Gov. Patrick Appoints WPI’s Clarence Plant to Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services

Worcester Resident Also Tapped to Serve on Bank’s Advisory Board
September 11, 2007

Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick has appointed Clarence Plant, property administrator at WPI, to the Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans' Services. The Worcester resident has also been appointed to the newly-formed Commonwealth National Bank Advisory Board to assist the bank with new business generation.

WORCESTER, Mass. – Gov. Deval L. Patrick has appointed Clarence Plant, property administrator at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), to the Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans' Services.

A Worcester resident, Plant is active in the city community. Among the organizations he has been a member of is the city's St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

"Lt. Governor [Tim] Murray and I appreciate your willingness to serve the Commonwealth in this capacity," Patrick stated in a letter to Plant regarding his appointment to the veterans' services post. "Your experience and sound judgment will contribute substantially to the council."

As a veteran, Plant said it is a privilege to be appointed to the council. "I understand the importance of providing a voice for our nation's defenders. They have given of themselves for our country, and it is our duty to assist them in their time of need.

"I look forward to serving as a representative for this underserved community," he continued. "I appreciate Gov. Patrick and Lt. Gov. Murray giving me the opportunity to serve by sharing my knowledge to address the needs of veterans in this Commonwealth. Especially during these trying times, veterans' support services are crucial."

Plant has also been appointed to the newly-formed Commonwealth National Bank Advisory Board. He will assist the bank with new business generation.

"As a mentor and advisor to young people, it is important to lead by example," Plant said. "I hope my involvement in the local community will provide them with a role model and that they will strive to make a difference in their own communities. Commonwealth National Bank has given me an opportunity to make a difference in the business world, and for that I appreciate this appointment."

The bank's president and CEO, Charles R. Valade, explained that the board will help shape the bank's future. "With the rapid growth of the bank and our plans to continue building a profitable franchise, we believe the formation of the board will help us achieve our long-range plans."