Fidelity Bank Promotions and New Hire Promotion of Joseph Tini Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that Joseph Tini, CFMP, has been promoted to Marketing Communications Manager. Tini joined Fidelity Bank in 2024 as Marketing Communications Coordinator and has over five years of financial marketing experience. As an officer of the bank, he works closely with the marketing department to execute the strategic plan and collaborate with internal departments and service partners. In his new role, Tini will lead the efforts to generate internal and external communications, maintain brand consistency, analyze marketing data, and support initiatives across all lines of business. His focus will be to enhance Fidelity Bank’s visibility and deepen engagement within the communities it serves. In reflecting on his promotion, Tini stated, “I am truly honored to be part of the team at Fidelity Bank, where collaboration, innovation, and community impact are at the heart of everything we do.” He continued, “It is incredibly rewarding to work for a local bank that not only promotes the success and growth of its bankers but also remains deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in our community.” A 2016 graduate of Valley View High School, Tini earned his bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in digital communication at Kutztown University in 2020. Tini started his career in banking shortly after graduation at another local financial institution. He attended the American Bankers Association Bank Marketing School in 2022 and is a Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP). Tini was appointed officer status at Fidelity Bank in early 2025. In making this announcement, Santaniello stated, “Joe has shown passion for driving the success of our marketing initiatives here at Fidelity Bank.” He continued, “I am excited to see him continue to advance his career by embracing new opportunities and adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape.” Outside of work, Tini is a student pilot and avid outdoorsman. He is passionate about aviation, boating, skiing, fishing, exercising, carpentry, and spending time with family and friends. He is also a volunteer with the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Influencers group. Promotion of William Fennie Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that William J. Fennie III, CFA®, has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Investment Officer of Fidelity Bank’s Wealth Management division. With nearly 15 years of investment management experience, Fennie leads and oversees the development and management of investment portfolios for Fidelity Bank Wealth Management’s clients. In his role, he manages the construction and oversight of proprietary investment portfolios and conducts research to identify relevant trends, opportunities, and investment vehicles. Fennie began his career at Fidelity Bank as an Investment Officer and has advanced through titles including Assistant Vice President, Vice President, and now Senior Vice President and Investment Officer. Announcing the promotion, Santaniello stated, “Will’s dedicated service and exceptional leadership have been instrumental to our success.” He continued, “His strategic thinking and deep commitment to serving our clients has elevated standards across Fidelity Bank, inspiring a culture of excellence and innovation.” Raised in Dunmore and currently a Scranton resident, Fennie is a graduate of Scranton Prep and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and economics, with a minor in accounting, from West Chester University. He received his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation in August 2019 and is a member of both the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Philadelphia. Reflecting on his new role, Fennie shared, “It has been exciting and rewarding to be part of building Fidelity Bank Wealth Management. Over the past seven years, we have helped numerous individuals, families, institutions, and nonprofits gain greater financial confidence. Bringing clarity to families investing for college and retirement, or deploying capital for local organizations, has allowed me to see firsthand how thoughtful financial plans can build our community.”He resides in Scranton with his spouse, Leigh, and their four children: William IV, Andrew, Russell, and Nora. New Hire of William Walsh Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that William Walsh, CFP®, CRPC®, has joined the bank as a Wealth Advisor. In his new role, Walsh will provide expert financial advice and guidance to clients, strengthening and adding value to their financial journeys. He will explore opportunities for Fidelity Bank to deepen client relationships through expanded product and service offerings. His focus will be on helping clients achieve their long-term personal and financial goals. With a strong background in retirement and investment consulting, Walsh previously served as a Financial Consultant and a Senior Retirement Consultant at local firms. A lifelong resident of the region, Walsh currently resides in Back Mountain, PA. He earned a bachelor’s in business administration in marketing from Loyola University Maryland in 2018 and graduated from Scranton Prep in 2014. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) practitioner and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation. In making the announcement, Santaniello stated, “Bill’s dedicated service and exceptional leadership will be the cornerstone to his success.” He continued, “His drive and commitment to our clients will inspire excellence across Fidelity Bank.” Reflecting on this milestone, Walsh shared, “Growing up in NEPA, I have long known Fidelity Bank for its strength in the community. After spending ten years in Maryland, being able to return home and join Fidelity Bank has been a tremendous opportunity, one that I could not pass up.” Outside of his professional life, Bill lives with his fiancée Sarah and their two Golden Retrievers, Lucky and Nittany. He enjoys spending time with family, beach trips, and hiking with their dogs at Francis Slocum and Ricketts Glen State Parks.
