Otta named supply chain manager for Mayflower Wind

Mayflower Wind has announced that Will Cotta of Cranston has been hired as its supply chain manager.

Cotta, who has experience working with the Mass Clean Energy Center and the offshore wind industry, is charged with growing Mayflower’s supply chain in the New Bedford and Fall River area as well as across Massachusetts.

Cotta served nine years as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. where he specialized in maritime safety and disaster recovery. In 2018, he was recognized as the Coast Guard Engineer of the Year and nominated for the Federal Engineer of the Year in recognition of his work on marine salvage and expanding the use of alternative fuels in the maritime industry.

Michael Brown, CEO of Mayflower Wind said, “Will has the knowledge, insights, and experience that enables him to make sure that offshore wind development is done in a manner that is fully compatible with existing ocean uses and with environmental stewardship in mind. These important skills along with his supply chain expertise, make him a welcome and wonderful addition to the Mayflower Wind team.”

Cotta comes to Mayflower Wind from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, where he served as the offshore wind supply chain director. He holds an MS in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a BS in naval architecture and marine engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and completed the Naval Command and Staff online program at the U.S. Naval War College.

Greenwood Credit Union welcomes LaFrance, Brown

Greenwood Credit Union has hired seasoned financial IT services veteran Jennifer LaFrance as its new senior vice president, chief operating officer and Andrew Brown to be its new chief financial officer.

Most recently the senior vice president of retail banking, operations and technology at First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union, LaFrance brings a wealth of expertise to the credit union, including more than 25 years of experience in the financial and IT industries.

In addition to her time at First Citizen’s FCU, LaFrance was also previously first vice president, retail, operations and technology at BankFive in Massachusetts. She holds a B.S. degree in business administration from Roger Williams University, has served on the Finance Advisory Board for New Bedford High School, and served on the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army.

Brown’s three-decade career began at Bank of New England, Old Colony, where he was senior staff accountant. He has since worked in management positions at the FDIC, People’s Mortgage Corp., Prime Mortgage Financial, Abington Bank and City of Boston Credit Union. At Greenwood, he will report directly to CEO Fredrick Reinhardt and be a member of the Senior Leadership team.

Brown holds a BS degree in accounting from Bentley College, and earned his MBA from Providence College. He is also an active member in a number of organizations, including the Financial Managers Society, both the Boston Chapter and the National Finance Committee.

“We’re extremely excited to welcome Jennifer to our team,” said Greenwood CEO Fredrick Reinhardt. “Jennifer will be an integral part of our executive team and will be responsible for overseeing the entire scope of Information Technology and Operations for the Credit Union. We have big plans to expand our capabilities, and we’re confident she is just the right person to help us achieve our goals.”

Reinhardt added: “Andy brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to our team with over thirty years of progressive experience in the financial services industry. We’re eager for him to join our team and help us continue to expand our ability to meet the ever-changing financial needs of Rhode Islanders. The Greenwood brand has become synonymous with fair and honest banking practices for people and small businesses, including locally-based lending and decision-making. I look forward to Andy’s financial stewardship as we continue to grow. It’s an exciting time for us.