Norwood Financial Corp Rejoins Russell 3000® Index Logo Mockup by Mithun Mitra Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp (NASDAQ Global Market – NWFL) and its subsidiary, Wayne Banks pleased to announce that the Company has been included in the Russell 3000® Index, as part of the 2023 Russell U.S. Indexes annual reconstitution.The Russell 3000® Index encompasses and tracks the performance of the 3,000 largest traded U.S. stocks, based on market capitalization. “Norwood Financial Corp is honored to be a part of the Russell 3000 Index, alongside some of the top performing companies in the U.S. This distinguished designation shows our commitment to our shareholders and is a testament to our strong capital position and credit quality metrics. This inclusion will continue to drive awareness of Norwood Financial Corp as an appealing investment as we continue to execute our strategic plans for growth,” stated Mr. Donnelly. The Russell 3000 Index is comprised of the large-cap Russell 1000 and the small-cap Russell 2000 index. The top 1,000 companies having the highest market capitalization make up the Russell 1000, while the next largest 2,000 make up the Russell 2000.
Wright Center Names Deputy Chief Operating Officer The Wright Center for Community Health has named Marianne Linko, LPN, as the deputy chief operating officer and LPN care coordinator. Linko will oversee integrated service lines for dental, lifestyle modification, infectious disease, geriatrics, and behavioral health operations at The Wright Center’s practices, including our new North Scranton Practice and mobile medical and dental unit, Driving Better Health, while providing direction and supervision to staff. She will supervise the director of dental operations and practice managers for the Mid Valley and Wilkes-Barre practices, the site coordinator at the North Scranton Practice, the nurse manager/site coordinator at the North Pocono and North Scranton practices, and the site coordinators for Driving Better Health and School-Based Health at the West Scranton Intermediate School. Linko earned her licensed practical nurse certification from Scranton’s Career Technology Center in 2009. She joined The Wright Center for Community Health in 2011 as a licensed practical nurse at the Mid Valley Practice. Since then, she’s served in several leadership positions, taking over as practice manager at the Mid Valley Practice in 2021. Over the years, she has been recognized many times for her excellent work, including being named as one of the “20 Under 40” by the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal in 2021. The Wright Center for Community Health’s patient-centered medical home has 10 locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne counties that serve more than 40,0000 unique patients annually and ensures everyone in the service area has access to integrated, high-quality, affordable health services, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. For more information about the services provided by The Wright Center for Community Health or the nearest practice location, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.230.0019.
Citizens Savings Bank Promotes Brian Drozdick Citizens Savings Bank is pleased to announce the following promotion. Drozdick has been elevated to Assistant Branch Manager and Security Officer. Drozdick received his bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Scranton. Drozdick started his career with the bank as an Assistant Branch Manager in the South Scranton Branch in June 2012 and was later transferred to Assistant Branch Manager in the Clarks Summit Branch in June 2020. Drozdick had been assisting in many aspects in the security function over the years which made for a seamless transition. In this new position, he will be taking on the additional responsibilities in the role as Security Officer and will continue to be responsible in assisting in the branch daily operations. Drozdick has worked in various banking positions during his career. He resides in Eynon with his wife Noelle, and two children.
Chamber Email Delivery Issues The cyber world has forced businesses to employ extreme efforts to guard electronic communications and operations with multiple layers of firewalls and filters. Unfortunately, this may have unintended consequences. In the case of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, it appears that many emails to our members are being blocked by Spam or Junk filters. This situation is more than a bit disturbing, as we want you to receive the communications and information that maximize the value of your Chamber membership. This includes your membership renewal. Membership invoices are sent via email, and we are finding that in some cases those electronic filters prevented delivery. If you or your organization did not receive your membership renewal via email, please reach out to Tina Bechaver at tbechaver@scrantonchamber.com, or (570) 342-7711, extension 132, and she can help rectify this situation. Thank you for your continued support of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.
