Author: Leslie McAllister

Maine Community Bank Announces Executive Leadership Transition in Commercial Banking

PORTLAND, Maine—May 5, 2026—Maine Community Bank announced today that Chief Commercial Officer Karl Suchecki will retire at the end of May after more than two decades with the bank. Longtime employee Matt Early, currently Senior Vice President and Director of Commercial Banking, has been named Chief Commercial Officer and will step into the role upon Suchecki’s retirement, ensuring continuity of leadership. 

Suchecki joined the bank in 2004 as a Commercial Banker and advanced through a series of leadership roles before being named Chief Commercial Officer in 2019. Over the course of his tenure, he played a central role in shaping the Bank’s commercial strategy and strengthening relationships with businesses and organizations across Maine.

“Karl has been a steady hand through an enormous amount of change and growth, and he’s done it by building trust, developing people, and consistently showing up for customers,” said Steve deCastro, CEO, Maine Community Bank. “The strength of our commercial team is a direct reflection of his leadership. We are grateful for his contributions and the example he has set for so many of our colleagues.”

Early will carry that strength forward, continuing the department’s focus on external networking, partnership development, and relationship building. He brings more than 30 years of experience in banking and a longstanding commitment to supporting economic development across Maine.

“Matt understands what makes community banking work, especially here in Maine,” said deCastro. “He has built his career around relationships and helping businesses and communities thrive. He is the perfect choice to lead this next chapter of growth for our organization.” 

Early is a graduate of the University of Maine and holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. He previously served on the board of the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) and works closely with local housing authorities to support affordable housing initiatives. 

“I’m honored to step into this role and continue the work Karl has led so well,” said Early. “Community banking is rooted in relationships. I look forward to working alongside our team to strengthen those connections and build on that foundation to expand our impact across Maine.”

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About Maine Community Bank 

Headquartered in Portland, Maine Community Bank is the largest mutual savings bank operating exclusively in the state, with nearly $3 billion in assets and 21 branches across Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. With a rich 150+ year heritage, the bank remains proudly ‘All in on Maine’ and committed to helping Maine families, businesses, and communities thrive. 

As the only bank headquartered in Cumberland County, Maine Community Bank is a depositor-owned institution committed to local decision-making and offering a comprehensive suite of both personal and business financial services, as well as wealth management.  

Committed to the well-being of its communities, Maine Community Bank annually contributes thousands of volunteer hours and financial resources to community-based initiatives. By investing in local partnerships that promote financial literacy, stimulate economic growth, and foster entrepreneurship, the bank strengthens the fabric of the communities it serves. Learn more at maine.bank. 

Marcus Buzulchuck Named Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer

PORTLAND, Maine (February 12, 2026) — Marcus Buzulchuck has joined the commercial banking team as Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer, supporting small businesses throughout the Southern Maine market. 

Buzulchuck will be based in the bank’s Biddeford office. He previously served as branch manager of the Biddeford–Main Street location and brings nearly 15 years of experience with the bank. 

“Marcus’s promotion reflects our commitment to developing talent from within and investing in people who understand our communities and our clients,” said CEO Steve deCastro. “His experience, leadership, and deep roots in Southern Maine position him well to support the region’s small businesses.” 

In his new role, Buzulchuck will work closely with local business owners, providing tailored commercial banking solutions to support their growth and long-term success. 

 

About Maine Community Bank 

Headquartered in Portland, Maine Community Bank is the largest mutual savings bank operating exclusively in the state, with nearly $3 billion in assets and 21 branches across Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. Formed from the merger of Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank—two of Maine’s longest-standing community banks with rich 150+ year heritages—the b

ank combines the strengths of both institutions to create an even stronger, more capable, and more convenient institution for Maine families, businesses, and communities. 

As the only bank headquartered in Cumberland County, Maine Community Bank is a depositor-owned institution committed to local decision-making and offering a comprehensive suite of both personal and business financial services, as well as wealth management.  

