The Dash Between – A Letter of Gratitude from Diane Giampa Ahead of Her Retirement October 4, 2024 The Dash Between – A Letter of Gratitude to the Community I Love Diane Giampa Announces Her Retirement from Bay State Savings Bank Effective December 31, 2024 Dear Friends and Neighbors, As I take a moment to reflect on my journey, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude as I prepare to announce my retirement from Bay State Savings Bank on December 31, 2024. It is both a bittersweet and exhilarating time for me, and I want to share my thoughts with all of you, the wonderful Worcester community that has been an integral part of my life for the past 27 years. There is a beautiful poem by Linda Ellis titled “The Dash Between” that resonates deeply with me, as it captures the essence of our existence: “There are two important dates around the life that we live that reflect the time we’re given to laugh, to love, to give. And between the date when we arrive and the date we go away, there exists a horizontal line that captures every single day.” As I look back on my first day at Bay State Savings Bank on October 1, 1997, I can see a tapestry woven with experiences, relationships, challenges, and countless lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today. This experience has never been without its hurdles; I have faced moments of uncertainty, tough decisions, and paths that seemed unclear. Yet, it was through these trials that I discovered resilience and adaptability and came to understand my own strengths and weaknesses more deeply. Through the years, I have learned that the true essence of success lies in teamwork. Worcester is brimming with it, and I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the successes of many teams through my time on various boards and charities in our community. Giving back has provided me with more rewards than I can express gratitude for. As I reflect on the “dash” of my time at Bay State Savings Bank, I realize that it is defined not by the beginning and end dates but by everything in between—the relationships we’ve built, the lives we’ve touched, and the progress we’ve made together. My hope is that the moments we have shared have held as much significance for you as they have for me. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to each of you—community members, colleagues, and friends. The support I have received has been the foundation of my journey and has allowed me to thrive professionally and personally. I cherish the friendships I have formed here, and I am comforted by the knowledge that I leave Bay State Savings Bank in capable hands, ready to continue serving our community with passion and dedication. As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I look forward to the adventures that await in retirement. However, I know I will miss the camaraderie, the challenges, and the sense of purpose that my work has provided over these years. I look forward to staying in touch with the many wonderful people I’ve had the privilege to work with and to seeing where the next chapter takes us all. With heartfelt appreciation, Diane Giampa Chief Community Engagement Officer Bay State Savings Bank