Fidelity Bank & Peoples Security Bank: Water Balloon Battle Benefit Fidelity Bank and Peoples Security Bank Face Off for a Good Cause On Thursday, July 24 at 5:30 PM, a friendly rivalry takes center stage as Fidelity Bank and Peoples Security Bank & Trust gear up for the Third Annual Bankers’ Water Balloon Battle on the 100 block of W. Drinker Street in Dunmore. With both banks located directly across the street from each other, the Dunmore Police Department will temporarily close the block to allow employees from each institution to take part in a lighthearted water balloon battle—all in the name of community. The event is more than just fun. Proceeds raised by participating employees will benefit Bread Basket of NEPA, supporting their efforts to combat food insecurity in Lackawanna County. Highlights include: Employees from both banks wearing custom t-shirts. Hundreds (dare we say thousands) of water balloons launched across Drinker St. Community engagement and friendly competition for a local cause. The event demonstrates both organizations’ commitment to giving back to the communities they serve—one water balloon at a time. WHEN: Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 5:30 PMWHERE: 100 block of W. Drinker Street, Dunmore, PAWHY: To support Bread Basket of NEPA and raise awareness for food insecurity in our region Media coverage is welcome. Interviews and photo opportunities will be available on-site.
Fidelity Bank Appoints Michael Jones to Retail Branch Manager Daniel J. Santaniello, President & Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, announced Michael Jones has been hired as Assistant Vice President, Retail Branch Manager at the Fidelity Bank Mountain Top branch. Jones, a dedicated banker with years of experience, will lead community outreach and team-building efforts at Fidelity Bank, while overseeing day-to-day branch operations, providing exceptional service for clients across the region. Prior to joining Fidelity Bank, Jones served as a Regional Banking Officer and Personal Banker, honing his skills in client advisory roles. Jones will demonstrate strong leadership skills and knowledge of community banking in his new role as Retail Branch Manager at the Mountain Top branch. In making the announcement, Santaniello stated, “We’re thrilled to welcome Michael as our new branch manager. His leadership, community spirit, and enthusiasm aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re confident he will make a lasting impact on both our Mountain Top branch and our clients.” A resident of Drums, PA, Jones is a Pennsylvania State Commissioned Notary. He and his husband proudly welcomed their first daughter Ina earlier this year. His family also includes two beloved dogs, Minnie and Lilo, named after Disney characters, reflecting Michael’s enthusiasm for all things Disney. “Moving from a large bank mindset to a smaller community-focused approach has been invigorating,” said Jones. He continued, “Here at Fidelity Bank, I feel heard, and I truly see the impact we make every day in the communities we serve.” Beyond the branch, Jones is active in local organizations and community initiatives, building relationships and supporting area development.