Moses Taylor Foundation Welcomes New CFOO Tom Bisignani has joined Moses Taylor Foundation, a private foundation with a mission to improve the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania, as its Chief Financial and Operations Officer. He will be responsible for all aspects of the Foundation’s financial and business operations, along with supporting strategy development, program implementation, and grants management within the Foundation’s 11-county service area. Bisignani is a highly accomplished, results-driven financial executive with 20 years of experience in hospital operations and finance. He brings notable expertise in the healthcare sector with demonstrated success in blending quality and fiscal management to improve outcomes and satisfaction for physicians, patients, and team members. Most recently, Bisignani served as Commonwealth Health’s Market Chief Financial Officer – Scranton Market, overseeing fiscal operations for its two-hospital integrated healthcare delivery system and Physicians Health Alliance. Bisignani previously held Chief Financial Officer roles at Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital. “Tom has built an impressive career in healthcare leadership and is deeply familiar with our regional community health needs. In this new role, Tom will provide leadership and expertise as we continue to advance the Foundation’s mission across our service area,” said Danielle Breslin, President and CEO of Moses Taylor Foundation. Bisignani assumes this role in advance of the planned July 14, 2023, retirement of the Foundation’s long-time Chief Financial Officer, Thomas Kelly, Jr. Bisignani holds a Master of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Scranton. He assumed his responsibilities at Moses Taylor Foundation on June 12, 2023.
The Lodge at Woodloch Receives Three Prestigious Accolades In recent weeks, The Lodge at Woodloch was honored with three noteworthy accolades — the AAA Four-Diamond Award, the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, and the 2023 Men’s Health Travel Award — further solidifying the spa resort’s status as a beacon of excellence. On June 2nd, The Lodge at Woodloch welcomed Glenn Zumbach, President/CEO, and Nina Waskevich, VP of Brand & Membership, from AAA NorthPenn. Together, they presented the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond Award, a distinction reserved for a mere 7% of the 25,000 esteemed hotels across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The Lodge at Woodloch has proudly maintained its Four-Diamond status since 2010. Additionally, for the 13th consecutive year, The Lodge at Woodloch has won the Wine Spectator Award, a testament to its highly curated selection of over 175 wines. With a strong focus on wines produced in the Western United States complemented by those from around the globe, from local farm-to-bottle gems to limited classics, guests are guaranteed to find the perfect pairing. Men’s Health is a renowned publication dedicated to empowering men to lead healthy fulfilling lives by providing valuable insights and expert advice on physical and mental well-being, fitness, nutrition, relationships, and lifestyle. Its Travel Awards recognize and celebrate exceptional destinations that cater to the diverse needs and desires of modern travelers. The awards are separated into three categories – active, relaxation, and recovery – with The Lodge at Woodloch falling into the final. Nestled in Pennsylvania’s serene Pocono Mountains, The Lodge at Woodloch is dedicated to providing guests with a transformative and all-inclusive wellness experience. With luxurious accommodations, delectable cuisine, and a plethora of mind, body, and soul activities, The Lodge at Woodloch is a sanctuary for those seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and personal growth.
Wayne Bank Ranks in Top 100 Performing Banks in U.S. American Banker has conducted its rankings of the top-performing banks of 2023. Wayne Bank has been evaluated by American Banker on profitability, efficiency, capital adequacy, and asset quality based on a three-year average return. Jim Donnelly, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank is pleased to announce that Wayne Bank has ranked number eighty-four out of two hundred in the $2 billion to $10 billion asset size category. Financial industry professionals turn to American Banker, every day and throughout the day, to stay maximally informed — drilling down on complex issues, keeping up with breaking news, and downloading research and data. “We are honored to be recognized for our strong financial performance. For over 150 years, we have been committed to helping our employees, customers, and communities we serve achieve their financial goals,” stated Mr. Donnelly.
