PS Bank Adds Walter Sarafinko Anthony J. Gabello, President and Chief Executive Officer, is pleased to announce the hiring of Walter Sarafinko as Commercial Loan Officer / Vice President. With over 40 years of experience in banking and more than 25 years specializing in commercial lending, Walter brings a wealth of expertise to the team, especially to the Northeast PA region. Walter joins PS Bank at an exciting time as it prepares to open its newest office on Keyser Avenue in Scranton, further expanding its footprint in Lackawanna County and surrounding markets. The new location aims to make PS Bank retail and business services more accessible to the Greater Scranton area. “I’m excited to join the team at PS Bank, a bank with a long-standing tradition of building strong relationships through community banking. This team has a great reputation within the business community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to join them” said Sarafinko. “I look forward to helping our clients navigate their financial needs, and continuing to grow PS Bank’s presence in a market that I have called home for most of my career.” Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO of PS Bank, added, “Walter will play a vital role in increasing our presence in Lackawanna County and the surrounding markets, as we prepare to open our newest office in North Scranton. His vast knowledge of the region, combined with his extensive background in commercial lending, will be instrumental in helping us to better serve both new and existing customers.” A resident of South Abington Township, Walter resides with this wife, Robin, and has two adult children, Colin and Kelsey.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards Grantees in 2024 Employee Assistance Grant Program The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, in collaboration with AllOne Foundation & Charities and the Moses Taylor Foundation, gathered to award over $1.1 million to the recipients of the 2024 Employee Assistance Grant Program. Funds will assist nonprofit organization grantees in behavioral and mental health care across Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties. Employee Assistance Grants will help the recipient organizations sustain a sufficient level of qualified providers to meet community demand. Specifically, funds will alleviate financial-related stressors, minimize employee attrition, and serve as an additional recruitment strategy while supporting the long- term development of a sustained workforce for providers. The 2024 grantees are Allied Services for an enhanced assistance program for behavioral health team members; Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA for launching an employee assistance program to retain and attract behavioral health employees; Children’s Service Center for an employee tuition and loan assistance program; Friendship House for the Friendship House ABA Program Staff Recruitment Initiative; Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania for investing in social workers; Scranton Counseling Center for the Scranton Counseling Center Employee Assistance Program expansion; and Volunteers in Medicine for the development of an employee assistance program in a nonprofit free clinic setting. For more information about The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, contact NEPAHCF@safdn.org or visit www.nepahealthcarefoundation.org.
Wright Center Doctor, Resident Physicians Named to Northeast Counties Medical Society Board of Directors A board-certified family medicine physician and medical director of The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre was appointed to the Northeast Counties Medical Society’s Board of Directors. Dr. Maureen Litchman joined The Wright Center in 2016. In addition to leading The Wright Center’s health center in Wilkes-Barre, she serves as associate program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Regional Family Medicine Residency Program. The Luzerne County native earned her medical degree from what is now Hahnemann University in Philadelphia and completed her medical residency at United Health and Hospital Services in Kingston, now The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Regional Family Medicine Residency Program. “I’m looking forward to becoming involved with the Northeast Counties Medical Society’s Board,” Dr. Litchman said. “This is an opportunity to strengthen relationships across the Northeastern Pennsylvania medical community. The potential to make a positive impact on the future of health care spurred me to seek a position on this board.” Drs. Tejas Nikumbh and Simran Bhimani, resident physicians in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Internal Medicine Residency Program, were also appointed to serve on the Northeast Counties Medical Society’s Board. Dr. Nikumbh, a graduate of Grant Government Medical College in Mumbai, India, and Dr. Bhimani, a graduate of Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan, began training at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Internal Medicine Residency Program in 2023. Both will serve on the Northeast Counties Medical Society’s Board until they graduate in 2026. Dr. Litchman will serve a three-year term on the board. The trio will join more than 20 doctors, resident physicians, and students from across Lackawanna and Luzerne counties on the board. Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, provides affordable, high-quality, nondiscriminatory whole-person primary health services to everyone, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. To learn more, call 570-230-0019 or go to TheWrightCenter.org. For more than 150 years, county medical societies have represented physicians who live and work in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. Their recent merger created the Northeast Counties Medical Society, producing an even stronger partnership with more membership benefits. Visit www.nepams.org to learn more.
