Wayne Bank Promotes Employee to Executive Vice President & Chief Lending Officer

Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Vincent (“Vinny”) G. O’Bell to Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer.

“Vinny is a talented leader and commercial lender,” remarked Mr. Donnelly.  “This promotion is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the communities we serve, to our employees, customers, and his help in building shareholder value.  Vinny’s contributions to the bank makes him deserving of this promotion.  His leadership of our commercial loan division was instrumental in the record growth Wayne Bank achieved in 2022.”

Mr. O’Bell joined Wayne Bank in 2016 as a Senior Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer, and Team Leader.  He holds a degree in Banking and Finance from Lackawanna Jr. College and is a graduate of the Stonier School of Banking.  Mr. O’Bell was recognized by the Pennsylvania Bankers Association (“PBA”) in 2019 for his 40 years of service.

Mr. O’Bell is involved with his community and serves as a Scranton Lackawanna Health and Welfare Board Chairman, a Paul Harris Fellow for the Rotary Club of Scranton, Treasurer and Board Member for the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.  He is also Eucharistic Minister and finance council for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, and a Finance and Investment Committee Member for the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He resides in Jessup, with his wife, MaryLynn.

Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.  The Bank has 29 Community Offices serving Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, along with Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario, and Yates Counties in New York State, including those offices operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands.  The stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol— NWFL.

FNCB Bank Promotes Karen Smith to Senior Vice President

FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, today announced that Karen M. Smith has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager III.

In her new role, Ms. Smith will be responsible for managing commercial relationships, as well as developing referral relationships and conducting various sales-related activities.

She joined FNCB Bank in 2000 as a teller and has held numerous positions in her more than 20-year career. Most recently, she served as Vice President, Commercial Officer.

Ms. Smith is a graduate of Bishop O’Reilly High School and King’s College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Finance. She earned a MBA from Misericordia University where she was inducted into the Misericordia University Sigma Beta Delta International Business Honor Society. She completed Leadership Lackawanna for Leadership Fundamentals and the PA Bankers Advanced School of Commercial Lending and is NMLS licensed. An active member of the community, she is a past board member of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce and a member of the FNCB Cares Committee.

She resides in Jenkins Township with her daughter Kayla.

About FNCB Bank

FNCB Bank, locally-based since 1910, continues as one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier community banks — offering a full suite of personal, small business, mortgage and commercial banking solutions with industry-leading mobile, online and in-branch products and services. FNCB remains dedicated to the communities they serve with an on-going mission to make your banking experience simply better. Voted Best Bank and Best Place to Work. Named one of the top 200 Community Banks in America.

SACF Promotes Maggie Martinelli

The Scranton Area Community Foundation announces a staffing update in relation to its continued growth in the region. Maggie Martinelli was recently promoted to Chief Operating Officer at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. In her new role, Martinelli will assume a higher level of responsibility for aspects of internal operations, internal dynamics, and processes.

“This role is important for a growing, expanding organization,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Maggie will be focused on supporting the Foundation’s operations to ensure continued growth for the Foundation and the high quality expected of the Foundation’s work, and deepening the impact of our expanding community initiatives.”

Since joining the Foundation in 2016, Martinelli has helped to establish nearly 100 charitable funds and has helped to process over $14 million in grants and scholarships for projects and programs in the community. Highlights of Martinelli’s work include the integration of a new grants and fund management system, providing real-time access for 300+ charitable fund holders, and immediate, convenient access to online scholarship and grant applications. She has managed programming through the Foundation’s Center for Community Leadership & Nonprofit Excellence, providing access to dozens of cutting-edge training and technical assistance programs for nonprofit organizations annually, and the NEPA Learning Conference, which serves over 200 local nonprofit professionals on a biennial basis.

“Aligned with the Foundation’s goal to respond to the needs of the communities the Foundation serves, Maggie was instrumental in helping to create and deliver a streamlined application process which enabled nonprofit organizations to access grant funding quickly through the Foundation’s $1.2 million NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund,” stated Ducceschi. “We are proud to have her on our team as we continue to grow and serve,” she added.

In her volunteer work, Martinelli has served on the boards for six organizations, including serving as the President of the Junior League of Scranton and Cinderella’s Closet of NEPA. She has been recognized on the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal‘s Top 20 Under 40 and has received a number of Junior League awards including the Mary Harriman Award, the Margaret L. Richards Award, and the Association of Junior League International’s Rising Star Award.

