The $641 million-asset mutual thrift promoted Scott Cote to chairman, according to a Friday news release.

The $3.2 billion-asset mutual thrift will close offices in Howland, Farmington, Hartland and East Millinocket, Maine. The proposed closings require regulatory approval.

California Bank & Trust in San Diego has given its chief financial officer the additional titles of president and chief operating officer.

The $2.5 billion-asset company will freeze pension benefits for the 10% of its workforce that still receive a pension.

First National Bank of Orwell in Vermont has named Bryan Young chief executive. Young, 38, will succeed his father, Mark Young, as CEO of the $56.1 million-asset bank beginning Jan. 1.

Banks face a growing risk of complacency given years of improved credit quality. They should periodically evaluate the status of loans and underlying collateral to make sure they proactively manage risk.

The $364 million-asset company named Steve Rownd to the positions, effective Jan. 1. Rownd will also be named president and CEO of FNB Bank.

The board of Pascack Bancorp in Waldrick, N.J., spent years debating whether to sell the company or remain independent.

Roy Barnes, a former Democratic governor of Georgia, and his brother have agreed to buy WestSide Bank in Hiram, Ga., for $3 million.

Attempts to sneak provisions into a final budget deal may be sold as helping community banks, but many of the measures really help big banks and undermine consumer protection.

Lake Sunapee Bank Group in Newport, N.H., has exited the Small Business Lending Fund.

The $3.8 billion-asset First Busey said in a press release Thursday that it will pay $210.7 million, or $17.24 a share, in stock for the $1.5 billion-asset Pulaski.

Athens Bancshares in Tennessee has decided to delist its stock from Nasdaq and deregister with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The $1 billion-asset Charter said in a press release Thursday that it will pay $58.8 million, or $20.50 a share for the $369 million-asset parent of Community Bank of the South.

The $140 million-asset company said in a press release Thursday that Martin May would also become its president.

ChoiceOne Bank in Sparta, Mich., has appointed Bradley Henion chief lending officer.

The small bank was the only institution to bid on a contract to process cash payments to the Illinois Department of Revenue. Executives are eager to collect fees without feeling compelled to make loans or hold deposits for the controversial industry.

WASHINGTON — Small banks are being crushed under the weight of regulations associated with the Dodd-Frank Act, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen acknowledged Thursday, but regulators are working to reduce that burden.

Live Oak Bancshares in Wilmington, N.C., has exited the Small Business Lending Fund.