University of Scranton Graduates Win Scholarships University of Scranton class of 2023 graduate Elise Westhafer, Reinholds, and class of 2022 graduate Isaiah Livelsberger, Hanover, have been awarded 2023-2024 Fulbright Student Scholarships, the premier international academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. Competitive, merit-based scholarships allow recipients to spend a year conducting research or teaching abroad. Westhafer received a Fulbright Award to Slovenia where she will conduct research focusing on neurotransmitters in the aging brain at the University of Ljubljana. Livelsberger, received a Fulbright Award to Guatemala where he will study judicial reform in Guatemala by carrying out research at the Rafael Landívar University and at the Association for Research and Social Studies in Guatemala City. “The Fulbright awards will give both exceptional graduates the ability to pursue research they are passionate about with world-class experts in their fields,” said Kara Kofira Bishop, University of Scranton Fulbright Program adviser. “An ardent researcher, Elise will work with Dr. Nina Vardjan, a member of the medical faculty at the Institute of Pathophysiology at the University of Ljubljana, to study brain metabolism and neuronal function to gain a better understanding of age-related decline. Zealous in pursuit of social justice, Isaiah will work with Professor Byron Morales of the Jesuit-run Rafael Landívar University, and Pablo Hurtado of the Association for Research and Social Studies to analyze how judicial institutions in Guatemala were impacted by the recently-retired International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala.” According to Bishop, the Fulbright program awards grants based on the recipients’ records of academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. This year’s awards continue Scranton’s decades of success with the Fulbright program. Since 1972, a total of 129 University students have been awarded Fulbrights.
FNCB Bank Announces Staff Promotions FNCB, locally-based since 1910, announced several staff promotions. Christina Baker, Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II Christina Baker has been promoted to Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II where she is responsible for strengthening existing relationships and creating new relationships to grow the Bank’s deposits and loans to increase branch profitability, all while delivering world class customer service. Miss Baker joined FNCB Bank in July 2021, where she was Personal Banker III and most recently Community Office Manager. Prior to joining the bank, she gained experience as a Universal Banker with Mellon Bank, and as a Head Teller, Retail Branch Assistant, and Loan Officer at Community Bank NA. She is a graduate of North Pocono High School and has completed Leadership Lackawanna’s Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 program. She resides in Elmhurst Township with her husband Christopher, daughter Victoria, and son Ean. Debra Burnett, Banking Officer, Human Resources Generalist Debra Burnett has been promoted to Banking Officer, Human Resources Generalist where she is responsible for coordinating the internal and external staffing process to identify, evaluate, and on-board qualified candidates. Miss Burnett joined FNCB in 2017 and most recently was a Human Resources Generalist. Prior to joining the bank, she worked for Gentex Corporation and Keystone College. She is a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School and Keystone College with an associate degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in human resources management. She resides in Carbondale with her husband Richard, and has two children, Nicole and Richard. Michael Darter, Assistant Vice President, Community Office Manager Michael Darter has been promoted to Assistant Vice President where he is responsible for strengthening existing relationships and creating new relationships to grow the Bank’s deposits and loans to increase branch profitability, all while delivering world class customer service. Mr. Darter joined FNCB Bank in 2021, and most recently served as Community Office Manager. Prior to joining the bank, he gained twenty years of management experience in mortgage banking and retail banking with different companies including Santander, Citizens Bank, CitiBank (CitiFinancial), First NLC Financial, and Ameriquest Mortgage. He is a graduate of Freeport High School (NY). He resides in Drums with his son Jacob. Paula Kashuba, Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II Paula Kashuba has been promoted to Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II where she is responsible for strengthening existing relationships and creating new relationships to grow the Bank’s deposits and loans to increase branch profitability, all while delivering world class customer service. In her time with FNCB Bank, she has worked in Customer Care, served as a Customer Service Representative, a Personal Banker, Assistant Community Office Manager, Community Office Manager, and most recently Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II. Christopher Moshinskie, Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II Christopher Moshinskie has been promoted to Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II where he is responsible for strengthening existing relationships and creating new relationships to grow the Bank’s deposits and loans to increase branch profitability, all while delivering world class customer service. In his time with FNCB Bank, Mr. Moshinskie has been an Assistant Community Office Manager, Community Office Manager I, and most recently Community Office Manager II. Prior to joining FNCB, he was a Licensed Banker at Citizens Bank. He is a graduate of Bay Shore High School (NY) and the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was awarded a certification in the Foundations in Leadership Program, provided through FNCB. As an active member of the community, he is an assistant coach within the Jessup Youth Sports Association. He resides in Jessup with his wife, Danielle, and children Gianna, Alivia, Logan, and Dominic.
