Wayne Bank Supports Honesdale Communities That Care Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that Wayne Bank has supported the Honesdale Communities That Care with a donation through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. This contribution is part of an ongoing commitment to support their continued efforts to foster positive development and well-being for youth and families in the Honesdale area. Dean LoPalo, Executive Director, Honesdale Communities That Care, accepted a check in the amount of $10,000 from Wayne Bank President and CEO, Jim Donnelly. “We believe that investing in our communities is a critical part of our mission as a community bank,” stated Mr. Donnelly. “Honesdale Communities That Care has been making a positive impact in our community for many years and we’re thrilled to support their initiatives that help guide young people towards brighter futures.” Honesdale Communities That Care is an after-school program that develops and implements strategies which encourage healthy behavior and productive interaction among children and all members of the community. They provide a safe environment where students develop positive social skills while playing and interacting with their peers. Exercise, fresh air, crafts, and games are all part of the after-school fun. Professional staff provide academic assistance after school to help with homework completion, and community partners including Highlights for Children, Wayne County YMCA, Greater Carbondale YMCA, The Wayne Memorial Health System, and Lacawac Sanctuary, help to provide enriching activities for the children to participate in. The gift was made possible as a result of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program offered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Department of Community and Economic Development.
The Honesdale National Bank Announces Retirement of President William Schweighofer, Chairman of the Board for The Honesdale National Bank announced today that Thomas E. Sheridan, Jr. the Bank’s President and CEO will retire from his more than 40 years in banking effective February 2025. Kate Bryant has been named his successor and will serve as the Bank’s first female president and CEO as the next step in her more than 20-year career with HNB. Tom Sheridan, outgoing President In making the announcement, Schweighofer stated, “Tom Sheridan has truly helped shape the strength and stability of The Honesdale National Bank over his extensive career with us, and the Board is truly grateful for his leadership.” He continued, “Kate Bryant holds the leadership, character, and expertise to continue the Bank’s mission forward and we will surely see her succeed in this new role.” “HNB has an outstanding history in our local area, and I am truly grateful for having been given the opportunity to contribute to our Bank’s growth and success,” said Sheridan. “Kate’s leadership will undoubtedly aid the Bank in continuing to support the evolving needs of our customers, communities, and the interests of our shareholders.” “Since 1836, The Honesdale National Bank has built a legacy of serving our employees, customers, shareholders, and community and it is an honor and privilege to lead the continuation of these values well into the future,” said Bryant. Bryant has served as the Bank’s Chief Financial Officer since 2016, through which she is responsible for managing the financial analysis, risk, planning, and performance of the bank and helps enable its strategic directives. She had been previously promoted to Senior Vice President, CFO in 2020 and Executive Vice President, CFO in 2023. 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 helped shepherd the development of accounting and Bank Security Act (BSA) functions. Bryant resides in Honesdale, 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. Her professional accolades include certifications from the ABA Wharton Leadership Lab, Financial Managers School, Chamber Leadership Wayne, the Penn State Supervisory Program, and PBA School of Banking, She has been recognized as a Dress for Success Lackawanna Woman of Impact as well as a NEPA Business Journal Top 25 Women in Business. Outside of the bank, she serves on the board of trustees for the Wayne County Community Foundation, Wayne Memorial Hospital, and as a board member for the Chamber of the Northern Poconos. She actively volunteers with Honesdale Friends of Football, Herd the Curd 5K/10K committee, and the Wayne County 4-H program. She has formerly served on the boards of the Wayne Memorial Hospital Foundation and Wayne County Public Library. In her spare time, she can be found spending time with her sons Abraham and Caleb, and husband, Zack.
The Dime Bank Supports Pocono Environmental Education Center The Dime Bank is proud to announce a $9,000.00 donation to the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit to support their hands-on environmental education programs for local school students. “The Dime Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that promote environmental education and sustainability,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. “We believe that investing in the future of our planet is essential, and PEEC’s programs are a valuable resource for our community’s young people.” PEEC’s mission is to inspire, educate, and empower people to care for the natural world. Through their innovative programs, students have the opportunity to explore the wonders of nature, learn about environmental issues, and develop a deeper appreciation for the planet. Director of Development Amanda Subjin stated, “We are so thankful for the support of The Dime Bank through the EITC program. The majority of the funding we receive through these donations is dedicated towards providing hands-on environmental education programming to local school students either by visiting their classroom or when they come to PEEC for a field trip. How exciting for students to connect with their local national recreation area!”
The Honesdale National Bank Adds New VP Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Brandon Brown has joined HNB as VP, Commercial Lender. Brandon Brown, VP, Commercial Lender In making the statement, Sheridan noted, “Brandon’s extensive experience and dedication to fostering strong client relationships align perfectly with our commitment to providing exceptional financial services” He continued, “We are confident that his leadership will drive growth, further solidifying our presence in the community.” Brown is a graduate of Lake Lehman High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Lock Haven University. Currently residing in Wilkes Barre, PA, he started his 11-year career in the financial industry at a local financial institution as a universal banker and progressively advanced to his current role. He has consistently engaged directly with business clients, demonstrating a keen interest in the dynamic nature of business operations and the continuous evolution of enterprises. In this role, he is responsible for addressing the lending needs of businesses and investors daily. This includes engaging with clients and key influencers to review and discuss the various lending options that HNB provides for their business or client requirements. In describing his recent move to HNB, Brown said, “After the first week with HNB, I have found the experience to be exceptional. The team has been notably welcoming and accommodating, creating a positive and supportive environment. I look forward to the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead.” In his free time, he is actively engaged in his son’s extracurricular activities, particularly soccer. He is currently serving as a coach for the Hanover Area Youth Soccer program. Additionally, he dedicates himself to cultivating Chestnut trees. Each year, he grows approximately 1,500 trees, which are distributed to clients across the Eastern United States.
Jessica Spare Joins HNB as VP, Commercial Loan Officer Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Jessica Spare has joined HNB as VP, Commercial Loan Officer. In making the statement, Sheridan noted, “We are excited to bring Jessica’s longstanding expertise to HNB” He continued, “Her loyalty to our area elevates our commitment to providing great service to our customers and uplifting future opportunities in our community.” Spare is a graduate of Hazelton Area High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Pennsylvania State University. Currently residing in Drums, PA, she started her 27-year career in the financial industry at a local financial institution as a Teller. From there she progressed to CSR, Credit Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Small Business Lender, and eventually Commercial Loan Officer. She will continue at HNB as VP, Commercial Loan Officer. In this role, she is responsible for the development and management of commercial loan customers to establish long-term banking relationships in the Luzerne County market. In describing her recent move to HNB, Spare said, “I am excited to be a part of the HNB family! It is clear to see that everyone works together as a team and supports each other to achieve success!” Spare is a member of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce and the Hazleton Area High School Baseball Booster Club. She currently serves as Chair of a Women in Business Planning sub-committee along with a number of other leadership roles in the community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and volunteering in the community.
HNB Announces Application to Open New Office The Honesdale National Bank (HNB), in demonstration of its continued commitment to provide the power of community banking services to Northeastern Pennsylvania, announced its intentions to open a new location in Moscow, Pennsylvania. HNB has filed its official application to the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) to open a banking office at 330 N Main Street, Moscow PA 18444. “HNB is happy to announce our plans in Moscow to provide community banking services,” stated Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO at HNB. He continued, “Moscow is a natural extension of our current footprint. The opening of a local office will allow us to best invest in and support the needs of local residents and businesses so we may continue to grow together.”
