HNB Promotes Jamie Shnipes to Branch Manager

Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced Jamie Shnipes has been promoted to Branch Manager of HNB’s Eynon Office.

In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “Jamie began her banking career at HNB with the opening of our Eynon Office.” He continued, “We are proud to see her grow with us here at the bank, as she has shown great commitment to those in our local community.”

As Branch Manager, Shnipes will be responsible for generating business within the Eynon Office and managing daily workload to ensure customer expectations are met. She will lead the supervision of frontline personnel, while ensuring the office is compliant with audits and account management.

Shnipes began her career in the financial industry in 2013 as a Part-time Teller/CSR at HNB. In 2018 she accepted a full-time position at the bank. She will continue growing her career as Branch Manager of our Eynon Office.

In commenting on her time at the bank, Shnipes noted, “Working at HNB has given me the opportunity to grow in the banking industry.” She continued, “When I became a teller/CSR at HNB, I fell in love with my job, and continued to meet great people in my community and at work.”

Shnipes resides in Eynon, Pa. and is a graduate of Valley View High School. Outside of the bank, she enjoys being with family, either hanging out by the pool or spending time at their camper.

Marywood University Appoints New VP for the Student Experience

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University, Scranton, Pa., has appointed Jeffrey Kegolis, Ph.D., to the position of vice president for the student experience (VPSE), effective July 6, 2023. 

“Dr. Kegolis brings an understanding of our culture and mission, as well as a wealth of expertise in serving students directly,” stated Sister Mary Persico, IHM. “This is exciting work that gets to the heart of who we are in our efforts to put students first.” The areas within the Student Experience include: the Office of Student Engagement, Housing and Residence Life, Student Health Services, the Counseling/Student Development Center, Retention and Advising, and the Dean of Students. 

Dr. Kegolis’ career in higher education spans more than two decades and features extensive experience in multiple areas of student services, including leadership programs, campus engagement/activities, residence life, fraternity and sorority life, and student conduct, among others. His passion throughout his career has focused upon helping others, where he served as a cluster facilitator for Leadershape©, presented to student leaders at the National Association of Australian University Colleges, Inc. (i.e., NAAUC), served for multiple years on the planning committee for The Placement Exchange (i.e., TPE), and developed and facilitated a customized communication module of leadership training, “Fundamentals of Leadership,”​ for Cedar Fair Entertainment Company.

Dr. Kegolis most recently served as the director for student conduct and assessment at The University of Scranton. Prior to that, while at Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, Ohio, he was an assistant dean of students in the office of campus activities, and later an assistant dean of students in the office of the dean of students. Additionally, he was an assistant professor of psychology at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. where he also began his professional career in higher education as an assistant director of residence life.

Dr. Kegolis earned his Ph.D. degree in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University. He also is a graduate of Marywood University, where he earned a master of science degree in counselor education with secondary school certification. He holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology with a neuroscience concentration from King’s College.

Munley Law Partner Sworn in as Treasurer for the AAJ

Munley Law is pleased to announce that truck accident lawyer Marion Munley was sworn in as the Treasurer for the American Association for Justice (AAJ).

The American Association of Justice is a 20,000-member organization of plaintiff attorneys

dedicated to protecting the rights of trial by jury. The mission of the AAJ is to promote justice and fairness for injured victims, safeguard victims’ rights, and strengthen the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public safety and health.

Marion has held several positions in the AAJ over the years. She was elected as the AAJ Parliamentarian in 2022 and has served on the Board of Governors and its Executive Committee. In 2018, she was the first woman to become the Chair of the AAJ Trucking Litigations Group and received the organization’s Robert W. Munley Champion of Justice Award in 2020.

Marion is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and widely respected personal injury lawyers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She has won many multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for injury clients throughout the United States, including one of the largest truck accident settlements in Pennsylvania. She is triple board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Law, Civil Practice Advocacy, and Truck Accident Law. She is the second woman in Pennsylvania to become board certified as a Civil Trial Advocate.

She has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America since 2013 and was named the 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She was recently named a 2023 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer and is among the Top 10 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for 2023.

The Honesdale National Bank Promotes Staff Members

Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Melissa Rushworth has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Loan Officer.

In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “I am pleased to promote Melissa to this new role as she grows personally and professionally here at HNB.” He continued, “With her dedication and longstanding record in the Forest City community, it is evident that her experience will lead to success in her new role.”

As AVP, Loan Officer, Rushworth will assist customers with direct and indirect consumer loans, mortgages, and home equity loans.

Rushworth started her banking career in 1998. She joined HNB in 2008 and has held various positions throughout her career including: Sales Associate, Teller, CSR, Branch Supervisor, Head Teller, Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, Human Resource Assistant and now Loan Officer.

In commenting on her new position at HNB, Rushworth noted, “HNB has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It really is like a second family.” She continued, “With the banking industry ever changing it’s comforting to know that we are committed to doing what’s best for our employees, customers and the communities we serve.”

Rushworth is from Mayfield, graduated from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School, and has completed various continued learning opportunities through coursework through Pennsylvania Bankers Association, BAI, ICBA, and leadership seminars.