University of Scranton Accounting Dept. Ranked No 2 in Education Research Productivity The University of Scranton Accounting Department ranked No. 2 (tied) internationally for accounting education research published in peer-reviewed accounting journals during the most recent six-year period, according to the 2024 Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings just published. The 2024 report also ranked Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department and director of the Ph.D. program, No. 2 in the world for accounting education publication volume in the past six years, and No. 91 (tied) for Accounting Information System Research. Accounting faculty members James F. Boyle, D.B.A., associate professor and director of the Master of Accountancy program, was ranked No. 10 (tied); and Amanda Marcy, Ph.D., assistant professor, and Ashley Stampone, Ph.D., assistant professor, were ranked No. 79 (tied) worldwide. Dr. Stampone was also ranked No. 91 (tied) for Accounting Information System Research. The Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings are considered to be the gold standard in accounting disciplines. “The international recognition for education research published by our Accounting Department faculty is a testament to their steadfast commitment to not only teach accounting students at Scranton but to advance further learning and knowledge for the betterment of the accounting profession,” said Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the University’s Kania School of Management and professor of accounting, who noted that all four professors recognized are graduates of The University of Scranton. “It is also a testament to the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, which is embodied in each of these outstanding professors.” This is the fifth consecutive year the University’s Accounting Department was ranked among the top research publishers in the world in the prestigious Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings. The report ranks accounting programs and faculty throughout the world based on their success in publishing in top-tier, peer-reviewed accounting journals. The report is updated annually and includes ranks for specific categories of research and for specific time periods. Dr. Douglas Boyle is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with more than 30 years of industry executive experience. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009. An award-winning researcher and teacher, Dr. Boyle has received the Institute of Management Accountants’ (IMA) Committee on Ethics and Strategic Finance Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year Award three times and was also selected as the IMA Research Foundation Distinguished Scholar in 2022, among numerous other awards. At Scranton, Dr. Boyle earned Provost Excellence Awards for University Service and Leadership, Scholarship of Teaching and Scholarly Publication; and the Faculty Senate’s Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award. He was named the Kania School of Management’s Alperin Teaching Fellow for 2015 to 2018 and received their Advisory Board’s Award for Curriculum Innovation for 2017-2018. He was twice recognized as the KSOM Teacher of the Year. He is the founder and director of the University’s Ph.D. in Accounting and Nonprofit Leadership Certificate programs. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, an MBA from Columbia University and a doctorate from Kennesaw State University. A Certified Public Accountant with significant professional experience working in public accounting and in internal auditing, Dr. James F. Boyle has taught part-time at the University since 2009 and full-time since 2012. He serves as faculty advisor for Accounting Internships at Scranton. He has co-authored articles published in many peer-reviewed academic and practitioner journals, including The Accounting Educators’ Journal, The CPA Journal, Strategic Finance, The Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting, and Internal Auditing. He received several publishing awards, including the 2015 IMA’s Lybrand Silver Medal and the 2016 IMA Certificate of Merit Award. He earned a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from The University of Scranton and a D.B.A. in Accounting from Kennesaw State University. A Certified Public Accountant, Dr. Marcy has twice received the Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year Award from the IMA’s Committee on Ethics and Strategic Finance. She was named assistant professor of accounting at Scranton in 2018 and previously served as a faculty specialist in the department. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Accounting Association and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Dr. Marcy earned a bachelor’s degree, an MBA and a Ph.D. in accounting from The University of Scranton. An award-winning teacher, Dr. Stampone was selected by students of Scranton’s Business Club as the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year four of the last five years. Since joining Scranton’s faculty in 2016, Dr. Stampone has garnered numerous state and national awards and professional honors. In 2019, she was given the IMA’s Faculty Leadership Award, and in 2021, she won IMA’s Ursel K. Albers IMA Campus Advocate of the Year Award, which recognizes a campus advocate/student chapter advisor who has made significant contributions to the IMA and student members in particular. Dr. Stampone earned a bachelor’s degree, an MBA and a Ph.D. from The University of Scranton.
The Office 5K Returns to Scranton in May The Office 5K, the wildly popular fun run celebrating the iconic sitcom “The Office,” returns to Scranton on Saturday, May 3, 2025, promising even more Dunder Mifflin-inspired fun and community spirit. Following a record-breaking 2024 event that drew over 1,500 registrants from around the globe, this year’s race is already off to a strong start with over 450 runners signed up internationally! The 5K course will wind through Scranton, passing by familiar locations featured in the show. Walkers can enjoy a shorter, one-mile course with interactive activities along the way. Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Office characters for a chance to win prizes. The race kicks off at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 523 Linden Street in Scranton, in front of Backyard Ale House. Pre-registered runners can pick up their race bibs, t-shirts, and race information at Cooper’s Seafood House (701 N. Washington Avenue) on Friday, May 2nd, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Race day registration and packet pick-up will also be available from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the starting line. A post-race block party and awards ceremony will immediately follow the event. Prizes will be awarded for top finishers in various age groups, as well as a variety of costume categories, including Best Group Costume, Most Obscure Office Reference Award, and Best In Show. Register by April 20th to guarantee your race t-shirt! The pre-registration fee is $30, and the day-of registration fee is $40. All proceeds from The Office 5K will benefit Valley In Motion, a local non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the sense of community across the Lackawanna Valley. Learn more about Valley In Motion at www.valleyinmotion.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @valleyinmotion. For more information about The Office 5K and to register, please visit www.theoffice5k.com.
