Meet Our Business Lenders

Michael Mahlert started off his career with a large corporate bank before learning that his passion was rooted in being a community banker, someone who could help local business owners and families. That drive has helped Michael unlock potential in his community for over 20 years. He sees himself “as an advisor to people, not just a banker.” Now leading both commercial lending teams at bankHometown and bankESB, he has built a team that shares that mindset. Michael earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Master of Business Administration from Nichols College, and is a graduate of the American Bankers Association (ABA) Stonier Graduate School of Banking Program. Outside of work, he has served on numerous boards and was a mentor in programs such as Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll). Michael is devoted to his family; his wife, four children, and pup, Vince. He enjoys traveling throughout the United States and focusing on his family.

Over the past 30 years, Melissa Soto has garnered an impressive array of experience in banking and commercial lending. In fact, she’s demonstrated that she’s well-versed in a variety of lending types, with a concentration in commercial and industrial lending to help her clients unlock their full potential. In 2016, Melissa joined bankESB from TD Bank, where she was vice president, portfolio manager. Before that, she was portfolio manager at Bank of Western Massachusetts and assistant manager of the Loan Department of Hampden Bank. Melissa earned a bachelor’s degree from American International College and an associate degree from Springfield Community Technical College. When not at work, she gives back to the community as a board member of the Westfield Boys & Girls Club and a Walk Committee member with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Melissa lives in Westfield and loves both hiking and photography.

Joe Williams takes unlocking his customers’ potential very seriously. “Being up front, honest, and transparent is the best way to build a trusting relationship that lasts,” he says. So, it’s no wonder that, every day, Joe puts this philosophy of “always doing right by the customer” and his more than a decade’s worth of commercial real estate and commercial and industrial lending experience to work for his business customers. Joe joined bankESB in 2023 from PeoplesBank, where he served as assistant vice president, business banking officer. Before that, he was assistant vice president, credit officer at United Bank and commercial credit analyst with TD Bank. Joe earned a master’s degree from Bay Path University and a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University. Outside of work, he is president of the East Longmeadow Baseball Association and a board member of the East Longmeadow Housing Authority. Joe grew up in Westfield, but now calls East Longmeadow home, with his wife and two sons. He enjoys spending free time with his family including coaching his kids’ sports teams, hiking, snowboarding, going to concerts and sporting events, and generally anything that keeps him and his family active.

Tim Czerniewjewski is passionate about understanding what makes his customers tick. Throughout his more than 15 years in banking, he’s made it his mission to get to know their business, their industry, and their business model so that he can fully understand their financing needs and what it takes to unlock their full potential. In 2016 he joined bankESB from TD Bank, where he held several roles including credit analyst team lead. Tim earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western New England University and is active in the community, serving as a Finance Committee volunteer with the Westfield Evangelical Free Church and previously as a member of the Programming Subcommittee of the Springfield Boys & Girls Club. Tim lives in Westfield with his wife and their two sons. In his spare time, he enjoys high intensity physical exercise, reading classic literature, playing chess, and cooking. In fact, Tim claims that his most highly rated dish is his meatloaf. “Best you’ve ever tried!” he says.

Chris Scott is a jack of all trades when it comes to commercial lending. With formal credit training through TD Bank University, Chris has developed an understanding of commercial and industrial (C&I) lending that drives his passion for business. He enjoys digging into financial statements to identity trends while conversing with business owners to understand their unique needs and how to best assist with continued growth. In addition to C&I lending, Chris maintains a strong background in investment real estate for both existing properties and development projects. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing and skiing and looks forward to planning golf trips which have included Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, Carnoustie, TPC Sawgrass, Bandon Dunes, Whistling Straits, Erin Hills, and Streamsong. Chris is also an avid Patriots and Celtics fan, and loves spending time with friends and family, including his nephew, Vinny.