weekend road trips with family and friends.