Washington Trust Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: WASH) announced that Jeffrey M. Wilhelm has been elected to the boards of the corporation and its subsidiary bank, The Washington Trust Company, effective April 28, 2026.

Wilhelm, who has more than 25 years of experience in data, technology and digital transformation, will also serve on the audit committees of both companies. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Infused Innovations, a strategic technology consulting firm that specializes in digital transformation, cloud engineering, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

The appointment comes as Washington Trust, which reported $6.5 billion in assets as of March 31, 2026, seeks to strengthen its technology capabilities. Wilhelm has held senior corporate and consulting roles across various industries and has experience developing data-driven solutions for business and technology challenges.

Wilhelm serves on several Rhode Island organizations, including the Rhode Island Artificial Intelligence Taskforce, the Rhode Island Foundation's AI Advisory Committee, and as an advisor to the University of Rhode Island's Launch Lab. He also chairs the North Kingstown Town Council's Information Technology Advisory Committee.

"Jeff brings valuable expertise in technology, data, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity at a time when these areas are increasingly important to the financial services industry," said Washington Trust Chairman and CEO Edward O. Handy III.

Washington Trust, founded in 1800, operates as a community bank with offices in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts, offering commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services.