Leading in Central MA: Bay State Savings’ Diane Giampa

Monday, August 26, 2013

Susan Wagner, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Bay State Bank's HR + marketing pro, passionate philanthropist and voracious reader: Diane Giampa.

Since 1997, Diane Giampa has been Senior Vice President HR and Marketing at Bay State Savings Bank. She is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the bank’s human resources, marketing and training functions. She is a strong believer in giving back and active in a number of Worcester’s non-profits.

A Conversation with Diane Giampa

SW: Working in HR and marketing must encompass a lot of responsibilities. What exactly falls under your job description?

DG: Human resources are all about the people of the organization and marketing is all about telling our story. It is a great and unique combination!!

SW: What is on the drawing board now?

DG: Banking is a continually evolving business, and we are always looking for ways to enhance the customer’s experience. But, bottom line, for us it’s all about the relationships. We want to be your partner… not just your bank.

SW: How did your career begin and where?

DG: I have an MBA (with a marketing concentration) from Anna Maria College and an undergraduate degree in English from Holy Cross College. I was doing fundraising for a hospital in Fitchburg and the human resources director was retiring. I was only 24 years old, and I had the nerve to actually ask for her job. My boss at the time gave me the opportunity of a lifetime, I have been working in human resources ever since

SW: What led you to your current career path?

DG: I was led to this path through a series of very fortunate coincidences. I came to the Bank in 1997 as the assistant vice president - human resources. When the director of marketing left the Bank, because of my education, I assumed those responsibilities “temporarily.” “Temporary” turned into the past 10 years.

SW: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Diane Giampa?

DG: What is “typical?” Seriously, every single day is different, and that what I enjoy the most about my job. I honestly look forward to meeting the challenges of each day.

SW: What is the something that few people know about you?

DG: Besides being a voracious reader (I probably read at least a book a week) … I am a huge fan of 80’s “hair band” music.

SW: How do you spend your free time?

DG: As I said, I love to read … and now that our youngest son is heading off to college, my husband and I are looking forward to traveling more. I see a lot of cruising in our future!! You can also usually find me around a football field. My husband and oldest son are high school coaches and my youngest will be playing football at Amherst College this fall.

SW: What is your advice for helping the city to reach its full potential?

DG: Being in Worcester is one of the best things about working for Bay State Savings Bank. I grew up here. My parents were both from Worcester, I grew up in Millbury, and I went to college in Worcester. Working for an organization that is absolutely committed to its community, and a community so obviously near and dear to my heart, is really a dream come true. If more and more businesses become responsive, corporate citizens, then Worcester can continue to realize its potential. It’s a great place to live and work !!

SW: You are active in the community. What organizations are you involved with?

DG: I am currently Chair of the Board of Girls Inc. I am Vice Chair of the Board of the McCauley-Nazareth Home for Boys in Leicester. I serve on the Boards of the Central Massachusetts Red Cross, Destination Worcester and Books for Babies. I am also active with Taste of the Nation, Hope Lodge and Habitat for Humanity. I obviously believe in giving back.

SW: Any special plans for your future?

DG: Watching the development that has taken place in the City, I am really looking forward, with the Bank, to being an integral part of that. I am looking forward to whatever comes next!

“There is nothing so powerful as a new idea in the hands of a first class entrepreneur.” With more than 25 years of leadership experience, Susan Wagner has been known for driving events, initiatives, launches, and openings through her company SusanWagner PR. In this challenging economy, she has begun a new division to offer affordable start-up packages to new and emerging small businesses and non-profit organizations that include professional writing services, websites, collateral, marketing, social media grassroots outreach and regional PR campaigns.