Savings Institute Bank & Trust’s Norwich Branch Manager Barry Shead was recently honored at the 53rd Annual Freedom Fund Gala, held by the Norwich NAACP.

Shead received the President’s Award for Community Service and recognition from Sen. Richard Blumenthal for his efforts to improve the Norwich community.

“This is a well-deserved recognition for Barry’s commitment to the Norwich community,” Rheo Brouillard, CEO and president at Savings Institute Bank & Trust, said in a statement. “We cannot be more proud of the work he’s done and continues to do. Barry’s a great ambassador for the bank, embodying our strong community values in the way he gives back.”

Shead was a charter member of the committee that established a “Celebrate Cultural Diversity” event in Norwich, along with founding the Lottie B. Scott Celebrate Cultural Diversity award, which recognizes an individual each year who has worked to make a difference in promoting education and understanding of various cultures in the city of Norwich. Additionally, he founded the Ralph Learned Community/Military Service Award to highlight a member of the military who is serving their country and making a difference in the local community. Shead is also a past president of the Norwich Rotary Club.