Rochester, New York, United States, June 2026 — Five Star Bank has appointed Greg Helmer as First Vice President, Commercial Banking, strengthening its commercial banking leadership as the bank continues to expand its presence across the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes regions. Bringing nearly 30 years of commercial and business banking experience, Greg joins the organization with extensive expertise in commercial lending, relationship management, and business development, reinforcing Five Star Bank’s commitment to serving businesses and communities across the region.
Prior to joining Five Star Bank, Greg Helmer served as Vice President, Commercial Lending at Canandaigua National Bank, where he spent nearly seven years helping businesses secure financing solutions and supporting commercial growth across the Rochester market. His experience in commercial lending, client relationship management, and local market development further strengthened his reputation as a trusted banking leader serving businesses throughout Western New York.
Before Canandaigua National Bank, Greg built an impressive 13-year career at M&T Bank, where he held progressive leadership positions across commercial and business banking. Most recently, he served as Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager, partnering with business owners to deliver strategic banking and lending solutions while strengthening long-term client relationships. Earlier, he served as Commercial Branch Manager, Vice President, leading branch operations, commercial banking activities, and customer relationship initiatives in Rochester.
Greg began his banking career with Citibank, where he spent more than nine years progressing from Management Trainee to Branch Manager. This early experience provided a strong foundation in retail banking, branch leadership, customer service, and operational management, paving the way for a successful career spanning nearly three decades across commercial and business banking.
With extensive expertise in commercial lending, business banking, relationship management, credit solutions, and regional market development, Greg brings valuable leadership to Five Star Bank as it continues to strengthen its commercial banking capabilities and support businesses throughout Western and Central New York.
About Five Star Bank
Five Star Bank has served customers and communities for more than 200 years, building a longstanding reputation for delivering trusted consumer and commercial banking services. Guided by a strong commitment to customer well-being and community development, the bank provides banking and lending solutions to individuals, businesses, and municipalities across Western and Central New York, while also operating a commercial loan production office serving the Mid-Atlantic region.
Five Star Bank and its affiliate, Courier Capital, LLC, are subsidiaries of Financial Institutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISI). Together, the organization combines community banking values with innovative financial solutions, supported by more than 600 employees dedicated to helping customers, businesses, and communities achieve long-term success.
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