Country Bank Selects CTO to Bolster IT Capabilities

Why It Matters

The appointment positions Country Bank to accelerate legacy‑system replacement and AI integration, critical for retaining customers and reducing operational costs in a competitive banking landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Country Bank hires Ryan Stepalavich as SVP and CTO.
• He brings 26 years IT, 14 in financial services.
• Prior roles include modernizing IT at Berkshire and Savings Institute.
• Focus on AI, security, and legacy system replacement.
• Aims to improve efficiency, customer experience, and automation.

Pulse Analysis

Legacy technology remains a choke point for many regional banks, eroding customer satisfaction and inflating operating expenses. Surveys show that outdated platforms drive up to 68% of executives to cite poor digital experiences as a key attrition factor. In response, institutions are prioritizing cloud migration, zero‑trust security, and AI‑enabled services to stay competitive. Country Bank’s decision to bring in a seasoned technology leader reflects this broader industry shift toward modern, agile infrastructures.

Ryan Stepalavich’s résumé reads like a blueprint for digital transformation in banking. At Berkshire Bank, he oversaw more than 60 initiatives, including a full migration from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams for 1,400 users, and the rollout of Netskope’s Zero Trust Network Access for 800 remote workers. These projects not only streamlined collaboration but also hardened the bank’s security posture—an increasingly vital concern as cyber threats evolve. His experience with post‑merger system integration further equips Country Bank to consolidate platforms after acquisitions, reducing redundancy and cutting costs.

For Country Bank, Stepalavich’s hire signals a strategic commitment to sustainable technology growth. By leveraging his expertise in AI tools, automation, and secure network design, the bank aims to deliver faster, more personalized services while safeguarding data. This move is expected to enhance operational efficiency, attract digitally savvy customers, and position the firm as a forward‑looking player in the regional banking sector. As competitors accelerate their own tech upgrades, Country Bank’s focus on intelligent, automated solutions could become a decisive differentiator in market share and profitability.