Bristol County Savings Bank's Michele Roberts Receives Community Impact Award from Rhode Island Bankers Association
Roberts, who retired in January 2025, enjoyed a career which spanned over 33 years at Bristol County Savings Bank, leaving a lasting legacy through her leadership, community service and advocacy, particularly in Rhode Island. As Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing and Community Relations Officer, and as a valued member of the Executive Team, she shaped the Bank’s community engagement strategy. Roberts continues to be the driving force behind the Bank’s Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, which has distributed more than $35.4 million to a variety of local nonprofit organizations since its inception in 1996, including Meeting Street in Providence, The Pawtucket Foundation, Pawtucket Central Falls Development, LISC, RI Community Food Bank and Boys & Girls Clubs of Pawtucket. As Clerk, she served as the face of the Foundation for 28 years before recently being named Chair in 2025. Her leadership in the area of charitable giving has played a key role in the Bank’s philanthropic mission, addressing critical community needs and directly impacted thousands of lives.
Roberts’ leadership extends beyond the Bank. She has forged deep, enduring partnerships in Pawtucket, Central Falls, Providence, and Northern Rhode Island, championing initiatives in education, youth development, and economic opportunity. Her efforts have impacted thousands—from supporting early childhood education to advancing workforce development. She has been a steadfast advocate for community-driven change, bringing together resources, organizations, and people to strengthen the communities she served.
“For decades, Michele’s leadership and dedication have been key components to helping the Bank make a positive impact within Rhode Island through the partnerships we form, the volunteerism of our employees and the investments we make,” said John Silva, President & CEO, Bristol County Savings Bank and President of Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation. “The work she has done on behalf of our Foundation has truly made a difference to hundreds of non-profit organizations and those they serve, and we continue to donate more grant money each year, with a record $2.9 million being awarded in 2024 alone.”
Roberts has served on numerous nonprofit boards benefiting Rhode Islanders, including Meeting Street, the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, and the Pawtucket Foundation. Her leadership helped advance the Pawtucket Downtown revitalization and expand youth programming through the Boys & Girls Club. Under her guidance, Bank employees contributed thousands of volunteer hours annually in Rhode Island, from financial education workshops to hands-on service projects. Her contributions to the banking industry and the community have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Pawtucket Foundation Person of the Year Award and the 2024 Meeting Street Founders’ Award.
Roberts has been a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a tireless advocate for women in leadership, helping shape the culture and priorities of the banking community in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Her influence extends far beyond her official role—she has mentored colleagues, built cross-sector collaborations, and ensured that Rhode Island communities benefit from both financial resources and long-term partnership.
A graduate of Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada, Roberts furthered her education by earning high honors from the New England School for Financial Studies at Babson College, Wellesley, Massachusetts and the National School of Banking at Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut. Roberts resides in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.