Outside of the bank, she is part of the Forest City Lions Club and loves spending time with family, going on vacations, camping, and gardening. She is an active supporter of all her children’s school and sporting events.

Furthermore, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced Kate Bryant has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “Kate continues to excel in her role and elevate the bank’s executive leadership team.” He continued, “Her contributions to maintaining HNB’s strength and stability and upholding shareholder value are the characteristics that will continue to drive us forward.” 

Bryant has served as the Bank’s CFO since 2016, through which she is responsible for managing the financial planning of the bank and helps direct its overall executive strategy across all departments. She had been previously promoted to Senior Vice President, CFO in 2020.

Bryant began her career in the financial industry in 1999, starting in the banking industry in 2003. She joined HNB in 2004 in the Accounting Department and has helped shepherd the development of accounting and Bank Security Act (BSA) functions.

In commenting on her time at the bank, Bryant noted, “HNB provides me with ongoing opportunities which support my overall professional growth and allows me to be an active participant in my community, for which I am very grateful.”

Bryant resides in Honesdale, Pa. and is a graduate of Honesdale High School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Finance and Minor in Economics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She later received her Master of Business Administration from Villanova University.

Outside of the bank, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.

The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.  The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions.  For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.

Marywood University Appoints new VP for Mission Services

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University, Scranton, Pa., recently appointed Sister Rachel Terry, IHM, to the position of associate vice president for mission services. A member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Scranton since 2004, she is an experienced educator and leader, with a strong background in faith formation, liturgical preparation, and personal spiritual development.

As associate vice president for missions services, Sister Rachel serves in the Office of Campus Ministry, working directly with students and with her colleagues to promote Marywood’s Catholic identity and affirm its significance as a central part of Marywood’s culture.

Prior to assuming this new leadership role, Sister Rachel served as an Adult Faith Formation Intern at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago, Illinois. She also worked part-time in Marywood’s Office of Campus Ministry from 2019-2021. Before that, she served as a music educator at elementary schools in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Swift Kennedy Hires Chris Young

Swift Kennedy is pleased to announce the hiring of Chris Young as our Small Business Insurance Solutions Representative. Chris comes to Swift Kennedy with 12 years in the banking industry working with small businesses. He is passionate about ensuring that the needs of small businesses are met when they are offering group employee benefits & HR services. Chris will be responsible for the Mid-Atlantic region sales and services for Swift Kennedy’s Small Business Insurance Services Program.

Small Businesses’ insurance needs have often been under-served when it comes to group employee benefits. Swift Kennedy has created a benefits platform to give clients more services and access to programs that help attract and retain employees, as well as provide much-needed guidance and service for day-to-day insurance and HR needs. President & CEO, Jerry Calistri, says the addition of an SBIS department will give clients and prospective clients the resources they need to help better run their businesses. Often groups in the 2-20 employee market don’t have a dedicated HR or benefits staff member to administer these programs. Much of this is due to costs, but simply not having a staff member who understands the market, has time to educate staff, answers questions, and negotiates renewals is costing business owners much more in the long run. Our Small Business Insurance Solutions department addresses these issues for business owners. Chris has the right mindset and understanding to fully help small businesses enjoy a better benefits experience!

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.

The Honesdale National Bank Promotes Staff

Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced Destiny Megivern has been promoted to Investment Assistant with HNB Financial Services.

In making the announcement Sheridan stated, “Destiny is a very well-rounded team member here at HNB. She continues to adapt through new roles and grows by providing our customers and fellow employees with the HNB & me experience.”

As Investment Assistant, Megivern will be responsible for assisting the HNB Financial Services department in the daily workflow to maximize the sales efforts and minimize the time spent on operational tasks. This includes scheduling appointments, completing and submitting forms, and answering phone calls.

She is a graduate of Forest City Regional School District and resides in Pleasant Mount, PA. Megivern was a manager at Weis in Honesdale before starting at the bank in 2018 as a Teller. She moved away for a short period and was a Universal Banker for a bank in Colorado. When she returned to Pennsylvania, she was rehired in Loan Operations at HNB, and then served as a Teller/ CSR before accepting her current role as Investment Assistant.

In commenting on her new role at the bank, Megivern noted, “I love working at HNB, that is why as soon as I knew I was moving back to PA, I called to see if I could be rehired.” She continued, “HNB is truly one big family, and it makes you look forward to coming to work every day.”

Outside of the bank, she loves to read, bake, and spend time with friends and family.

Peoples Security Bank Promotes Staff Member

Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) recently announced that Shane Ely (Scranton) has been promoted to Assistant Branch Manager of the Minooka Office. With this new position, Ely will take on a more active role in establishing a team-based culture and developing positive sales growth. A graduate of the North Pocono School District with certifications in NMLS, Ely has eight years of banking experience with Peoples Security Bank.

Ely will be responsible for ensuring area customers receive the best in banking services, offering personal financial guidance, and developing relationships with area businesses. “My number one priority is to serve this community that I care so much about and to build a team environment at the Minooka Office that will deliver exceptional financial services. Creating a strong foothold in our community gives customers the security of better community banking,” says Ely.