Fidelity Bank Promotes Jesse Lick to Banking Relationship Manager Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that Jesse Lick has been promoted to Associate Banking Relationship Manager at Fidelity Bank. Lick has been with Fidelity Bank for three years, developing his career as a credit analyst. He will continue his career as an Associate Business Banking Relationship Manager, working closely with clients to understand their unique needs and providing them with a personalized solution. In this role, he will be responsible for managing and growing his portfolio of business clients. It involves developing relationships, identifying financial needs, and providing tailored banking solutions including loans, merchant and treasury services, and deposits. He will work closely with service partners across the Bank to deliver exceptional service and support clients’ business growth. In reflecting on his new role, Lick stated “After years of working to understand the underwriting side of commercial lending, I am thrilled to be able to make the leap over to the relationship management side of things at Fidelity Bank.” He continued, “I am excited to learn a whole new set of skills in this role and can’t wait to see the opportunities it will bring.” A graduate of Lakeland High School, Lick earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Penn State University in 2016. Lick started his career in banking in 2017 and worked at other local financial institutions before starting his role as Credit Analyst at Fidelity Bank in 2022. In making this announcement, Santaniello stated, “Jesse has shown dedication to evaluating risk, identifying opportunities, and supporting our clients’ financial goals.” He continued, “I am glad to have him grow his career here at Fidelity Bank and achieve new heights in his new role.” Currently residing in Blakely, PA, Lick enjoys working on cars, going to car racing events, live music, RC cars/trucks, skiing, snowboarding, exercising, cooking, and spending time with his girlfriend.
The NEPA Philharmonic Kicks Off Summer with Independence Day Celebrations and Community Events The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic kicks off its 2025-26 Season, Presented by PNC, with a lineup of summer festivities, Independence Day celebrations, and three nights of music under the stars on July 3-5, 2025. With full-orchestra fireworks performances, patriotic favorites, community education and wellness events, and chamber music in the great outdoors, the NEPA Philharmonic presents outdoor large-ensemble concerts in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre on July 3rd and 4th; an outdoor chamber music concert at Harmony in the Woods in Hawley on July 5th; and community programs in Scranton, Peckville, and Carbondale. On Thursday, July 3, 7:30 PM, the full NEPA Philharmonic returns to Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton for a free concert as part of the Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular. The performance – led by guest conductor Jeffrey Spenner, Assistant Director of the U.S. Coast Guard Band – features the full orchestra for the first time since 2019, with an array of patriotic classics capped by a fireworks display. For more details, visit https://www.scrantasticspectacular.com/. “I’m thrilled to celebrate the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s performance at our annual Scrantastic Spectacular on July 3rd,” says Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak. “Their vibrant orchestra will bring patriotic spirit to Courthouse Square, uniting our community in a joyful Independence Day celebration. We’re proud to support their artistry and look forward to an unforgettable evening of music and fireworks.” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan also notes, “The Scrantastic Spectacular always is a great event and it will be even more so this year, with the full Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic bringing its extraordinarily talented musicians to the perfect setting of Courthouse Square. I can’t think of a better way for the whole community to come together to celebrate the nation’s 249th anniversary.” The celebration continues Friday, July 4, 9:00 AM, with the 12th Annual Yoga on the Roof atop the Marketplace at Steamtown’s parking garage. The NEPA Philharmonic string trio joins Jaya Yoga Clarks Summit for a unique sunrise yoga session with live music, highlighting powerful connections between arts and wellness. Registration is $20, online at www.nepaphil.org/tickets or at the door; proceeds benefit NEPA Philharmonic community and education programs. Maximum Zen Bakery of Clarks Summit provides light breakfast. On July 4, 8:00 PM, the NEPA Philharmonic Brass and Percussion Ensemble return with guest conductor Paul Bryan to Wilkes-Barre’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at Kirby Park. This free, festive event features music, food, games, and another evening of lighting up the sky with fireworks. The NEPA Philharmonic Brass also presents two all-ages educational events: Once Upon an Orchestra at Valley Community Library in Peckville on Thursday, July 3, 10:00 AM and Meet the Instruments outside at Memorial Park in Carbondale on Saturday, July 5, 11:00 AM. Once Upon an Orchestra blends music and storytelling, bringing to life Ben’s Trumpet by Rachel