The Loomis Communities, a provider of senior living services in Western Massachusetts, has appointed three new members to its board of directors and named new leadership for the organization’s governing body. The appointments, confirmed by the organization, include Zachary Steigmeyer of PeoplesBank, Kevin Whitney of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and Frances Bancroft, a resident of the Applewood community in Amherst.
Alongside these additions, the board has selected Deborah Snow as board chair and Sanford (Sandy) Belden as vice chair. These leadership changes arrive as the organization continues its long-standing model of local governance and oversight for its facilities in South Hadley and Amherst.
New Board Appointments and Professional Backgrounds
The three incoming directors bring experience from the banking, healthcare, and education sectors to the Loomis Communities board. Zachary Steigmeyer currently serves as an assistant vice president of Commercial Lending at PeoplesBank, a role he has held for more than five years. A graduate of UMass Amherst, Steigmeyer is also active in regional athletics and volunteer efforts, including coaching women’s ice hockey at Amherst College and working with the Special Olympics.
Kevin Whitney, who serves as president and chief operating officer of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, joins the board with an extensive background in clinical leadership and nursing administration. His career includes senior roles at Massachusetts General Hospital and Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Whitney, who holds a doctor of nursing practice degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. In 2024, he was honored with the UMass Lowell Solomont School of Nursing Alumni Award.
Frances Bancroft joins the board as an active member of the Applewood community. A retired learning products specialist, Bancroft previously held positions at organizations such as Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies. Her community involvement includes leadership roles within the Applewood residents association and volunteer work for local initiatives, including the Homeless Lunch Program and AARP tax assistance services.
Leadership Appointments and Strategic Oversight
The board has designated Deborah Snow and Sanford (Sandy) Belden to lead its governance efforts. Snow, who has served on the board since 2017, brings experience from both the private sector and culinary education; she is the former owner of Blue Heron Restaurant and Catering and has served as a culinary instructor at the Windham Regional Career Center. Her professional background includes recognition from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and features in national culinary publications.
Sanford Belden, the newly appointed vice chair, became a resident of Loomis Village in 2018. A retired CEO of Community Bank System, Belden holds a PhD in economics from Purdue University and has served on numerous governance boards, including the American Red Cross and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. He joined the Loomis Communities board of directors in 2024.
Margaret Mantoni, president and CEO of the Loomis Communities, stated that the new members reflect the organization’s commitment to stability and local control. “Each is an outstanding member of the community at large and each will bring their experience, knowledge, and passion for the work we do in serving older adults in Western Massachusetts,” Mantoni said in a statement regarding the appointments.
Organizational Context and Next Steps
The Loomis Communities focuses on aging services in the Pioneer Valley.
For individuals seeking more information regarding the governance or services provided by the organization, updates are typically posted through official corporate communications. The organization’s administrative offices maintain regular operations to facilitate ongoing community engagement and strategic development initiatives.
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