NBT Bank Promotes Smaniotto to Chief Human Resources Officer NBT Bank Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Catherine Scarlett announced that Cynthia Smaniotto has been promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer. This achievement is the result of Smaniotto’s role in supporting the organization’s growth over the past 20 years, including expansion to more than 1,900 employees across seven states in the northeast. “Cindy has repeatedly demonstrated her effectiveness as a leader throughout her two-decade tenure with NBT,” said Scarlett. “Recently, as facilitator of our NBT Forward team, Cindy has provided executive leadership and guidance in helping the company and employees navigate the challenges of the pandemic.” Smaniotto joined NBT Bank in 2000 through the acquisition of LA Bank where she served as Director of Human Resources. During her time with NBT, she has held numerous roles, including Regional Employment Manager, Director of Employment Services and, most recently, Director of Human Resources. She is based at NBT’s Scranton Financial Center on Keyser Avenue. Among her many contributions to NBT, Smaniotto has supported the development and expansion of the human resources division to include specialties, such as talent acquisition, health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, and career guidance. She has also served as a steadfast employee advocate by advising managers and executives on talent development best practices. “One of the most fulfilling accomplishments of my career has been the time I have spent supporting the cultivation of a successful and cohesive team here at NBT Bank,” Smaniotto said.
J. David Brown Joins NBT Board of Directors NBT Bancorp Inc. announced that J. David Brown has joined the Boards of Directors for NBT Bancorp Inc. and NBT Bank, N.A. Brown is President and CEO of the Capital District YMCA, where he has worked for 28 years to create better opportunities for all through community programs and services. A past member of the NBT Bank Capital Region Advisory Board, Brown also served on the Siena College Board of Trustees. “We are excited to welcome David to board service at NBT,” said NBT Board Chair Martin A. Dietrich. “David’s valuable insights will help strengthen our efforts to be responsive to our customers and communities. His strong executive experience in the non-profit sector and knowledge of NBT’s Capital Region market make him a valuable addition to the Board.” Brown’s experience also includes serving as a member of the Governor’s Regional Economic Council and the Diversity & Inclusion Council for the YMCA of the USA. His awards and recognitions include the Director of the Year from the Association of YMCA Professionals, NYS Governor’s African American Community Distinction, 40 Elite Alumni Honoree and 40 Under Forty Honoree by the Albany Business Review.
More Than 96,000 Jobs Supported Through NBT Bank’s PPP Funding Efforts Since the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) opened in 2020, NBT Bank has funded over 6,000 loans exceeding $830 million in relief. These funds support small businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the communities NBT serves. “With more than $285 million secured through 3,000 loans in 2021, the average size PPP loan at NBT for this most recent round of funding was $94,000,” said NBT Bank President and CEO John H. Watt, Jr. “In total, we provided support to organizations that employ 96,000 workers.” The organizations supported by the PPP loans secured through NBT Bank include numerous main street retailers and minority and women-owned businesses, as well as rural hospitals and nursing homes, human and family services organizations, farms and other agricultural businesses, educational institutions, manufacturers, restaurants, contractors and construction businesses. “The banking industry has played a crucial role in delivering relief through the PPP loan program to provide businesses and non-profits and their employees with a bridge to the post-pandemic economy. At NBT, we are proud of our team and their efforts to leverage our lending, operational and technical expertise to aggressively support this program,” concluded Watt.
NBT Announces Promotions NBT Bank announced the promotion of Regional Commercial Banking Manager Matt Colgan to Senior Vice President, and Retail Learning & Development Manager Erica Burger and Junior Credit Officer Gwen Grier to Assistant Vice President. All three employees are based at NBT’s Scranton Financial Center. Colgan joined NBT in 2008 as part of the Commercial Management Development Program, then advanced to Commercial Relationship Manager. In 2018, he was promoted to Regional Commercial Banking Manger where he is responsible for oversight of Commercial Banking services in Pennsylvania. Colgan earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from King’s College in Wilkes Barre. He also participated in the American Bankers Association School of Commercial Lending. Colgan is active in his community, serving as a board member for Metro Action, and loan committee member for Pursuit (formerly NYBDC) and NEPA Alliance. Burger joined NBT in 2007 and works to create and implement content that elevates and enhances employee engagement through innovative training programs and resources. Burger earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University and is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers School of Banking. She is also active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for Leadership Lackawanna and campaign co-chair for NBT’s United Way campaign. Grier joined NBT in 1998 and has advanced through several roles within the company, including Mortgage Underwriter, Senior Credit Analyst and Credit Support Team Leader. With nearly 30 years of financial industry experience, she now underwrites larger complex commercial loan requests and provides internal customers with guidance on loan structures in accordance with loan policy guidelines. Grier also is an active member of the community, serving in several roles for the Boy Scouts of America, including council program and training committee member, district committee member, venturing associate advisor and assistant scoutmaster. More information about NBT is available online at www.nbtbank.com.
Sohns Rejoins NBT Bank’s Commercial Team NBT Bank announced that Thomas Sohns has rejoined the Bank as Vice President and Commercial Banking Relationship Manager. Sohns has 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to rejoining NBT Bank, he worked as Vice President in Commercial Lending for Landmark Community Bank in Pittston. A resident of Dunmore, Sohns earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Scranton. He is also a graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Commercial Lending School and the Emerging Leaders Program. Active in his community, Sohns serves on the board for Dress for Success Lackawanna and the Jog for Jude Planning Committee.
