Samantha Abare

34 | Mortgage Production Manager, Northfield Savings Bank
Residence: Washington

Career highlight: Earning the opportunity to become the Mortgage Production Manager this summer represents a major milestone in my career. Over the past 14 years, I have gained valuable experience across multiple areas of the bank, equipping me with the knowledge, insight, and leadership abilities needed to successfully guide and support the Mortgage Department.

Community involvement: My community involvement includes serving on the board of Downstreet Housing, where I help provide leadership, guidance, and strategic oversight to support the creation of permanently affordable homes throughout Washington, Lamoille, and Orange counties. In addition to my role as a board member, I serve as Treasurer and actively participate on the Fundraising Committee, helping to advance the organization’s mission of expanding housing opportunities and strengthening our communities.

In addition to Downstreet, you can find me volunteering and attending community events as an Affiliate to our Realtor Associations, paddling on Lake Champlain with Dragonheart VT, playing in the Freezing Fun for Families Softball Tournament, and attending Norwich Hockey games in the winter.

Motivation for living and working in Vermont: I am motivated to live and work in Vermont because of the beautiful landscape and the sense of belonging and community.

Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my role is the variety it offers. Each borrower presents a unique scenario, making every day different and rewarding. Whether I’m traveling for closings, meetings, and events or working with borrowers and loan applications from my desk, I enjoy the opportunity to solve problems, build relationships, and help people achieve their homeownership dreams.

Best career advice: The best career advice I have received is that you can’t do everything perfectly, all of the time. Your best effort is your 100%. If things didn’t turn out the way they were supposed to, learn from the mistakes and don’t let it define your excellence.

Favorite Vermont season: My favorite Vermont season is Fall. I love driving around to look at the leaves, eating cider donuts, maple creemees, and enjoying the cooler days and nights.

Favorite downtime activity: Reading and listening to podcasts.

If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: Housing is a human right and everyone deserves access to safe and affordable housing.

Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in community service: Try new things and sign up for something you might not be totally comfortable with. You can learn a lot about the community you serve and live in, just by interacting with new people you may not have yet crossed paths with.