Marianne Schlichte ’86 Smith— Leading the Way at Cape Ann Savings Bank

Recently we had the opportunity to meet with Marianne Schlichte ’86 Smith to learn about her career path that led her to the bank presidency at Cape Ann Savings in July 2021.

After graduating from Bishop Fenwick, Marianne went to Westfield State University where she earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration; a few years later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Finance from Salem State University. Marianne then began her 30+ year career in the banking world.

Prior to being named President of Cape Ann Savings in 2021, Marianne served as the bank’s Chief Financial Officer for eight years. Marianne began her banking career as a Bank Examiner with the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks. She went on to work at Gloucester Bank & Trust as the Controller, then took the Treasurer’s position at Meeting House Bank in Boston. A few years later Marianne assumed the role of Controller at Eagle Bank and then at Northern Bank. In 2013, Marianne rejoined the Cape Ann Savings Bank, having previously worked as a teller there while in college in the late ‘80s. A lifelong resident of Gloucester, Marianne considers it an honor and a privilege to be at the helm of the Cape Ann Savings. The bank has been a prominent and longstanding financial institution on the North Shore since 1846.

In addition to her role as a bank president, Marianne finds time in her busy calendar to serve as an active volunteer, committee, and board member with many North Shore organizations: The Cape Ann YMCA, Gloucester Education Foundation, Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Pathways for Children, and the Sawyer Free Library.  Marianne is also on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts’s Banking Association, and serves as an advisory board member of the Massachusetts Bankers Association Women and Allies in Banking, and a member of the American Bankers Association Women CEO Peer Group. 

When asked why she chose to attend Bishop Fenwick, Marianne told us, “I am the youngest of 8 children. I saw my sister, Patricia, attend Fenwick and I knew I wanted to attend as well.” Regarding some of Marianne’s favorite Fenwick memories, she said, “I loved playing field hockey at Fenwick and the many friends I made on the team. Other favorite memories included dances in the cafeteria and going to the football and hockey games.”

When reflecting back on her time at Fenwick and lessons learned, Marianne told us, “Fenwick taught me the importance of hard work, commitment, and teamwork, all of which are very important in the job that I do today.” In sharing some words of advice for today’s Fenwick students, Marianne suggests, “It’s important to embrace and live in the moment while you are at Fenwick. Enjoy all that Fenwick has to offer.”

Congratulations Marianne on your great success in the banking industry and thank you for sharing your wonderful story with the Fenwick community. If you wish to learn more about the Cape Ann Savings Bank, please visit www.capeannsavings.bank