Committed to the well-being of its communities, Maine Community Bank annually contributes thousands of volunteer hours and financial resources to community-based initiatives. By investing in local partnerships that promote financial literacy, stimulate economic growth, and foster entrepreneurship, the bank strengthens the fabric of the communities it serves. Learn more at maine.bank. 

PFAS testing company from Norridgewock tops field of five finalists; others recognized for innovation and impact.

 

PORTLAND, Maine – October 22, 2025 – Maine Community Bank has named Maine Laboratories the winner of its 2025 LaunchPad small business competition, earning the company the bank’s $50,000 grant to expand its PFAS testing services for homes and businesses. 

Now in its 12th year, and its first under the Maine Community Bank banner, LaunchPad celebrates Maine entrepreneurs building innovative, high-impact companies. Five finalists pitched live at the University of New England’s Innovation Hall in Portland: 

  • CarHop (Portland) – A no-commission food-delivery platform strengthening relationships between restaurants and customers. 
  • Dunstan Smokehouse (Scarborough) – Turning underutilized Maine seafood into premium smoked products. 
  • Maine Laboratories (Norridgewock) – Making PFAS testing accessible for homeowners and offering scalable commercial solutions. 
  • Maine Love (Westbrook) – A beverage company using Maine’s clean water and creative flavor partnerships to grow. 
  • UniteGPS (South Portland) – Building a patent-pending transportation management system for school districts nationwide. 

Judges praised Maine Laboratories for its measurable impact on public health, strong year-over-year growth, and ability to translate complex science into accessible solutions. 

“Katie Richards and her team are doing critical work for our communities,” said Steve deCastro, CEO of Maine Community Bank. “Their growth, mission, and leadership embody the spirit of LaunchPad—entrepreneurs building a better future for Maine through innovation and hard work.” 

Caption (L to R): LaunchPad judge John Burns of the University of Maine with Maine Community Bank CEO Steve deCastro, judge Kristine Delano, $50,000 grant winner Katie Richards of Maine Laboratories, judge Kate McAleer of Bixby Chocolate, and Katie Grant, LaunchPad emcee and Commercial Banker.

All finalists received a $1,000 award and complimentary 90-day memberships to the Roux Institute at Northeastern University, providing access to its entrepreneurship resources, AI tools, and workspace in Portland. 

Maine Community Bank also honored an entrepreneur in the Emerging Business Award category. From a group of five additional finalists selected from LaunchPad applicants, Freeport-based Dirigo Sea Farm earned the distinction, along with a $10,000 cash grant from MCB and $10,000 in in-kind marketing, business development, and public relations services from Creative Imaging Group, Grove Marketing, iBec Creative, Nu-Yar, and Philbrook PR. Jay and Jennifer Yilmaz, owners of the Applewood Inn in Freeport, generously contributed an additional $1,000 to the Emerging Business Award, raising the total cash prize to $11,000. Maine Community Bank also awarded $500 grants to the remaining finalists—CIVA, Hoopsy, Industry, and Memory Lane TV—in recognition of their innovation and participation in this year’s competition.  

Caption (L to R): Emerging Business Award winner, Alexa McGovern of Dirigo Sea Farm, with Maine Community Bank’s Katie Grant, Commercial Banker and LaunchPad emcee, and CEO Steve deCastro.

About the newly combined Maine Community Bank
Headquartered in Portland, Maine Community Bank is the largest mutual savings bank operating exclusively in the state, with nearly $3 billion in assets and 21 branches across Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. Formed from the merger of Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank—two of Maine’s longest-standing community banks with rich 150+ year heritages—the bank combines the strengths of both institutions to create an even stronger, more capable, and more convenient institution for Maine families, businesses, and communities. 

As the only bank headquartered in Cumberland County, Maine Community Bank is a depositor-owned institution committed to local decision-making and offering a comprehensive suite of both personal and business financial services, as well as wealth management.  

