By: Anthony A. Joyce III, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank and President of the Chelsea Groton Foundation
Talk a little bit about your background/history and how you came to be at Chelsea Groton Bank.
I was born and raised in Southeastern Connecticut and have spent nearly my entire career here. A proud graduate of UCONN and the University of New Haven, I have over 40 years of banking experience. Before joining Chelsea Groton Bank in 2013, I held long-term positions at Norwich Savings Society and People’s United Bank. My personal values have always aligned with those of Chelsea Groton Bank and the Chelsea Groton Foundation – being able to give back to the great community where I live and work is of utmost importance to me. It’s one of the best parts of being on the leadership team at a mutual community bank, and it’s why I proudly serve on many local, non-profit boards of directors including the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT, Hartford Healthcare, and Catholic Charities.
What is important to you about the Foundation’s mission, and what are the ways that mission aligns with the Partnership’s mission?
The Foundation’s mission is to support the long-term growth of our community through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to progress. With the ongoing shortage of safe, stable, and affordable housing in Southeastern Connecticut, housing remains one of our key funding priorities. Together with Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation is deeply committed to fostering belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion—both today and for future generations. The Partnership’s mission is rooted in building strong relationships to achieve housing goals while nurturing an inclusive culture. Our aligned missions create a powerful opportunity to drive systemic change for the betterment of the communities we serve.
What feels most exciting about this partnership?
It’s exciting to see the Chelsea Groton Foundation Grant supporting the Research Associates Program. As with any systemic crisis, raising awareness is a critical first step. This new generation of student writers will help keep housing insecurity at the forefront of our community’s consciousness. By contributing their voices, they not only advance the Partnership’s mission but also ensure that the next generation is part of the conversation. With continued collaboration and commitment, we can hope that a future generation will no longer have to worry about homelessness.
How do you measure success in the projects you support?
The Foundation requires a post-grant report detailing how the grant funds were used, including a narrative summary of activities and the outcomes achieved. If the funded program demonstrates significant impact, we may consider renewing support for another year. In some cases, the nonprofit may choose to request funding for a different activity or program. If the work is meaningful, shows measurable progress, and is having a positive impact on the community it is intended to serve, the Foundation is open to exploring deeper collaboration or future funding.
Learn more about Chelsea Groton Bank and the Chelsea Groton Foundation at chelseagroton.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.