Meet our North Conway team, a group of local experts dedicated to understanding the banking needs of the Greater Mount Washington Valley region.
– Susan Perry, Senior Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
– Will Perez-Moya, Branch Manager
– Kathy Sanderson, Sr. Residential Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS 409084)
– Thomas Rubino, Universal Banker 1
We asked our team questions about their lives here in MWV, their position at the bank, how they are involved in the community and their thoughts on the housing situation in the area. We hope you enjoy getting to know them and learning more about their thoughts about living here in Conway!
How long have you lived in the MWV, and what brought you to this area?
Susan:
I have lived in Chatham, New Hampshire (1 mile from Conway) for 34 years. I moved to the area after getting married, as my husband grew up in this area and lived here his whole life.
Will:
I’ve lived in Conway for two years. The job opportunities and the area’s beautiful natural surroundings are what initially attracted me to this community.
Kathy:
Moved from Central Florida 20 years ago to North Conway. We wanted to have our daughter experience four seasons in a slower paced rural environment.
Can you share your professional journey in banking and how you came to work at Union Bank?
Susan:
I have been working in banking since 1989, starting first as a teller at a bank on Congress Street in Portland, Maine, and them relocating to the former White Mountain National Bank when I moved to the area. I started with WMNB as a Customer Service Representative and moved around for several years, finally ending up as a Credit Analyst.
When WMNB was acquired by First NH, my job was eliminated so I moved to the former Berlin City Bank as their first Credit Analyst. I was with Berlin City (aka Northway Bank) for more than 17 years, growing the credit department from just me to a large team. In addition, I established a small business program known as the Northway Business Express program where we helped hundreds of businesses with working capital lines of credit and equipment purchases.
After 17 years, I was presented with the opportunity to travel the country and took a job in Software Implementation for a Commercial Lending LOS system. I was responsible for meeting with Banks across the country to determine their needs with the software they purchased, then configured the software to meet their needs. Over the five years that I did this job I helped more than 100 banks implement this software and improve their efficiencies.
Six years ago, Union Bank was looking to open a loan production office in North Conway, and I have been here since.
Will:
I began my career at the bank as a Universal Banker, and since last June I’ve been serving as the Branch Manager.
Kathy:
I started in Banking as a Teller and moved over shortly to New Accounts and after a few years started my career in Residential Mortgage Financing. My husband is self-employed as a Dental Lab Technician in North Conway.
Thomas:
I started my banking career at Norway Savings Bank a little over 5 years ago now. My father and mother were both in banking (father still is) and after a few years in retail sales, I decided it was time to try it out and see if that career path was worth switching to.
I wore many hats while I worked for Norway Savings Bank and when it came time to move to a completely new town, I needed to find something closer. Luckily, the branch manager at the time here was a former co-worker from Norway Savings so it was a very easy transition!
What do you enjoy most about working here?
Susan:
My favorite part of my job is helping people and businesses achieve their dream of business ownership or business growth. I enjoy working at Union Bank as our decisions are made locally, but individuals who are invested in their communities and the people who live there.
Will:
What I enjoy most is working with my fantastic colleagues. We have a supportive, customer-focused team, and it’s rewarding to be part of such a collaborative environment.
Kathy:
I love working for a local Community Bank and the support I have at Union Bank in my role and outreach efforts in Mount Washington Valley.
Thomas:
I think the thing that I enjoy the most about working here is seeing the satisfaction coming from our customers after we’ve done all we can to help them with their banking needs.
There’s no better feeling than seeing a customer extremely happy after having a relationship transferred over to us or even a new relationship, and they praise the entire staff for all their hard work. It’s such an amazing feeling.
Do you have any personal or family history of growing up or attending school in the North Conway area?
Susan:
My husband grew up in Chatham and attended schools in Fryeburg, Mainer. My children also attended school in Fryeburg, both having graduated from Fryeburg Academy.
