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Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Stoneham, MA (DEC 2025) – StonehamBank Board of Directors recently elected local business owner John Melkonian as its Chair, following the retirement of Janice T. Houghton in November.
At the same time, the Directors elected Daria Niewenhous as Vice Chair. Attorney Niewenhous is a Member Emerita from Mintz, formerly in Mintz’s Health Law Practice.
Mr. Melkonian is the General Manager and Owner of Stoneham Ford, one of New England’s highest-volume dealerships. He was elected to the Board in November 2014 and quickly emerged as a key leader. He served as Chair of the Finance Committee and was elected Vice Chair in May 2021. At the Board’s November meeting, he was elected Chair, where he will lead the institution’s long-term strategic vision, strengthen regulatory oversight, and advance its commitment to community banking.
Mr. Melkonian’s strong commitment to community is reflected in his active involvement with numerous charitable, educational, and youth-focused organizations, including Boys & Girls Club of Metro North, Stoneham High School, Stone Zoo, Stoneham Coalition, Greater Boston Stage Company, Rotary Club of
Stoneham, Stoneham Chamber of Commerce, and Reading YMCA. In addition, he
volunteers as a coach for Reading Youth Hockey, mentoring young athletes and helping shape future generations.
“I am honored to serve as Chair of the Board and grateful for the confidence the Board has placed in me,” said Mr. Melkonian. “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Janice Houghton for her exceptional leadership and dedication during her tenure as Chair. StonehamBank is stronger because of her guidance. I look forward to building on that foundation as we continue to support our customers, invest in our communities, and drive sustainable growth.”
Attorney Niewenhous worked at Mintz for 23 years, and her legacy includes a position as the former director of Mintz's Domestic Violence Project, the firm's signature pro bono initiative. She was elected to the StonehamBank Board of Directors in 2001 and serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee. She is also Chair of the Greater Boston Stage Company Board of Trustees.
“John and Daria bring exceptional talents and diverse strengths to their new roles on the Board,” said CEO and President Edward F. Doherty, Jr. “I look forward to working with them as we shape the future of our Bank. Their extensive professional expertise and deep commitment to our communities will be invaluable assets that will benefit the Bank and those we serve.”
StonehamBank congratulates Mr. Melkonian and Ms. Niewenhous and looks forward to their leadership in shaping a strong and vibrant future. The Board offers its sincere congratulations and anticipates working together in a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.
About StonehamBank
StonehamBank is a full-service community bank offering state-of-the-art products and services to residents and businesses throughout eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. With over 138 years of banking experience, StonehamBank provides progressive products and convenience services, and believes in making a difference in the community through its Community Involvement Program and Charitable Foundation. Member DIF. FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Equal Housing Lender. For more information on StonehamBank, please visit www.stonehambank.com or call directly at 888-402-2265. “We are Your Neighbors”
At the same time, the Directors elected Daria Niewenhous as Vice Chair. Attorney Niewenhous is a Member Emerita from Mintz, formerly in Mintz’s Health Law Practice.
Mr. Melkonian is the General Manager and Owner of Stoneham Ford, one of New England’s highest-volume dealerships. He was elected to the Board in November 2014 and quickly emerged as a key leader. He served as Chair of the Finance Committee and was elected Vice Chair in May 2021. At the Board’s November meeting, he was elected Chair, where he will lead the institution’s long-term strategic vision, strengthen regulatory oversight, and advance its commitment to community banking.
Mr. Melkonian’s strong commitment to community is reflected in his active involvement with numerous charitable, educational, and youth-focused organizations, including Boys & Girls Club of Metro North, Stoneham High School, Stone Zoo, Stoneham Coalition, Greater Boston Stage Company, Rotary Club of
Stoneham, Stoneham Chamber of Commerce, and Reading YMCA. In addition, he
volunteers as a coach for Reading Youth Hockey, mentoring young athletes and helping shape future generations.
“I am honored to serve as Chair of the Board and grateful for the confidence the Board has placed in me,” said Mr. Melkonian. “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Janice Houghton for her exceptional leadership and dedication during her tenure as Chair. StonehamBank is stronger because of her guidance. I look forward to building on that foundation as we continue to support our customers, invest in our communities, and drive sustainable growth.”
Attorney Niewenhous worked at Mintz for 23 years, and her legacy includes a position as the former director of Mintz's Domestic Violence Project, the firm's signature pro bono initiative. She was elected to the StonehamBank Board of Directors in 2001 and serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee. She is also Chair of the Greater Boston Stage Company Board of Trustees.
“John and Daria bring exceptional talents and diverse strengths to their new roles on the Board,” said CEO and President Edward F. Doherty, Jr. “I look forward to working with them as we shape the future of our Bank. Their extensive professional expertise and deep commitment to our communities will be invaluable assets that will benefit the Bank and those we serve.”
StonehamBank congratulates Mr. Melkonian and Ms. Niewenhous and looks forward to their leadership in shaping a strong and vibrant future. The Board offers its sincere congratulations and anticipates working together in a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.
About StonehamBank
StonehamBank is a full-service community bank offering state-of-the-art products and services to residents and businesses throughout eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. With over 138 years of banking experience, StonehamBank provides progressive products and convenience services, and believes in making a difference in the community through its Community Involvement Program and Charitable Foundation. Member DIF. FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Equal Housing Lender. For more information on StonehamBank, please visit www.stonehambank.com or call directly at 888-402-2265. “We are Your Neighbors”
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