After retirement of longtime CFO, Kennebec Savings makes key promotion

Photo / Courtesy Kennebec Savings Bank Nicolas Patenaude took on the CFO role on Jan. 1.

Write a Comment

Kennebec Savings Bank has promoted Nicolas Patenaude to senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer.

The announcement by the Augusta-based bank comes after the recent retirement of Debbie Getchell, who stepped down after a 41-year career in the financial services industry. Getchell had been part of the bank's leadership team since 2011. Before joining Kennebec Savings, she spent 28 years at Machias Savings Bank.

“Debbie has been an integral part of our leadership team, and we are grateful for her contributions,” said Andrew Silsby, president and CEO of Kennebec Savings Bank. “Nicolas is well-prepared to take on this important role and continue building on the solid financial foundation she helped establish.”

About Patenaude

In his new role, Patenaude will oversee the bank's financial operations, including financial planning, accounting functions, budgeting and reporting. He will also lead the bank’s financial strategy, ensuring continued strength and alignment with the institution’s mission of serving customers and the community.

Patenaude started his career at Kennebec Savings Bank in 2009 as an intern, completing the management trainee program and gaining experience on the loan team before transitioning to finance. Most recently, he served as regional vice president and treasurer, managing the bank’s financial activities and preparing for this leadership position.

“I am honored to take on this new role and excited to contribute to the continued success of Kennebec Savings Bank,” said Patenaude. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at the bank and look forward to building on our strong financial foundation.”

He graduated from the University of Maine and the American Bankers Association's Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He has gone through the Kennebec Leadership Institute and, outside of work, is the treasurer of the Calumet Education Foundation.

Kennebec Savings Bank has $1.7 billion in assets and 207 employees at offices in Augusta, Farmingdale, Freeport, Waterville, Portland and Winthrop.

Augusta-based Kennebec Savings ranked No. 9 among the largest Maine-based banks in the recently published 2025 Mainebiz Book of Lists, based on assets as of June 30, 2024.