Wayne Bank Announces New President and CEO On March 28, 2022, Norwood Financial Corp (the “Company”) (NASDAQ Global Market: NWFL) announced that James O. Donnelly had accepted an offer (the “Offer”) to become President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Wayne Bank (the “Bank”), effective upon his first day of employment with the Company, anticipated to be in early May, 2022. Following his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, he will also be appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Bank (the “Board”). Mr. Lewis J. Critelli, current President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Bank previously announced his intention to retire during the first half of 2022, subject to the successful completion of a search process for a successor. Mr. Critelli intends to continue serving as a director of the Company and Bank upon his retirement as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Donnelly joins the Company with over 30 years of banking experience, most recently with Bangor Savings Bank where he served as its Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Donnelly will bring to the chief executive officer role substantial experience and leadership skills in the areas of commercial lending, retail and mortgage banking, credit, financial management, wealth management and franchise growth through acquisition and market expansion. Mr. Donnelly has a long and distinguished history of community service, including in the areas of healthcare, higher education and the United Way. Mr. Critelli remarked, “Jim is an experienced, dedicated and successful community banker. We look forward to Jim joining the Company and the Bank in this key leadership role. We welcome him and his wife, Melissa, to the Bank and to our Community.” He has an MBA from Post University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maine, as well as leadership courses from various banking schools. He and his wife plan to relocate to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Norwood Financial Corp is the parent company of Wayne Bank, which operates from fourteen offices throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and sixteen offices in Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York. The Company’s stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL”.
Wayne Bank Promotes Linda Meskey to Assistant Vice President and Senior Credit Analyst Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Linda Meskey to Assistant Vice President and Senior Credit Analyst. Mr. Critelli remarked, “Linda is well-deserving of this promotion. Her extensive experience, knowledge, and dedication have helped to maintain the Bank’s strong credit culture.” Ms. Meskey has over 23 years of banking experience and joined Wayne Bank in 2011. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Science from Lackawanna College. She resides in Scranton with her husband, Gary, and enjoys walking, bicycling, and swimming.
Wayne Bank Celebrates 150 Year Anniversary Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that the Bank will be celebrating its 150 year anniversary this November. Wayne Bank was founded in Honesdale, PA on November 4, 1871, with the modest capital of $25,000. It was known as the Wayne County Savings Bank, after Major General Anthony Wayne, who was a prominent solider, officer, and statesman in American history. During the later portion of the 19th Century, Honesdale was a burgeoning canal town at the terminus of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. Led by President, W.W. Weston, a Honesdale merchant and businessman, the Bank’s early financing included everything from boat building and harness manufacturing to tanneries and farming. As time went on, the Bank helped finance the progression of Wayne County into the glassworks, textile, and logging industries. The headquarters also moved to four different locations within Honesdale, until finally building and moving into the Bank’s present Corporate Office in 1924, located between Seventh and Eighth Streets on Main Street in Honesdale. The Bank continued to expand throughout the remainder of the 20th Century, acquiring and opening additional locations throughout Wayne, Pike, and Monroe Counties in Pennsylvania. The name was also officially changed to Wayne Bank in 1993. In 1996, the Bank’s holding company, Norwood Financial Corp, was created. Stock began trading on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol, NWFL. Additional acquisitions helped Wayne Bank to continue its tradition of expansion during the 21st Century with significant growth into Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, and finally into Delaware, Sullivan, Otsego, Ontario, and Yates Counties in New York State. Today, Wayne Bank has 30 Community Offices in two states and ten counties, including those operating under the Bank of Cooperstown and Bank of the Finger Lakes brands, and employs close to 300 local people. Mr. Critelli commented, “Although so much has changed in 150 years, I am proud to say that Wayne Bank has remained committed to the same mission and core values that were instated upon our founding. We are a community bank that is dedicated to investing in the residents, businesses, and organizations who make our communities a better place to live. We are strong, secure, and excited to continue our legacy of ‘Helping the Community Grow’ for another 150 years.” As part of the 150th anniversary celebration, the Bank has some exciting initiatives planned which will kick off in November with special product promotions and Customer Appreciation events. For more information, visit waynebank.com or facebook.com/waynebank/.