Photo: Maggie Martinelli, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company Promotes Jeffrey Drobins

Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company today announced the promotion of Jeffrey Drobins to Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank. 

Drobins previously was Senior Vice President and Market President for Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company’s Lehigh Valley and New Jersey markets, which consist of three locations in Lehigh and Northampton Counties and one location in Middlesex County. He joined the Bank in 2014.

“Jeff has consistently achieved strong results for Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company, most recently in his position as Market President for the Bank’s Lehigh Valley and New Jersey market,” said Neal Koplin, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. “Additionally, Jeff has helped lead the expansion of the Bank into the New Jersey market and has played an instrumental role helping guide the Bank through the COVID-19 pandemic. We are excited to welcome Jeff into his new role and we look forward to his continued leadership.” 

As Chief Lending Officer, Drobins is responsible for profitable growth in commercial, consumer and mortgage lending and for ensuring that borrowers receive an exceptional banking experience. He will also be responsible for leading the origination, portfolio management and credit quality across all lending products. 

A resident of Schnecksville, PA, Drobins serves on the board of directors of the Greater Easton Development Partnership and the board of directors of the Lehigh Valley Zoo. He is past treasurer and board of directors for the Lehigh Valley Academy and past board of directors for the Lehigh Valley Chamber’s Young Professionals Council. 

Drobins is a member of Leadership Lehigh Valley Class of 2012, is a recipient of the Lehigh Valley Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 award, and a recipient of the Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal’s Forty Under 40 Spotlight. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Pennsylvania State University. 

The Wright Center for Community Health Promotes Garvin

The Wright Center for Community Health has promoted Marcella Garvin to lead case manager of the collaborative Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support (MOMS) program. Garvin joined the regional nonprofit primary and preventive care provider in 2020 as a case manager for the Healthy MOMS program.

In her previous role, Garvin provided care and support to mothers in recovery from substance use disorder. She focused on developing and expanding the Healthy MOMs program in Luzerne and Wyoming counties, collecting and analyzing data related to the program.

As the lead manager for the Healthy MOMs program, Garvin is responsible for providing comprehensive case management services to address the opioid epidemic as it affects pregnant women, newborns and their families. The position will collaborate with community partners to assist with pregnancy-related issues and work closely with the program’s community partners. Garvin’s additional responsibilities include a range of patient-centered services that link clients with medication-assisted treatment and addiction services, counseling, primary care, OB-GYN care, and a range of other supports.

Garvin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in linguistics from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA in business administration and technology from Carlow University. In addition, she is a certified recovery specialist and a certified addiction counselor. A member of the Luzerne County Breastfeeding Coalition and County Cares, Garvin is also pursuing her certification as a certified lactation counselor.

The Healthy MOMs program is modeled after a similar program in Ohio, using a collaborative, team approach to treat mothers with substance use disorder in a holistic manner. Launched in 2018, the program is offered in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

To date, 199 infants have been born into the Healthy MOMs program and 149 mothers are actively engaged in it. For more information, call 570-955-7821 or visit HealthyMOMS.org.

The Dime Bank Promotes Jennifer Tagle

President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich announced the promotion of Jennifer Tagle to Assistant Vice President, Application Services Manager at The Dime Bank.

Jennifer Tagle joined The Dime Bank in 2003 as a computer operator. She was promoted in 2011 to IT specialist, taking care of both application and network operations. After several years, Tagle moved into an applications-based role as IT applications specialist, concentrating on all facets of the applications The Dime Bank support. Tagle was then promoted to IT applications analyst and then IT application services supervisor. In her new role as assistant vice president application services manager, Tagle oversees The Dime Bank’s software systems, setup of applications, and user interfaces that support all business units within The Dime Bank. She assists with configuration of the applications and systems and creates documents to support the end users. Tagle also supervises the IT applications analyst and performs data analysis and reporting as requested.

Tagle graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems from Mansfield University. Jenn Tagle said, “I’ve enjoyed my time here and have been fortunate to work with many different and knowledgeable people over the years here who have helped me along the way.”

The Dime Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich stated, “Jenn has advanced her IT knowledge, expertise, and leadership skills throughout her career at The Dime Bank and is a great asset to our team and well deserving of this promotion. Please join me in congratulating Jenn and wish her continued success.”

HNB Bank Promotes Skylar Grove

Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced Skylar Groover has been promoted to Branch Supervisor of HNB’s Hallstead Office.

