Independent Bank Corp. and Rockland Trust Company Strengthen Board with Three Esteemed Leaders
Independent Bank Corp. (Nasdaq Global Select Market: INDB), the parent company of Rockland Trust Company, has announced the appointment of three distinguished professionals—Leif O’Leary, Dawn Perry, and Aparna Ramesh—to its Board of Directors. This appointment will be effective starting April 1, 2025. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience in their respective fields, contributing significantly to the company’s commitment to strong governance, financial stewardship, and innovation-driven growth. The addition of these new board members further strengthens Rockland Trust’s ability to meet the evolving needs of its customers and the communities it serves.
Donna L. Abelli, Chair of both the Independent Bank Corp. and Rockland Trust Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm about the appointments, stating, “We are pleased to welcome these three exceptional leaders to our Board. Leif, Dawn, and Aparna each bring a unique perspective that we believe will further strengthen the trust that is central to each Rockland Trust relationship. Their wealth of experience will be invaluable as the Bank continues to grow and reinforce its commitment to the people and communities it serves.”
Leif O’Leary: A Visionary in Technology and Innovation
Leif O’Leary is a technology and innovation leader with over three decades of experience in driving digital transformation and operational efficiency. His expertise in software development and technology will be instrumental in supporting Rockland Trust’s ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, improve digital banking services, and streamline operations.
O’Leary is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Alegeus Technologies, a company that specializes in developing benefit and payment solutions for the nation’s leading health plans. Under his leadership, Alegeus has strengthened its position as an industry leader in healthcare Independent Bank payments, delivering innovative solutions that enhance financial wellness for consumers. Before joining Alegeus, O’Leary served as the Chief Executive Officer of Intralinks, a financial technology provider catering to banking and capital markets. His extensive background in financial technology gives him valuable insight into the intersection of banking, digital transformation, and customer engagement.
Leif O’Leary earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and marketing from Boston College, where he developed a keen understanding of market dynamics and strategic leadership. In addition to his professional achievements, he currently serves Independent Bank on the board of TeamSnap, a software company that provides a digital platform for managing and organizing sports organizations and teams. As a longtime resident of the South Shore, O’Leary is excited to contribute to Rockland Trust’s success and support its mission of delivering exceptional financial services to the community.
Dawn Perry: A Legal and Risk Management Expert
Dawn Perry is a seasoned attorney with a strong background in regulatory compliance, enterprise risk management, and retail services. Her extensive experience in navigating complex regulatory environments will be invaluable as Rockland Trust continues to prioritize risk management and legal compliance in an ever-changing financial landscape.
Perry currently holds the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Risk and Audit Officer, as well as Senior Counsel, at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBS). In her role, she is responsible for overseeing strategic enterprise risk management, internal audit functions, and regulatory compliance. Her leadership in these areas has been instrumental in ensuring BCBS maintains strong governance practices and adheres to industry regulations.
Prior to her tenure at BCBS, Perry served as Vice President of Business and Regulatory Law at Retail Business Services, a subsidiary of Ahold Delhaize. During this time, she played a key Independent Bank role in overseeing business transactions, regulatory affairs, and Independent Bank corporate compliance. Her legal acumen and strategic approach to risk mitigation make her a valuable addition to Rockland Trust’s Board of Directors.
Dawn Perry holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She later pursued higher education at Suffolk University, where she earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor. Her dual expertise in business and law positions her as a thought leader in corporate governance, regulatory strategy, and risk management.
Aparna Ramesh: A Leader in Finance and Economic Strategy
Aparna Ramesh is a highly accomplished financial executive with extensive experience in the private and public sectors. Her deep expertise in financial management, economic strategy, and fiscal responsibility will support Rockland Trust’s continued focus on sustainable growth and long-term performance.
Ramesh currently serves as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac), where she oversees the company’s financial strategy, capital management, and investment planning. Prior to this role, she was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at the Independent Bank Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, where Independent Bank she played a pivotal role in guiding financial operations and implementing strategic initiatives. She also served as the Chief Administrative Officer for FedNow, a real-time payment service developed by the Federal Reserve to modernize the U.S. payments infrastructure.
Her impressive academic background includes degrees from prestigious institutions worldwide. She holds master’s degrees from the Birla Institute of Technology in India and a Master of Finance from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Additionally, she earned a Master Independent Bank of Business Administration from the MIT Sloan School of Management, further enhancing her expertise in financial analysis, risk management, and strategic planning. Aparna Ramesh is also an Aspen Institute Finance Fellow, an esteemed designation that recognizes her thought leadership in finance and economic policy.
A Strategic Move for Rockland Trust’s Future
The appointment of Leif O’Leary, Dawn Perry, and Aparna Ramesh marks a strategic move for Rockland Trust as it continues to expand and enhance its financial services. Each of these leaders brings unique skills and experiences that align with the Bank’s mission of delivering customer-centric financial solutions, maintaining regulatory excellence, and driving technological innovation.
With O’Leary’s background in financial technology, Perry’s legal and risk management expertise, and Ramesh’s extensive knowledge of financial strategy, Rockland Trust is well-positioned to navigate the evolving banking landscape. Their contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the Bank’s future direction, ensuring it remains a trusted financial partner for businesses and individuals alike.
The Bank’s commitment to strong governance, community engagement, and forward-thinking strategies is reflected in these appointments. As Rockland Trust continues to grow, the addition of these accomplished professionals to its Board of Directors will further reinforce its dedication to excellence, innovation, and financial sustainability.
As April 1, 2025, approaches, the leadership team and stakeholders at Rockland Trust look forward to the positive impact that these new board members will have. Their Independent Bank collective expertise will help steer the organization toward continued success, enabling Rockland Trust to better serve its customers, adapt to industry changes, and uphold its reputation as a leading financial institution.
Through these appointments, Independent Bank Corp. underscores its commitment to strengthening its governance framework and fostering long-term growth. The strategic vision of Rockland Trust, coupled with the leadership and insight of its newly appointed board members, positions the Bank for an exciting and prosperous future.