Isadora with a brass trio performing 1920s-style jazz, while Meet the Instruments features instrument demonstrations and short musical excerpts with brass quintet. Both events are free; registration for the July 3 library event is at https://lclshome.org/event/once-upon-an-orchestra/. The weekend concludes as the NEPA Philharmonic expands the Stoppini Chamber Series with a special concert in partnership with Harmony in the Woods, a premier outdoor performance venue in Hawley, PA. On Saturday, July 5, 6:00 PM, the NEPA Philharmonic Brass Quintet takes center stage with “Americana Brass in the Woods”. The performance will feature a dynamic mix of New Orleans jazz, lively ragtime, and classic film scores, alongside timeless works from Gershwin, Ellington, Bernstein, Irving Berlin, and more. Tickets ($50 for adults, $25 for children) are available at www.harmonyinthewoods.org. The Scrantastic Spectacular is sponsored in part by Lehigh Valley Health Network, Scranton Tomorrow, The Lackawanna County Commissioners, The City of Scranton, and Audacy Pennsylvania. Additional support for the NEPA Philharmonic at Scrantastic Spectacular is provided by PNC, Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC, Fidelity, Geisinger, and Xfinity. Once Upon an Orchestra is presented by the Lackawanna County Library System. The NEPA Philharmonic Brass at Wilkes-Barre’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July is presented by the City of Wilkes-Barre. Americana Brass is presented by Harmony in the Woods, with additional support for the Philharmonic from PNC and the Stoppini Foundation. In case of inclement weather, the July 3rd, 7:30PM Scrantastic Spectacular concert will go on as scheduled, with a rain location at Scranton High School; rain location announcements will be provided by Lackawanna County on the event website. The rain location for the July 5th, 11AM Meet the Instruments event in Carbondale will be at the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the NEPA Philharmonic’s summer programs and the upcoming 2025–2026 Season, Presented by PNC, visit nepaphil.org, or call (570) 270-4444.
The Scranton Area Community Foundation, NEPA Gives Raised Over $1.3 Million for Local Nonprofits More than 8,000 donors rally in support of 257 organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that NEPA Gives 2025 raised over $1.3 million in just 24 hours to support 257 nonprofit organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The sixth annual event—held from 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5 through 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6—saw more than 8,000 donors come together to uplift the critical work of nonprofits making a difference throughout the region. NEPA Gives is the largest day of giving in Northeastern Pennsylvania, coordinated by the Scranton Area Community Foundation in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Monroe County Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and dozens of generous community sponsors. “NEPA Gives is a celebration of community—and a powerful reminder of the generosity that defines our region,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are grateful to every donor, sponsor, and nonprofit that helped make this the most successful NEPA Gives to date.” Thanks to over $250,000 in bonus funds, matching gifts, and incentive prizes, donations went even further to help participating nonprofits maximize their fundraising potential. Support came from every corner of the region, both online and in person. A festive NEPA Gives Launch Party was held on June 5 at the Foundation’s new headquarters in the Century Club of Scranton, and the celebration continued at the popular NEPA Gives Block Party on June 6, drawing hundreds of attendees to downtown Scranton for live entertainment, food trucks, and family-friendly fun. Nonprofits of all sizes and missions participated, including returning participants such as Saint Joseph’s Center, Women’s Resource Center, NEPA Youth Shelter, and the Lackawanna River Conservation Association. The event’s success was made possible through the support of generous sponsors, including The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Moses Taylor Foundation, Coterra, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Schwartz Mack Foundation, Fidelity Bank, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Honesdale National Bank, Wegmans, and many others. Media partners such as WBRE/WYOU TV, FOX56, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Lamar Advertising, and Times-Shamrock Communications provided critical promotional support to raise awareness across the region.
Johnson College Receives $5,000 from Fidelity Bank Johnson College received a $5,000 EITC contribution from Fidelity Bank to support students in the College’s Industry Fast Track Program. The Industry Fast Track Program (IFT) is a joint partnership with area school districts and the College. The program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to simultaneously enroll in secondary and post-secondary coursework on the Johnson College campus. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes at Johnson College. Fidelity Bank’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. For information about how to participate in EITC program with Johnson College, visit Johnson.edu/eitc.