In making the announcement Sheridan stated, “Skylar has been an essential part of the HNB Family in our Susquehanna County community.” He continued, “Her local knowledge and ability to adapt to support each and every customer has shown true to her dedication here at HNB.”

As Branch Supervisor, Groover will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the Hallstead Office as well as connecting with customers to understand how to better serve the community.

She is a graduate of Montrose Area High School and is working toward a degree in Marine Science with a focus in Geology.

Groover began her career in the financial industry in 2020 as a part-time teller at HNB. She went on to become a full-time teller, then accepted a position as CSR and now Branch Supervisor.

In commenting on her new role at the bank, Groover noted, “Coming into work at HNB, I had no knowledge of the banking industry, but I never felt like I wasn’t supported.” She continued, “I have been allowed room to grow my knowledge and make mistakes along the way, only to find an amazing group of people ready to lend a hand.”

Geisinger Promotes Cardiologist

Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, M.D., has been promoted to chief of clinical electrophysiology for Geisinger.

In his new role, Dr. Vijayaraman oversees the integration and growth of services for patients with heart-rhythm disorders across the health system. These arrhythmias include tachycardia (fast heart rate), bradycardia (slow heart rate) and atrial fibrillation (AFib) among others.

A Geisinger provider since 2005, Dr. Vijayaraman specializes in cardiac electrophysiology, cardiac ablation and cardiac device implantation. He is world-renowned for his research and clinical expertise in conduction system pacing, which stimulates the heart’s natural electrical conduction system to correct rhythm disorders and has improved patient outcomes. An authority on innovative methods of implantation, he has educated Geisinger fellows as well as physicians from across the globe.

“For the past 17 years, it’s been my pleasure to serve our communities and help grow electrophysiology services for our patients,” Dr. Vijayaraman said. “I look forward to making better health easier for more of our friends and neighbors as we continue to expand the outstanding electrophysiology care available to them close to home.”

Before accepting his position as chief of clinical electrophysiology, Dr. Vijayaraman served as director of electrophysiology labs for Geisinger’s northeast region and program director of Geisinger’s clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship — roles he continues to serve. His presence and leadership at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center were integral to the hospital’s investment in its electrophysiology suite, which has expanded availability to patients in the region and established the medical center as a destination for heart-rhythm care.

Dr. Vijayaraman will work closely with regional chiefs of cardiology and the chair of Geisinger’s Department of Cardiology, George Ruiz, M.D., to coordinate electrophysiology care across the system, create new programs that complement clinical efforts, provide our communities with expanded clinical expertise and review any clinical quality challenges that arise.

“We have a team of experienced and talented electrophysiologists that rivals any in our region of the country,” Dr. Vijayaraman said. “I’m committed to supporting them with the facilities, technology, research and resources they need to care for our communities with excellence.”

The Dime Bank Promotes Michael D. Borick

The Dime Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich announced the promotion of Michael D. Borick to Vice President, Controller.

Michael Borick joined The Dime Bank in 2015 as a mortgage loan processor. He was promoted in 2016 to Accounting Supervisor. Prior to joining The Dime Bank, Borick worked as an assistant controller at a manufacturing company. Within his new role as controller, Borick will manage the finance department in accounting and regulatory functions including overseeing the bank’s daily accounting operations, providing insight to investment alternatives considering liquidity needs, yield, and conformance to asset and liability requirements and guidelines, producing all regulatory reports, and other related activities.

Borick recently won the honor of the PA Bankers Future Under 40 Award and is currently enrolled in the PA Bankers Leadership Institute. Borick also holds a dual master’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Scranton.

President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich, “We are excited to promote Michael to this elevated role. His wealth of knowledge, capabilities, and dedication, coupled with his attitude to go above and beyond, make him a key contributor to the finance department. Please join me in congratulating Michael and wishing him continued success in his new role.”

Fidelity Bank Promotes Annamarie Rittle

Daniel J. Santaniello, President & CEO, Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of AnnaMaria Rittle to Vice President, Regional Retail Sales Manager of the Lehigh Valley Region of Fidelity Bank.

Rittle brings more than 27 years of community banking experience to her new role at Fidelity Bank, where she oversees Branch Administration sales functions. She develops, implements, and achieves annual goals and objectives for the Retail Banking Division, and ensures the department meets all regulatory and operating requirements.

Rittle holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. As an active member of the community, she is the treasurer of Easton Business Association and a member of the Easton Area Chamber of Commerce Programming Committee. She also volunteers at multiple community events through her affiliation with Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP).