A Conversation with TCV’s Chief Operating Officer, Angela Bowman

By Chris Cassidy, CEO

Angela Bowman was named Trust Company of Vermont’s first Chief Operating Officer this past fall. The COO position has become necessary as the Trust Company has grown in its business and regulatory environment. With almost twenty years of experience, Angela has a vast knowledge of the trust industry. She has been serving on our Executive Committee, utilizing her experience as a trust administrator, and applying her computer capabilities to management of the company’s trust, tax and operations administration. As COO, Angela is responsible for monitoring and improving internal policies, functions, and operations across all departments. Angela continues to work with clients, helping them navigate the complex world of trust administration. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Angela in our Brattleboro Office.

Chris: How did you get into the field of trust administration?

Angela: I majored in Business Administration with a minor in Finance and wanted a career that utilized these skills. At the time, the Chittenden Bank had an opening for an Assistant Wealth Management Specialist. I applied for the position, was hired, and I have been in this field ever since.

Chris: You’ve been at Trust Company of Vermont for almost ten years now. What stands out about your time here?

Angela: TCV is an amazing company to work for. We can customize our services to clients, as well as the roles of employees. All too often when you work for a company, you are focusing on one thing and do not have a say in decisions. At TCV, we encourage employees to participate and have a voice. From the start, the founders wanted to provide an atmosphere of inclusivity. It is rewarding to work for a company that cares about employee-owners, clients and the broader community and makes decisions based on the right thing to do.

Chris: I know the broader community is important to you because if I remember correctly, you grew up around here, right?

Angela: Yes, I was born right here in Brattleboro, grew up in Hinsdale, and I’ve been in the area practically my entire life. I met my husband, Jordan, while in high school, and we have a 15-year-old son, Pierce. I’m one of three daughters, and my sisters and our families still get together with my parents every Sunday for dinner.

Chris: What does your role look like now at Trust Company of Vermont?

Angela: Well, as you know, every day is different, which is fun and exciting. I spend time on companywide initiatives and ongoing work on our internal processes and systems. I also have client relationships where I concentrate on trust administration and estate and financial planning work. In addition, I am a member of our Tax Department and Technology Committee.

Chris: Speaking to a client of TCV, what changes with
you as COO?

Angela: From an external view point, very little. I will still be active in the administration of accounts, but someAngela: From an external view point, very little. I will still be active in the administration of accounts, but some of the day to day may be picked up by other employee owners. We have recently hired Katie in the Brattleboro office, who will be helping to ensure client’s needs are being met.

Chris: You certainly do a lot at the company. Within your role, what types of projects and tasks really excite you?

Angela: I am obsessed with efficiency and solving complex problems. At the organization level, I enjoy making internal systems more efficient. I like tackling a large project and coming up with a course of action and seeing it through from start to finish. At the client level, I like to solve complex problems that incorporate estate planning, tax planning and financial planning.

Chris: Throwing you a bit of a curveball, what is something that you’ve done in your life that you think everyone should have to do?

Angela: That’s an interesting question. I would say working at a restaurant. I was a waitress in high school and college, and waitressing teaches you great life skills about customer service, working with a team, being efficient and how to handle a fast-moving environment.

Chris: That’s very interesting. What are some things that you do outside of work that people may not know?

Angela: I played field hockey in high school and college, and I currently enjoy playing in an adult field hockey league. Although I’m more of a fair-weather person, who loves the water, Pierce took up snowboarding a few years ago, which has gotten me back on the slopes skiing, which I have really enjoyed. I also love home renovation projects. I recently tiled the backsplash in my kitchen as well as the bathroom. Like my husband, I am very handy around the house.

Chris: Well, I’m jealous, as I can barely screw in a lightbulb around the house. Getting back to the company, when you think about the next decade and beyond, what are your hopes for Trust Company of Vermont?

Angela: I hope that we are the same as we are today, namely locally owned and controlled. We will continue to serve clients as best as we can and continue to attract employee-owners with the same values. From the start of the company through today, we have hired the very best and give them the ability to practice their craft.

Chris: Following up on that point, a lot of clients and employee-owners are attracted to TCV because of local control and employee-ownership. Why do you think those things are so important?

Angela: Local control is important because we can dictate the way that we serve our clients and communities. As an employee-owned company, we work to build a culture where people have a voice, which in turn leads to a positive work environment, which in turn leads to better client service. Ultimately, everyone benefits.

Chris: I think that is a great note to end on. Thank you so much for your time today.