[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 50 (Thursday, March 22, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. JAMES C. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2018

  Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Smith 
upon his retirement as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Webster 
Financial Corporation and Webster Bank after a long and successful 
career. Jim has dedicated more than four decades to supporting 
Webster's success in Connecticut and across the northeast.
  Jim's father, Harold Webster Smith, founded the bank, originally 
called First Federal Savings of Waterbury in 1935 during the Great 
Depression. Jim joined First Federal in 1975, and he then became CEO in 
1987 and Chairman in 1995. Under his leadership, the bank has expanded 
beyond its Waterbury roots to be a significant presence across 
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. In 1995, the 
institution was renamed Webster in honor of its founder and to reflect 
the growing regional influence of the bank. Jim's leadership kept 
Webster stable during the 2008 Financial Crisis and ensuing Great 
Recession, and he ensured Webster did everything it could to help 
families in need keep their homes by allowing them to adjust their 
mortgages.
  In addition to his work at Webster, Jim has contributed his 
experience and expertise to many professional and community 
organizations. He has served as vice chairman of the Midsize Banks 
Coalition of America and previously served as a member of the Financial 
Services Roundtable and on Federal Reserve Board of Governors' Federal 
Advisory Council.
  Jim is a true business leader who invests his time and talents in his 
community. Through Jim's strong leadership, Webster consistently excels 
in employee participation in supporting the local United Way--ensuring 
that those most in need are taken care of. He is, in a way, our own 
George Bailey. Jim has also led Webster Bank's support for artistic 
organizations in our community, including the Waterbury Symphony, and 
he and his wife Cathy support many other civic groups working in 
Connecticut, including the Hartford Bishops' Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, Jim Smith has dedicated his career to Webster Bank, and 
under his leadership, the bank has reached new levels of success and 
maintained its commitment to community care. Therefore, it is fitting 
and proper that we honor him here today. I am fortunate to count Jim as 
a friend and a mentor, and I wish him--and Cathy--much success in the 
next chapter in their lives.

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