Wayne Bank’s Lancia Earns National Certification Kristen E. Lancia, Assistant Vice President and Marketing Officer for Wayne Bank, was recently awarded the Certified Financial Marketing Professional (“CFMP”) certification from the American Bankers Association (“ABA”). President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, Lewis J. Critelli, noted, “Earning the CFMP certification validates Kristen’s experience and depth of education in the bank marketing arena. We are so pleased to congratulate her on this admirable achievement.” The CFMP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of financial services marketing. To qualify for the CFMP certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the financial services marketing profession, pass an exam, and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The CFMP exam covers many areas including financial principles, laws and regulations, market research, characteristics of marketing plans, and marketing components. Kristen began her career with Wayne Bank in 2012 and currently serves as the Bank’s Assistant Vice President and Marketing Officer. She earned a B.S. in Design & Merchandising with a Writing Concentration from Drexel University and specializes in digital marketing. Kristen resides in Scranton with her husband, Ralph, and enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
Wayne Bank Launches Customer Care Service Center Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the opening of the Bank’s new Customer Care Service Center. The purpose of the Customer Care Service Center (“the Center”) is to provide customers with a quick and convenient way to receive immediate assistance on any of the Bank’s products and services. “We are so pleased to introduce our new Customer Care Service Center,” remarked Mr. Critelli. “Wayne Bank is committed to providing the best possible customer experience throughout our Corporate Office and Community Office network. With the new Center, customers can make one phone call and receive immediate assistance with their banking, whether they have a question about our mobile banking app or want to apply for a home equity loan.” Currently, customers may reach the Center by phone, however plans for future technological enhancements include email contact as well as a live chat feature. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Robert J. Mancuso commented, “Wayne Bank is constantly on the lookout for new technology-based solutions to add value to our customers. The Customer Care Service Center will make contacting us a more streamlined and efficient process, for both our customers and our back office employees.” The Center currently has a team of five experienced and knowledgeable bankers ready to answer questions and help customers with any of their financial needs. The team is led by Vice President and Customer Care Service Center Manager, Tanyia Vannatta, who formerly served as manager of Wayne Bank’s Callicoon Community Office. “The Customer Care Service Center team is excited and ready to assist customers with anything they may need,” explained Mrs. Vannatta. “We have a conscientious and dedicated team here with a combined 23 years of customer service experience, so our customers are in great hands.” Wayne Bank’s Customer Care Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. through 12:00 noon. The Center can be reached by phone at 1-800-598-5002 or 570-253-1455.
Wayne Bank Hires Dunda as Senior Vice President Lewis J Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that Paul Dunda has joined the Bank as Senior Vice President and Senior Operations Officer. Mr. Dunda will be working out of the Bank’s Corporate Office in Honesdale in operations and technology management. Mr. Critelli noted, “I am so pleased to welcome Paul to our operations leadership team. He has thirty years of community banking experience and his expertise in operations, technology, strategic planning, and project management will be an asset as our organization continues to grow.” Mr. Dunda holds a B.S. in Accounting with a minor in History from the University of Scranton. He is the GCU District 5 Lodge President and is involved in fundraising for local youth sports. Mr. Dunda resides in Dunmore and enjoys golfing, the outdoors, and spending time with his girlfriend, Christina, and son, Blake. Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 30 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.
Wayne Bank Promotes Vincent G. O’Bell Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Vincent G. O’Bell to Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “I am delighted to announce this promotion,” remarked Mr. Critelli. “Vinny’s strong leadership has contributed to the growth and profitability of the Bank’s commercial lending portfolio. His extensive experience and commitment to the communities we serve make him well-suited to this position, and firmly positions Wayne Bank for the continued expansion of our business lending efforts.” Mr. O’Bell joined the Bank in 2016 and has served as Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer for the Lackawanna County market since that time, as well as a Team Leader within the Commercial Lending division. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Banking from Lackawanna Junior College and a Graduate Degree in Banking and Finance from the Stonier School of Banking. In 2019, Mr. O’Bell was recognized by the Pennsylvania Bankers Association for his 40 years of service, having held various senior roles in the banking industry for four decades. Mr. O’Bell is very involved with his community and serves as the Scranton Lackawanna Health and Welfare Board Chairman; a Rotary Club of Scranton Paul Harris Fellow, Board Member, and Treasurer; a Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Board Member and Treasurer; a NEPA Alliance Board Member; a 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 Promotes Kristen E. Lancia to Assistant Vice President Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristen E. Lancia to Assistant Vice President. Mr. Critelli noted, “I am so pleased to announce this promotion. Kristen is committed to finding creative marketing solutions to align with the Bank’s strategic objectives, while working to expand our digital reach. She does a great job overseeing the marketing department and is well-deserving of this recognition.” Kristen began her career with Wayne Bank in 2012 and currently serves as the Bank’s Marketing Officer. She earned a B.S. in Design & Merchandising with a Writing Concentration from Drexel University and is currently working towards her Certified Financial Marketing Professional designation. Kristen resides in Scranton with her husband, Ralph, and enjoys cooking, gardening, and practicing yoga. Wayne Bank is a subsidiary of Norwood Financial Corp., Member FDIC, and is located in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Bank has 30 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.
