Walter “Wally” Gotowka

LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County Bank has announced the election of Walter “Wally” Gotowka to its Board of Directors. Gotowka brings decades of business experience, strategic vision, and community involvement to the CCB Board of Directors as a life-long resident and business and community leader in both Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Erie counties – communities where CCB maintains a strong brand and branch presence.

“Our Board of Directors and leadership team look forward to the enthusiasm, experience and expertise that Wally brings to CCB,” said Mike Wimer, CCB President and CEO. “His track record for vision and innovation, combined with his passion for delivering the highest level of customer service and supporting local communities, will help us uphold and enhance CCB’s overall strategic mission.”

In his role as a board member, Gotowka will help formulate and guide the strategic vision of CCB, while helping monitor and govern the bank’s operations. Specifically, Gotowka’s experience with the small business community, as well as his knowledge of personal and business insurance, provides a keen understanding of the needs of businesses and individuals, and makes him uniquely qualified to support CCB in this role.

“After meeting and working with Mike Wimer and his leadership team, I can see why they have been so successful as a regional, locally owned community bank. I am very excited to help guide their continued growth in the communities we serve,” Gotowka said.

Upon graduation from SUNY Fredonia in 1981, Gotowka began his insurance career with Nationwide then joined the Heppell-Robinson Agency two years later. Gotowka ultimately purchased the agency which then became the Tradition Agency. In 1991, Wally merged his agency with Lawley, a Top 50 insurance broker headquartered in Buffalo, NY – bringing two customer service-oriented, community- minded teams together with national resources to support – forever changing the insurance game in Chautauqua County.

Most recently, Gotowka brokered a partnership between Lawley Tradition and the 100-year-old Rhoe B. Henderson Insurance agency in Jamestown, forming Lawley Rhoe B. Henderson, where he serves as managing partner. This expanded Lawley’s footprint across Chautauqua County, into the region’s largest cities and communities, employing more than 20 members of the community and supporting more than 60 not-for-profit organizations.

Over the course of his career, Gotowka has developed numerous insurance carve-outs to help manufacturers, nonprofits, construction firms and small businesses while helping individuals and families protect their greatest assets – typically home and auto.

“I am extremely impressed with the dedication of the entire Board of Directors, led by Board Chairman Salvatore Marranca. Every board member is committed to continuing the strong growth and carrying on the rich history of a locally owned bank that treats customers like they are family,” Gotowka said. “I am very excited to have been asked to be part of this wonderful institution and hope that I can help bring continued growth to the Bank and to the communities we serve.”

Cattaraugus County Bank was established in 1902 as a locally-owned community bank committed to helping individuals, families, businesses, and the communities they serve grow and prosper.

An ever-expanding personal and commercial banking products portfolio offers checking, savings, loan and credit products as well as home and commercial mortgages. Money deposited with CCB stays in the communities it serves to help propel personal and business success.

With seven branches across Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Erie counties, it’s a commitment to community banking backed by pride and passion for community building.