Overview:
Cornerstone Bank has announced the completion of its merger with Athol Savings Bank, with Daniel J. Zona named as the new president of the combined entity. The merger expands Cornerstone's presence into the North Quabbin region and will continue to operate as a division of Cornerstone Bank, retaining its name and five branch locations. All employees of Athol Savings Bank have been retained, and customers will continue to work with the same staff during the transition. Zona's early focus as president is integration, with an emphasis on bringing employees from both banks together thoughtfully and maintaining the high level of service possessed by both banks.
ATHOL – Daniel J. Zona has been named president of Cornerstone Bank, a leadership change that took place in mid-December as the bank prepared to complete its merger with Athol Savings Bank.
According to a press release from Cornerstone Bank and Athol Savings Bank, the merger closed on Dec. 31, formally bringing the two community banks together and expanding Cornerstone’s presence into the North Quabbin region. Athol Savings Bank will continue operating as a division of Cornerstone Bank, retaining its name and five branch locations.
The press release stated that Zona, who previously served as president and CEO of Athol Savings Bank, succeeded retiring Cornerstone President Randal Webber. As part of the transition, Zona also joined the Cornerstone Bank Board of Directors.
“Stepping into this role is a very meaningful moment for me,” Zona said via email. “Athol Savings Bank and Cornerstone Bank have each built long legacies of trust in the communities they serve. I am honored to help carry that forward.”
Zona said leading Cornerstone differs from his previous role at Athol Savings Bank primarily in scale. At Athol, he worked within a smaller organization and handled a broad range of responsibilities directly. At Cornerstone, he said, the institution’s larger size allows for deeper specialization, greater resources and systems designed to support long-term growth.
“That scale also allows us to take the strong foundation of community banking and expand what we are able to offer, while staying rooted in trust and relationships,” Zona said.
According to the press release, all Athol Savings Bank employees were retained as part of the merger, allowing customers to continue working with the same staff during the transition. The completed merger also expands access to additional products and services, including enhanced digital banking options.
Zona said his early focus as president is integration, with an emphasis on bringing employees from both banks together thoughtfully.
“I want employees to understand the strong values these two banks share and how their work fits into the larger organization,” Zona said. “At the same time, we are focused on maintaining the high level of service possessed by both banks that customers expect while introducing tools and processes that improve convenience and efficiency.”
He said trust plays a central role in that work.
“Trust is built through people,” Zona said.
He also emphasized the importance of preserving Athol Savings Bank’s long-standing presence in the North Quabbin region as Cornerstone moves forward.
“That legacy is something I take seriously,” Zona said. “Athol Savings Bank earned trust by being present and engaged in the North Quabbin region for generations. Preserving that means continuing to invest time, resources and personal attention locally.”
Looking ahead, Zona said he will measure success in his first year as president by how employees, customers and communities experience the transition.
“Success would mean employees feel connected to a shared mission, customers clearly see the benefits of the merger and communities continue to place their trust in the bank,” he said.