Committed to the well-being of its communities, Maine Community Bank annually contributes thousands of volunteer hours and financial resources to community-based initiatives. By investing in local partnerships that promote financial literacy, stimulate economic growth, and foster entrepreneurship, the bank strengthens the fabric of the communities it serves. Learn more at maine.bank. 

 

2025 marks the first year of LaunchPad under Maine Community Bank, following its merger of equals with Gorham Savings Bank on January 1st. Since 2013, LaunchPad has awarded nearly $600,000 in no-strings-attached grants to Maine’s most innovative small businesses, from AI-powered startups to sustainable seafood ventures. 

PORTLAND, Maine | July 14, 2025 — Maine Community Bank launched the 2025 application for its 12th annual LaunchPad small business competition today, offering Maine-based entrepreneurs a chance to earn a $50,000 grant from the bank to scale up their innovative ventures.

“We believe in supporting entrepreneurship and helping local small businesses prosper,” said Steve deCastro, CEO of Maine Community Bank. “For over a decade, LaunchPad has proudly empowered early-stage Maine companies with funding, visibility, and local connections—the essentials for fostering a thriving business community.”

Application Process

The application process opens today, July 14, online at MCBlaunchpad.com with a submission deadline of Thursday, August 14 at 5:00pm.

Finalist Selection and Live Pitch Event

A returning panel of distinguished judges, including John Burns, Kristine Delano, and Kate McAleer, former LaunchPad winner, will evaluate finalists based on viability, scalability, uniqueness, management, impact, and their all-important pitch at the October 21 live event.

  • John Burns: Director of Corporate Engagement at the University of Maine, Burns brings over 30 years of institutional investing experience. He has guided investments in over 40 Maine companies, fostering high-growth ventures in tech and sustainability.
  • Kristine Delano: Wall Street veteran, strategic advisor, board director and podcast host: Delano has deep expertise in economic development and small business financing, supporting Maine’s entrepreneurs through strategic investments and mentorship.
  • Kate McAleer: Founder and CEO of Bixby Chocolates, McAleer is a successful Maine entrepreneur with a track record of scaling a craft food business, offering insights into innovation and market growth. She was the Bank’s 2014 LauchPad winner.

Finalists will be notified in late September. The live pitch competition will take place on Tuesday, October 21 at the University of New England’s Innovation Hall in Portland, preceded by a 4:30pm social gathering. Finalists will pitch to the judges, with the $50,000 LaunchPad Grant and Emerging Business Award winners announced at the event’s conclusion.

Awards

The aim of the Bank’s $50,000 no-strings-attached grant is to empower the winning business to scale their vision. For example, 2024 winner Alivo used the prize money to hire two full-time positions to meet growing customer demand. The Emerging Business Award offers a $10,000 grant plus $10,000 in in-kind services (business development, marketing, and PR) from iBec Creative, Creative Imagine Group, Grove Marketing, Philbrook Public Relations, and Nu-Yar. Five additional finalists will showcase 60-second pitch videos during the live event to compete for this prize.

Apply Now

Maine-based small business owners are encouraged to apply or recommend others. Visit MCBlaunchpad.com for details and to submit applications by 5:00pm on August 14.

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About the newly combined Maine Community Bank

Headquartered in Portland, Maine Community Bank is the largest mutual savings bank operating exclusively in the state, with nearly $3 billion in assets and 21 branches across Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. Formed from the merger of Gorham Savings Bank and Maine Community Bank—two of Maine’s longest-standing community banks with rich 150+ year heritages—the Bank combines the strengths of both institutions to create an even stronger, more capable, and more convenient institution for Maine families, businesses, and communities.

As the only bank headquartered in Cumberland County, Maine Community Bank is a depositor-owned institution committed to local decision-making and offering a comprehensive suite of both personal and business financial services, as well as wealth management.

Committed to the well-being of its communities, Maine Community Bank annually contributes thousands of volunteer hours and financial resources to community-based initiatives. By investing in local partnerships that promote financial literacy, stimulate economic growth, and foster entrepreneurship, the bank strengthens the fabric of the communities it serves. Learn more at maine.bank.