BayCoast Bank has selected Marie Pellegrino as its next president.
SWANSEA, WESTPORT, SOUTH EASTON, MA – With his distinguished presence in the financial industry for more than 45 years, Nicholas M. Christstands as a pillar of expertise, demonstrating forward-thinking leadership. His profound knowledge and steady, visionary oversight have been instrumental in shaping BayCoast Bank’s standing as a premier financial institution serving the people and businesses across the South Coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Now, under his dynamic leadership, BayCoast Bank is making a historic announcement.
Marie Pellegrino has been named BayCoast’s new President, the first woman in its history to hold the respected position. Christ will remain the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, while expanding his role, becoming Chair of the Board.
Pellegrino, who previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, manages the BayCoast organization and its comprehensive Family of Financial Solutions, helping customers achieve their banking, lending, insurance, and wealth management goals through the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries: BayCoast Mortgage, BayCoast Insurance, Plimoth Investment Advisors, and Priority Funding.
Pellegrino brings an outstanding record of experience and leadership to her new role.
She began her finance career with a strong foundation in healthcare administration and accounting. In 2000, she transitioned to the community banking industry with employment as Accounting Manager for People’s Credit Union in Middletown, RI. This experience helped prepare her for her next role as Vice President and Controller at Newport Federal Savings Bank. In 2013, she embraced a new challenge by joining BayCoast Bank in Swansea, MA, where she has received numerous promotions during her tenure.
Pellegrino’s impressive background includes a strong commitment to educational excellence. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Providence College and is a graduate of the Massachusetts Bankers School of Financial Studies.
She and her husband reside in South Easton, MA.
Nicholas M. Christ’s remarkable journey at BayCoast Bank encompasses numerous executive-level positions, ultimately culminating in his current role as Chair of the Board and CEO. Under his leadership, BayCoast Bank has grown from a $200 million organization, formerly as Citizens~Union Savings Bank, to its current status as a $2.9 billion financial institution.
Before his tenure at BayCoast, Christ contributed his knowledge and expertise to the Dedham Institution for Savings and the Boston, Massachusetts office of Wolf and Company. He built his academic foundation with a Bachelor’s degree from Boston College, followed by an MBA from Babson College.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Nick is deeply woven into the fabric of the local community. He fervently advocates for local schools and encourages the business community to play an active role in shaping the education of our students. Additionally, he actively engages with nonprofit organizations throughout the Fall River and New Bedford areas, leaving a lasting impact.
His board leadership extends across several regional and faith-based organizations including Bristol Community College Foundation Board of Directors, The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, Diocese of Fall River School Board, Durfee Hilltopper Athletic Foundation, and The Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE). In addition, he contributes his expertise as a member of the Fall River Historical Society Steering Committee, and the Diocese of Fall River Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala Committee.
Christ’s strong history of community engagement is distinguished by service to more than 70 local organizations and nonprofits, a testament to his enduring dedication to the region. His previous contributions have included serving as an Advisory Board Member and Mentor for the SouthCoast Mentoring Initiative for Learning, Education & Service (SMILES). He also held board positions with Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education (MBAE), SouthCoast Community Foundation, One SouthCoast Chamber, Charlton College of Business Advisory Board, and the Kaput Center at UMass Dartmouth. He provided impactful leadership to the United Way of Greater Fall River, where he served both as Board Member and Chairman, in addition to playing key roles in numerous other civic and philanthropic initiatives throughout his notable career.
About BayCoast Bank
Established in Tiverton, Rhode Island in 1851, BayCoast Bank is celebrating 175 years as a respected community savings bank. Now headquartered in Swansea, Massachusetts, the Bank has earned a strong reputation for excellence by providing exceptional financial products and services to the people and businesses on the South Coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island through 25 convenient branch locations and loan production offices, with more coming soon. The Bank offers a family of comprehensive financial solutions through its subsidiaries: BayCoast Mortgage, BayCoast Financial Services, BayCoast Insurance, Plimoth Investment Advisors, and Priority Funding. To learn more, visit baycoast.bank or call 508-678-7641..