Fidelity Bank adds Patrick Iannetta as Vice President, Retirement Plan Advisor Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that Patrick Iannetta has joined Fidelity Bank as Vice President, Retirement Plan Advisor. With 22 years of retirement industry experience, Iannetta has served as Retirement Plan Advisor in his previous role. Leveraging regulatory knowledge, he designed innovative retirement solutions while maintaining client satisfaction and operational efficiency. As a 2000 graduate of York College, Patrick earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management. In 2009, he earned his Master of Business Administration at Excelsior University. In his new role, Iannetta will be responsible for collaborating with our Wealth Management Team to develop long-term retirement solutions for our clients. His keen understanding of regulations and operational efficiency will be beneficial as he helps to elevate the experience for new and existing clients at Fidelity Bank. “Patrick’s extensive experience and dedication to fostering strong client relationships align perfectly with our commitment to providing exceptional banking services,” shared Nicholas Parise, SVP, Director of Wealth Management. He continued, “We are confident that his leadership will drive growth and further solidify our wealth management strategies.” Currently residing in Jefferson Township, PA, Iannetta enjoys hiking, boating, fishing, rock concerts, and supporting his daughter’s academic and athletic endeavors.
Fidelity Bank Presents Wilkes-Barre Volunteers with Grant Fidelity Bank is pleased to share Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) has won the $10,000 Fidelity Bank IMPACT grant. VIM competed with two other area nonprofit finalists, all with the goal of securing grant funding to support their ongoing initiatives. Although all the finalists demonstrated their ability to deliver vital services to Wilkes-Barre residents, VIM secured the most community votes, determining them the winner. Ruth Turkington, EVP, Chief Consumer Banking Officer of Fidelity Bank was on hand at the bank’s Wilkes-Barre branch to present a $10,000 check to VIM. She stated, “On behalf of all of us here at Fidelity Bank, we extend our heartfelt congratulations. Winning this grant clearly indicates that the services Wilkes-Barre Volunteers in Medicine provides closely aligns with our goal of providing support and value to the communities we serve.” Volunteers in Medicine is a community-based nonprofit organization who offers a wide range of services at no cost, including primary medical care, dental services, diagnostic testing, and counseling. These services are offered to the working, uninsured, and underinsured populations in NEPA. The clinic’s comprehensive care addresses the needs of residents, some of whom are non-English speaking, by providing vital interpretation services. The IMPACT Grant funds will be used to support this interpretation program, which is essential for effective communication and treatment planning. More details and complete rules for the IMPACT grant can be found online at www.bankatfidelity.com/impact.
Fidelity Bank Employee Completes Advanced Banking School Jill M. Valentini, VP, Regional Retail Sales Manager at Fidelity Bank, recently completed coursework at the 2024 Pennsylvania Bankers Association (PA Bankers) Advanced School of Banking, on July 29, 2024. Valentini has been with Fidelity Bank for 17 years. Her career is a true success story within the branch banking network. She started at Fidelity as a Teller Services Supervisor and has continued to rise through the branch network as an Assistant Branch Manager and most recently the Retail Branch Manager of Fidelity’s largest office in Dunmore, Pa. Her responsibilities include leading the Retail team to continued success and providing her knowledge and guidance to the managers and branch bankers in the continuous enhancement of the client experience. Jill attended Penn State University and has completed numerous continuing educational courses with the American Institute of Banking, as well as the Pennsylvania American Bankers Association. She is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program and sat on Leadership Lackawanna’s Board of Directors as Chair. She was a Board Member of the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and currently sits on the Board of Dress for Success Lackawanna, along with the Chamber’s affiliate, Metro Actions Board. She is current chair of the Chambers Membership Committee, and Women’s Network Luncheon Committee. PA Bankers’ Advanced School of Banking is a three-year program that teaches financial services knowledge and skills and paves the road for participants to become leaders at any level within their organization. The curriculum provides a greater understanding of the multiple banking disciplines and how those disciplines work together within the bank. It is analogous to 200-, 300- and 400-level college course study.
