NORWICH – NBT Bank brings to a close one of the most important chapters in the company’s 160-year history today as it marks the retirement of a man who helped the organization reconnect with its community banking roots, ushering a path of continued growth and prosperity.

On Tuesday, May 3, 2016, following 28 dedicated years of exemplary service, Daryl R. Forsythe will complete his current term as Director and retire as Chairman of the NBT Bank and NBT Bancorp Boards.

“Daryl’s impact on NBT has been tremendous,” said NBT President and CEO Martin Dietrich. “During his tenure, the company has grown from a community bank with a local presence in central New York to one of the leading financial services organizations in the northeast at a time when the banking industry has faced many historic challenges. On behalf of all NBT directors, our nearly 1,800 employees and our retirees, I extend our deeply-felt gratitude and appreciation for the dedication, leadership and vision Daryl has provided.”

In 1988, Forsythe was one of three new members to join the bank’s Board of Directors followed by a 1992 appointment to NBT’s Holding Company Board. In 1994, NBT was in need of a new leader; and when the Board shifted its approach to focus on management skills over a banking resume, it would name Forsythe as its new CEO in December of that year.