Representatives Tour The Wright Center for Community Health Practice Representatives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Intergovernmental & External Affairs toured The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice on Thursday, June 29 to highlight the Biden administration’s work to lower prescription drug costs for Americans and to explain how Medicaid beneficiaries can maintain their health care coverage amid post-public health emergency changes to renewal requirements. Melissa Herd, acting regional director and executive officer, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Region 3, HHS; Leah Suter, regional administrator, HRSA; and Robert McKenna, deputy regional administrator, HRSA, and Theresa Devine Kimak, public health advisor, HRSA, discussed the federal initiatives designed to protect health care access with Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, resident physicians, board members, and clinical care team representatives during a personal meeting and tour of the health care facility that provides oral, primary, preventive, and specialty care services to patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses. “The Wright Center is privileged to fulfill the delivery of its noble mission by working collaboratively with the United States Department of Health and Human Service and numerous like-minded community partners,” said Dr. Thomas-Hemak. “Together we strive to ensure patients and families in our service area have inclusive access to high-quality, comprehensive, equitable, and affordable primary and preventive health services and a respected voice in the generation of our incumbent and future health care workforce. “Collectively, we are tirelessly working to bolster our national primary care and public health infrastructure to improve the health care and health of our country,” she added. “We are excited to host and celebrate our accomplishments as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program service provider, and Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortium with our national partners.” Thanks to President Joe Biden’s new lower-cost prescription drug law, part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the lives of people with Medicare are changing for the better. In addition to giving Medicare the ability to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs, highlights of the new law include a $35 monthly cap per insulin prescription and free recommended preventative vaccines. With the federal public health emergency ending in May, it marked the discontinuation of Medicaid’s continuous coverage requirement. Medicaid users now must complete their annual renewal for health care coverage. Since May, more than 3,500 Pennsylvanians have been disenrolled because they failed to complete the renewal process. More are expected to lose coverage for the same reason during the year, according to HHS. The Wright Center for Community Health has been working to educate regional residents about the redetermination process for Medicaid coverage. The regional primary and preventive care provider has been distributing educational packets to patients, while community health workers also offer patients the personal attention they need to complete the renewal application process. “Medicaid is our Swiss army knife of health – we use it to address maternal health, homelessness, food insecurity, provide mental health support to young people in their schools, to help improve care and coordination for the formerly incarcerated, and more,” Herd said. Pennsylvania is one of 40 states to expand Medicaid, ensuring people across the state can access health care coverage. Had out-of-pocket costs for covered vaccines been eliminated in 2021, more than 177,459 Pennsylvanians who received vaccines under Part D would have saved almost $11 million or $60.43 per Medicare enrollee. And the $35 monthly insulin cap would have saved more than 80,197 state residents with Medicare an average of $543 on their insulin in 2020, according to HHS. Today, a record 92 million Americans rely on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, better known as CHIP, for their health care, including nearly 3.7 million in the commonwealth, according to HHS. The Wright Center for Community Health’s patient-centered medical home has nine locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, that serve more than 40,0000 unique patients annually and ensures everyone in the service area has access to integrated, high-quality, affordable health services, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. “The Wright Center for Community Health and its network of providers in Northeast Pennsylvania emphasize the importance of primary and preventive care for patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics,” said Dr. Jignesh Y. Sheth, chief medical officer for The Wright Center for Community Health. “The federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements could potentially reduce access to health care for some patients. That’s why the Wright Center for Community Health offers a sliding-fee discount program based on family size and income. It ensures health care services are accessible and more equitable for everyone, he added.” For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
