Kelly Ewart to lead new practice, Beth Needham to oversee agency-wide operations; both supporting the company’s continued expansion, enhanced client service across Eastern Massachusetts
WOBURN, MA (December 8, 2025) – Salem Five Insurance, a division of Salem Five, today announced the launch of its Private Client Practice along with two strategic appointments designed to elevate its market presence, deepen client relationships, and position the company for its next chapter of growth.
Kelly Ewart joins as Senior Vice President and Private Client Practice Leader, spearheading private client strategy, advisory services, carrier partnerships, and the delivery of consultative insurance and risk management solutions for affluent households. Beth Needham steps into the newly created role of Senior Vice President, Director of Operations, charged with driving operational excellence, fortifying the leadership framework, and building the scalable infrastructure that will power Salem Five Insurance’s next era of growth.
“The launch of our Private Client Practice marks a defining moment in Salem Five Insurance’s evolution,” said Heather Smith, President of Salem Five Insurance. “As the largest bank-owned insurance agency in Massachusetts, we’ve earned our reputation by delivering consultative, high-touch service. This new practice elevates that commitment for affluent households with complex insurance and risk management needs. Kelly Ewart’s deep expertise in the private client space makes her the ideal leader to shape this practice and forge lasting relationships with high-net-worth clients and carriers.”
“Equally important is building the operational strength to sustain growth across our entire business. Beth Needham brings the leadership and industry insight we need to scale with confidence. Together, these moves position us to deliver exceptional service today while creating the infrastructure for tomorrow’s success.”
Ewart brings more than two decades of experience spanning property & casualty insurance, family office advisory, and strategic marketing—anchored by key roles at premier high-net-worth carriers including Chubb, PURE, and Berkley One. Needham complements that with deep operational expertise from her tenure at Hilb Group, The Hanover Insurance Group, and other top-tier firms, positioning Salem Five with the talent and vision to scale for the future.
Both leaders join Salem Five Insurance at a time of significant investment in talent and innovation. While focused on growth, the company remains true to its roots—deeply committed to giving back to the communities it serves through local initiatives and the Salem Five Charitable Foundation. This commitment to community, combined with a culture that values collaboration and professional development, makes Salem Five Insurance not only a trusted partner for clients but also a great place to build a career.
“There is tremendous opportunity to elevate the private client experience by bringing a truly consultative approach to risk management,” said Ewart. “I’m thrilled to help create the infrastructure needed to sustain long-term growth while maintaining the high-touch service that defines Salem Five,” added Needham.
These appointments signal that there is much more to come—from expanded capabilities to new ways of serving clients—underscoring Salem Five Insurance’s position as a forward-thinking, community-driven organization.
About Salem Five Insurance and Salem Five Bancorp
Salem Five Insurance is a subsidiary of Salem Five Bancorp, which is also the holding company of Salem Five (www.salemfive.com), a mutual bank founded in 1855. Whatever the need and whatever the goal, Salem Five’s banking, investment and insurance professionals have the expertise to move customers forward. Salem Five has $8 billion in assets and 33 retail branches in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties. Divisions include Salem Five Mortgage Company, one of the largest mortgage lenders headquartered in New England; Salem Five Wealth Management & Trust offering fiduciary wealth management services to institutions and high-net-worth individuals; and Salem Five Insurance Services, which provides personal and commercial insurance. Salem Five deposits are insured through the FDIC. Salem Five Mortgage Company’s NMLS # is 4662. Equal Housing Lender. Securities are offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Life insurance products are offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Insurance and investment products are not FDIC insured, not bank guaranteed, may lose value, not a deposit, and not insured by any federal government agency.
