Camden National Bank Appoints Commercial Banking Leaders

Camden National Bank has announced three executive appointments to its senior leadership team to strengthen its commercial banking operations across Northern New England. The bank named Kate Brunelle as executive vice president and chief credit officer, Ryan Smith as executive vice president of commercial banking, and Barbara Raths as executive vice president of treasury management and government banking. These strategic moves are designed to deepen client relationships and provide specialized guidance to businesses, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations in a complex financial environment.

Camden National Bank has restructured its senior leadership by appointing three executive vice presidents to oversee critical commercial banking and credit functions. Kate Brunelle joins the institution as executive vice president and chief credit officer following a 20-year career at TD Bank, where she specialized in commercial banking, credit risk, and complex credit restructuring. Most recently, Brunelle served as a senior credit officer in workout for specialty and middle market portfolios, where she structured complex credit requests for companies in special situations. Her background is expected to add significant depth to the bank’s credit leadership and support its disciplined, relationship-focused commercial strategy.

Ryan Smith, who has been with Camden National Bank since 2012, has been named executive vice president of commercial banking. Smith previously served as the bank’s chief credit officer and has held various senior leadership roles across commercial banking and credit administration. By transitioning from credit oversight to leading the commercial banking team, Smith will leverage his extensive experience in risk management and relationship banking to drive disciplined growth and enhance service for the bank’s commercial clients.

Barbara Raths has been appointed executive vice president of treasury management and government banking, a role that builds on her leadership of these strategies since joining the bank in 2019. Raths possesses a diverse background in public and corporate finance, having previously served as deputy state treasurer for the State of Maine, as well as holding roles at People’s United Bank and WEX. Her expertise is central to Camden National Bank’s efforts to deliver tailored treasury and banking solutions to municipalities, nonprofits, and commercial entities throughout the region.

Simon Griffiths, president and CEO of Camden National Bank, stated that these appointments bring complementary strengths that will enhance the bank's support for commercial clients. The leadership changes are intended to position the bank to expand its capabilities and provide the responsive guidance necessary for regional organizations to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape. This executive realignment underscores the bank's commitment to a relationship-first approach in the Northern New England market.