Lord, Bissell & Brook LLP Attorney Charlotte Bahin Authors Bank Board Members Manual

Charlotte Bahin, a partner with Lord, Bissell & Brook LLP has authored the 12th edition of The Bank Board Members Manual, published by America's Community Bankers (ACB), the national trade association for community banks.

The manual provides updates in a number of areas that are increasingly important to community bank boards of directors. The manual covers issues on new operations and corporate governance duties, as well as self-testing, setting goals and standards, and role definitions for inside and outside directors.

"Board members of all types of companies are under scrutiny today, and community bank boards in particular must be informed, educated and prepared for the added pressures that come in today's business environment," said Bahin.

"With regulatory authorities being concerned about the education of a board, I try to keep mine educated so the members know what their responsibilities are," said Joseph M. Vinard, president and CEO of Chelsea-Provident Co-operative Bank, Chelsea, Mass. "When I saw The Bank Board Members Manual, I thought it would be a good publication for them to have. It's better to keep them informed than to let them find out from regulators that they are doing something wrong."

"ACB recognizes the importance of providing up-to-date and user-friendly information for the boards of directors of community banks," said Diane Casey-Landry, ACB president and CEO. "We believe it was essential to update The Bank Board Members Manual in light of recent changes in corporate governance and the increased regulatory attention. "We think the manual is an outstanding addition to ACB's suite of products for directors, and we are pleased that Charlotte was available to work on the project," she added.

Bahin has more than 16 years of experience as a regulatory and banking attorney, and has counseled financial institutions in supervisory and transactional matters. Prior to joining Lord, Bissell & Brook, Bahin was ACB's senior vice president of regulatory affairs.

The publication can be ordered from ACB at (888) 872-0568 or www.acb.us.