Will:
I grew up in a different country where I lived near the mountains, about two hours from the coast. In that way, moving to North Conway has felt familiar, as the natural landscape here reminds me of home.
What do you think of the housing market in MWV? How has it changed over the years?
Susan:
The housing market in the Mt. Washington Valley is very tough. The demand for properties to own or rent far exceeds the supply of available units. Communities and developers work hard to find opportunities to generate new inventory, however, in recent times, the cost is prohibitive, and the new construction tends to lean toward the second homeowners or wealthy individuals.
Kathy:
In my twenty years living in North Conway and being very involved in the local housing market it has change from a very rural setting to now a major four-season tourist area. There are many 2nd homes being sold in the last four years which limits housing for the folks that work in our area. Housing prices have also soared upwards. This makes housing affordability for locals very difficult.
What advice would you give first-time homebuyers in Conway or the surrounding areas?
Kathy:
Seek out a mortgage professional that can guide you step by step for a future successful home buying experience. It is never too early to get educated!
Susan:
Be patient, work on making sure your personal situation is the best it can be by eliminated credit card debt, etc. Save some money so you have the funds needed to purchase a home and be open to living in surrounding communities.
Will:
For first-time homebuyers in Conway, my advice is to be prepared and act quickly. I recently made the mistake of not doing that, and it feels like my wife and I missed the chance to buy our dream home.
Make sure you’re pre-approved for a mortgage (with Union Bank, of course) so you can make an offer with confidence, as competition is high. It’s also important to work with a local realtor who understands the specific market trends in Conway. Be flexible with your needs and consider properties just outside of Conway, which may be more affordable while still offering easy access to the town’s amenities.
How does the bank help customers navigate mortgages, especially given the local housing trends?
Susan:
We have a fabulous team of Mortgage Originators, especially Kathy Sanderson, who cover New Hampshire.
Kathy:
We partner with Housing Finance agencies for Home-buying classes and availability for down payment assistance. We also have many loan programs for unique properties and provide build loan programs that can accommodate homebuyers needs.
Will:
The bank offers personalized mortgage services to help customers navigate the local housing market. We provide pre-qualification and pre-approval services to give buyers an advantage in a competitive market. Kathy Sanderson, our mortgage loan originator helps educate buyers on the different types of loans available, including first-time home buyer programs, which might offer lower down payments or better terms.
What local factors, like cost of living or neighborhood developments, should homebuyers in MWV be aware of?
Will:
Homebuyers in Conway should be aware of the rising cost of living, especially with property prices and taxes increasing. Additionally, North Conway’s strong tourism industry contributes to the local economy, which can affect housing demand, especially for second homes or vacation properties.
Buyers should also consider the availability of local amenities such as schools, healthcare, and the proximity to recreational activities, which are key to Conway’s appeal. Recent neighborhood developments and the town’s focus on maintaining its charm can also influence property values, so keeping an eye on local zoning changes and infrastructure projects is crucial for long-term investment planning.
Kathy:
Read as much as you can about the local market and future opportunities they are forever changing. Ask questions of your mortgage professional. We are here to help even at nights or weekends.
How do you stay engaged with the community outside of work?
Susan:
I am the Secretary/Treasurer of the Mt. Washington Valley Economic Council, the treasurer of The Mother Seton House and involved with the Fryeburg Fair.
When my children were growing up, I was very involved in their schools, rec programs, booster clubs, etc. I was also involved with the Red Cross when we had a local office in the Mt. Washington Valley years ago.
Kathy:
I am involved with Memorial Hospital/Main Med in North Conway. My membership with Mt Washington Valley Chamber keeps me connected with business leaders in the community. My involvement with the White Mountain Realtors and Affiliate committees is a great what to stay connected with my referral sources. All of these sources provide Union Bank with many marketing opportunities and relationships.
What do you love most about living in the North Conway area? Are there any particular aspects of the region you think make it a great place to live?
