It’s a bit hard to imagine at first. A young man on the go, armed with an engineering background and a University of Chicago MBA leaves a lucrative career path with “masters of the universe” consulting firm, McKinsey and Company, to become the President of the Chesapeake Bank and Trust in small town on the Eastern Shore. But that’s what James Anthony has indeed done. He and his wife, Kelly, made a decision a few years ago that, while London and San Francisco were great places to live, when it came to raising a family, and enjoying life’s simple, but most rewarding pleasures of friendships and community, that Chestertown offer had the best perks.
While James’ transition might have suggested a more predictable and less stressful work life, the current Great Recession dramatically ended that phase. After three years of leading Chesapeake Bank and Trust through one of the worst economic climates ever experienced by the country, James remains rationally upbeat about Chestertown’s future. While the storm has not passed, he reminds us all that Chestertown has remained financially viable for over 300 years, and it’s his guess that it will remain so for a long time to come.
Chestertown Futures is a two-year project of the Chestertown Spy to provide a sustained community conversation on Chestertown’s future and aspirations through the unique voices of twenty-four members of the community representing all aspects of greater Chestertown. By design, these interviews are longer than most broadcast interviews to allow each participant ample time to express their views. It is therefore advisable to allow time for the YouTube video to load the interview fully before viewing, which may take up to three to five minutes.
Marty Stetson says
A great postive message about Chestertown. Many of us may feel that way but it is always good to hear it from someone who can really make a difference in our community. It is one thing for us in Chestertown government
to expound those sentiments but it is good to hear it from the private sector as well.
jenifer says
We’re very lucky to have James Anthony with us!