Linda Lorden (right) receives 2021 Community Banker of the Year Award from Kristy Merrill (left), President of NH Bankers.
During the NH and Vermont Banker Annual Conference this past weekend, NH Bankers Association announced Linda Lorden, President of The Merrimack, as this year’s Community Banker of the Year.
Linda was selected for this prestigious honor by a panel of leading public officials which included NH Senate President Chuck Morse, Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy, and Representative John Hunt, Chair of the House Commerce Committee.
NH Bankers President Kristy Merrill said, “This year’s nominees reflect 160 years of experience in the banking industry and service to nearly 55 professional and community organization boards and committees. Our nominees are a wonderful representation of the commitment to community service that New Hampshire bankers demonstrate in their work every day.”
She continued, “We congratulate Linda for this well-deserved recognition whose personal and professional life embodies the spirit of the Community Banker of the Year and to each of our outstanding applicants considered for this prestigious award.”
As President, Linda nurtures a culture of giving back to the community among the bank’s employees, both through The Merrimack’s generosity to all the towns and surrounding communities they serve as well as through her personal actions. In 2020 alone, she inspired employees to volunteer 3,485 hours to 72 nonprofits statewide. As Merrimack County Savings Bank’s first woman president, Linda has been a role model for all people, especially women.
Linda’s personal life reflects her passion for community service and she is a Trustee for Concord Hospital, Capital Region Health Care, and a member of the Steering Committee for the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness. She actively volunteers at the Friendly Kitchen in Concord, and previously served as President of the Board for the Penacook Community Center. A current Rotarian at the Bow Rotary Club, Linda was also a board member of the organization for many years.
She has served on the Board for Riverbend Community Mental Health, was a member of the CATCH Asset Building Coalition and participated on the Granite United Way’s agency review committee for Merrimack County and their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Committee. Linda also serves as Secretary for the NH Bankers Association Board of Directors and as a member of the Legislative Committee.
In 2020, Lorden was recognized as Greater Concord of Chamber’s Citizen of the Year Award.