Susan:
The Mt Washington Valley is a great place to live. We have fabulous food options, activities to keep most people busy and cultural events such as local theater productions.
Will:
What I love most about Conway is the incredible natural beauty combined with the welcoming community spirit. The proximity to the White Mountains makes it perfect for outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and scenic drives. The town has a unique blend of small-town charm and vibrant tourism, so there’s always something going on while still feeling peaceful. The strong sense of community and local pride truly make it a great place to live.
Kathy:
There is never a lack of activities in MWV. Being a four-season resort area you have many choices to enjoy the outdoors and inside activities or events.
Thomas:
I think what I enjoy the most about living in this area is the fact that you don’t have to travel far to go from bustling city life where every street corner is a different store to accommodate most needs, to driving just 5 minutes out of town and you are already immersed in the breathtaking mountain views and a short drive into the national parks. You really do get the best of both walks of life living here.
For new residents looking to get involved, what local organizations, community activities, or events would you recommend they check out?
Susan:
Keep an eye on the Conway Daily Sun and Social Media; there are so many things going on in and around the area to keep most people engaged.
What are your favorite local spots to visit with family or friends?
Susan:
There is nothing more calming that driving north on Route 16 and catching a glimpse of a snow-covered Mt. Washington in the background. There are so many fabulous restaurants in the area, and all are so good. Favorite restaurants include SeaDog Brewing, the WildRose at Stonehurst Manor, the White Mountain Hotel and Big Dave’s Bagels. Shopping has changed over the years, with many stores leaving the area and new specialty stores taking their place. It is often difficult to find items such as a dress shirt for a special occasion, but access to better shopping is only a short drive away.
Will:
Some of my favorite local spots include Echo Lake State Park, where you can enjoy picnicking and hiking with stunning views of Cathedral Ledge. For dining, I love stopping by The Wild Rose Restaurant at Stonehurst Manor for great local food. Shopping at Settlers Green is also a must, offering a range of outlets and unique shops that appeal to both locals and visitors alike.
Kathy:
I enjoy Schouler Park in North Conway. Lots of walking and riding trails. In the Winter cross country or snowshoeing is available to enjoy. My favorite restaurant is Black Cap Grill. Locally owned and operated.
How have you seen Conway grow or change over the years, particularly in areas like housing or local services?
Susan:
The area continues to grow and evolve; the Mt. Washington Valley is a tourist destination, and the growth we have seen is related to this industry. Area attractions such as Cranmore Mountain continue to expand and improve their operations to attract more visitors to the area. We need housing for those who live and work here and accommodations for those who like to visit and play here. The area needs to find a good balance between the two.
Thomas:
I grew up in Bartlet NH which is just down the road from Conway. I remember when this entire area used to be a lot less busy and crowded than it is today.
I would say the business population here has increased tremendously since I was in my youth, visiting here pretty regularly. The area has brought more diverse business that the area at the time did not have so I would say that the growth this area has had was a blessing.
What would you recommend to someone moving to Conway regarding housing or settling into the community?
Thomas:
For someone moving to Conway, I recommend working with Kathy. She truly understands the unique housing market here. While the housing inventory can be competitive, there are opportunities if you’re patient and prepared. Get involved in the community early on by attending town events and visiting local businesses—it’s a great way to feel settled and meet people.
Kathy:
Immediately get involved in the community. Volunteering is a great way to stay connected and meet locals that can help you navigate your MWV experience.
What are some local landmarks, businesses, or events that hold special meaning for you?
Kathy:
Memorial Hospital is dear to my heart.
We Look Forward To Meeting You!
We hope this glimpse into our team has helped you get to know us better. We look forward to building a lasting relationship with you and supporting your financial needs.
Union Bank is proud to serve North Conway with a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact in our community. Whether you’re opening an account, looking for a loan, or seeking financial advice, we’re here to help. Stop by today or contact us to experience the difference we can make for you!
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