Reading, MA – Reading Cooperative Bank (RCB) is proud to announce that Julieann Thurlow has been named to American Banker’s 2026 list of The Most Powerful Women in Banking™, the most prestigious recognitions in the financial services industry.
Now in its 24th year, The Most Powerful Women in Banking™ program recognizes women whose leadership, performance, and impact are transforming the banking sector and shaping the future of financial services.
“I am honored to receive this recognition on behalf of our RCB team,” said Julieann Thurlow, President and CEO of Reading Cooperative Bank. “I have been blessed in my many years here with the last 20 at the helm to work with amazing people committed to our mission and dedicated to our success. Our bank’s purpose as a mutual co-operative bank remains the same, helping people solve financial problems, reach financial goals, and strengthen our communities. We have been focused on listening to our customers and introducing technological enhancements that our customers want and need.”
“What’s striking about 2025 and coming into 2026 was the sheer number of things leaders had to get right at the same time—without a playbook. Women at the highest levels—and those quickly on the rise—were making vital decisions amid economic uncertainty, advances in AI and enormous pressure to rethink how their businesses operate,” said Holly Sraeel, SVP, Strategy and Content, American Banker Live Media. “These leaders were willing to make hard calls, change course if necessary, and bring people along faster to meet the moment. These women have earned their recognition.”
Honorees will be recognized during THE MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN BANKING™ Conference & Gala in New York City.
The Conference takes place October 20–21, 2026, at The Altman Building, bringing together leaders from across financial services for conversations focused on leadership, career growth, industry transformation, and the future of banking.
The celebration will culminate with THE MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN BANKING™ Gala on October 22, 2026, at the American Museum of Natural History, where honorees will be recognized alongside leaders from across the financial services industry.
To learn more about The Most Powerful Women in Banking™, the 2026 honorees, and the Conference and Gala, visit: https://the-most-powerful-women-in-banking.americanbanker.com/the-most-powerful-women-in-banking/
About American Banker:
American Banker is the trusted source that senior executives rely on to lead through change. Through independent journalism, expert analysis, proprietary research, and benchmarking, American Banker delivers the insight financial leaders need to navigate critical opportunities and risks — AI and technology innovation, policy and regulation, M&A, and risk and resilience. American Banker connects a financial services community of more than 950,000 professionals both in person and online. Learn more at americanbanker.com.
About Reading Cooperative Bank:
Reading Cooperative Bank is a depositor owned co-operative founded in 1886. This community-centric North Shore financial service provider has branches in Andover, Burlington, Lawrence, Lynn, Lynnfield, Melrose, Nahant, North Reading, Reading, Wakefield, and Wilmington. They also operate teaching branches at Northeast Metro Tech in Wakefield (open to the public) and at Reading Memorial High School (students and staff only), as well as an online branch at www.readingcoop.com.
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