Harrie Copeland, the new business development officer of the Hopewell Valley Community Bank (HVCBank), is a man who has worn many hats. A veteran of the banking industry in Hunterdon County, Mr. Copeland also is, among other things, a former Director of the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders, a former mayor of Delaware Township, a professional auctioneer and a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Mr. Copeland, now a vice president with HVCBank, will work out of its recently opened branch office in downtown Flemington.
”I’m excited about my new position with the Hopewell Valley Community Bank,” Mr. Copeland said. “I look forward to assisting our existing customers and acquiring new customers at our new branch in downtown Flemington. Please stop in or call me at 908-237-1290.”
Mr. Copeland worked for TD Bank as assistant vice president for four years before accepting his current position with the HVCBank. He managed TD branches in Whitehouse Station and Flemington, and received the “TD CEO WoW Leadership Award” this year.
Before joining TD Bank, he was with Commerce Bank for five years, managing a Flemington branch on Royal Road. He also has an impressive resume as a professional auctioneer, having raised thousands of dollars for nonprofit organizations in the tri-state area. He was named New Jersey Auctioneer of the Year in 2002 and 2003 and received the New Jersey Bid Calling Champion Award.
A retired commander in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Copeland served 23 years of active and reserve military duty. He served on the ship USS Roark, based in San Diego, California, as a navigator and personnel officer. He also served as a staff officer in the Panama Canal Zone and was an executive officer in a Naval Control of Shipping Organization in Philadelphia.
Mr. Copeland also has served in county and local government. He completed two three-year terms on the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders, from 1985-1990, and was a director of the freeholders in 1987 and 1990. He also served two three-year terms as committeeman of Delaware Township from 1980-1985 and mayor in 1985. He was a member of the Raritan Valley College Board of Estimate and a former commissioner of the Hunterdon County Board of Taxation.
He is a member and past president of the Rotary Club in Flemington. He was named Outstanding Rotarian of the Year in 2006 and 2007. He’s also a trustee on the Hunterdon Medical Center Foundation, a member of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the Board of Managers of the NJ Society Sons of the Revolution.
Mr. Copeland and his wife Cheryl received the Hunterdon County YMCA’s Lend a Hand to Youth Award in 2006. In 2004, the Central Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts of America awarded them its Hunterdon County Distinguished Citizens Award.
Mr. Copeland has a bachelor’s degree in business administration management from the University of South Carolina, attended Armed Forces Staff College in Monterey, California, obtained an auction degree from Reisch College in Mason City, Iowa, and completed New Jersey real estate and assessors courses at Rutgers University.
”Harrie’s a great addition to our team. He understands the community, is highly recognized and trusted and fits the mold of the local management we foster to serve families and businesses in our markets. As a Hunterdon resident myself, I’m particularly proud he’s onboard,” said HVCBank President/CEO Jim Hyman.
