Former St. John's headmaster named UniBank CEO

Photo | Courtesy UniBank’s new leadership team, Christopher D. Foley, President (left) and Michael W. Welch, Chief Executive Officer (right).

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By Zachary Comeau

The former headmaster of St. John’s High School has been named the new CEO of Whitinsville-based UniBank, and the former interim president will step into the permanent role.

Michael Welch, a 15-year headmaster at the Shrewsbury private boy’s high school, will lead the bank, replacing former President and CEO Sam Pepper.

The bank did not say why or when Pepper, a 30-year banking industry veteran appointed to lead the bank in June 2017, left the organization.

Meanwhile, Christopher Foley, who stepped in as interim president at an undisclosed time, will become the permanent president.

Welch will become CEO on July 15, and Foley’s appointment is immediate.

Welch, a Worcester native and St. John’s graduate, oversaw a successful capital campaign at the school, boosted financial aid, improved scholarships and upgraded facilities, according to UniBank.

He holds an undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Wisconsin and two graduate degrees from Boston College.

Welch worked as a teacher and fundraiser for the Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, where he recently served as special assistant to the school’s president.

"I am excited to come home to the community where I grew up,’’ Welch said in a press release. "This is a unique opportunity for me to work with some of the most experienced and dedicated banking professionals in the region. I plan to help strengthen the connections with our customers and build new relationships as we continue to grow."

Foley, a 33-year banker, has been at UniBank since 2000, most recently serving as executive vice president before stepping into the interim role.