Wayne Bank Promotes Tracie Young to Executive Vice President and Director Jim Donnelly, president, and chief executive officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Tracie Young to Executive Vice President and Director of Risk. “I am extremely proud to announce Tracie’s promotion. She consistently pushes herself and those around her to promote effective risk management here at Wayne Bank. Her extensive knowledge and dedication to safe, efficient operations help us safeguard the interests of the Bank, and we are lucky to have her leading the Risk Department,” said Mr. Donnelly. Young joined Wayne Bank in 2023 and has most recently served as a Senior Vice President, where she was responsible for overseeing the Bank’s risk management framework, which includes Audit, Compliance, Deposit Operations, Fraud, and Security & Facilities. With over 30 years of experience, Tracie is critical to proactively identifying and addressing potential risks to the operations of the Bank. Young resides in Honesdale, PA with her husband, Neal. They have two daughters.
2025 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient Announced The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., FACP, FAAP, the president and chief executive officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, is the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. The ATHENA Award, sponsored locally by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants, honors an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. Dr. Thomas-Hemak embodies these characteristics wholeheartedly. Dr. Thomas-Hemak joined The Wright Center in 2001, became president in 2007, and CEO in 2012. Concurrent with her responsibilities as an executive, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is also quintuple board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, addiction medicine, obesity medicine, and nutrition and remains a healer at heart. “It is a true privilege to recognize Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak as the 2025 Athena Award recipient,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “Her relentless commitment to her patients, hands-on leadership style, and deep dedication to the community set her apart as an exceptional individual. We are proud to honor Dr. Thomas-Hemak for the profound and lasting impact she has made on both healthcare and our community. Congratulations, Dr. Thomas-Hemak!” In the community, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is actively involved in multiple organizations, countless committees, nonprofit boards and workgroups aimed at benefiting the community, generating efficiencies in healthcare delivery, and promoting primary healthcare workforce development, both regionally and nationally. Additionally, she is a founding board member of the Scranton-based Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Dr. Thomas-Hemak promotes the advancement of women by leading boldly and strategically, fostering inclusive opportunities and career advancement, and mentoring opportunities for female leaders to pursue meaningful, transformative careers in health care. The ATHENA Award will be presented to Dr. Thomas-Hemak at The Chamber’s International Women’s Day Breakfast, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, on Friday, March 7. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ScrantonChamber.com. The ATHENA Award was first presented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan, and has grown to include presentations to more than 5,000 individuals in hundreds of cities in the United States as well as in Canada, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The award takes the form of a hand-cast bronze sculpture, symbolizing the strength, courage, and wisdom of the recipient. The ATHENA Award® Program is nationally underwritten by General Motors and National City Bank.
The Wright Center Recognizes National Salute to Veterans Here in Northeast Pennsylvania, we hold our military veterans in the highest regard – and rightfully so, given their immense sacrifices for our nation. Like any other group, veterans face a wide array of health challenges that require exceptional care. Highlighting this vital issue is the mission of the annual National Salute to Veteran Patients, observed this year from Feb. 9-15. This weeklong tribute honors the millions of veterans who receive care at Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities while raising awareness about the critical role these centers play and encouraging more people to visit and volunteer. The National Salute to Veteran Patients began in 1974, initiated by the humanitarian organization No Greater Love, Inc., and was later adopted by the VA in 1978. Today, the VA’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement organizes local events and activities at VA medical facilities across the country, recognizing the contributions of both hospitalized and outpatient veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 100,000 veterans visit VA medical centers each day, about 9 million annually. These centers, operated by the Veterans Health Administration, form the largest integrated health care system in the country. They provide a wide range of essential services, including orthopedics, mental health care, surgery, critical care, radiology, pharmacy, physical therapy, speech pathology, and neurology. At The Wright Center, we are proud to play a role in this vital work. Many of our resident and fellow physicians gain invaluable experience at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, where they learn firsthand the rewards of providing high-quality medical care to those who have served our country. The opportunity to care for veterans – whose selfless service has ensured our safety and freedoms – is deeply fulfilling for our physicians. Just like our resident and fellow physicians, you can be of service to our vets, too, by becoming more engaged in the volunteer and philanthropic efforts of the VA. There are a number of ways to give your time, from greeting veterans at the main entrance of the VA Medical Center to visiting them in their rooms to becoming a Volunteer Transportation Network driver. You can also donate items or make a financial contribution to support food banks, homeless veteran programs, and other worthwhile endeavors. As part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, the VA is inviting individuals and organizations to send Valentine’s Day cards to veteran patients at its medical centers. The cards are meant to express appreciation for their service, and provide encouragement as they continue their health care journey. Interested in getting involved? Contact the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center at 570-821-7237 and tell them you want to help out. Veterans represent the best and bravest amongst us, so we owe it to them to support their health care needs in any way we can. So, if you can, make a visit to the VA and salute a veteran patient – you’ll brighten their day and feel enriched by the experience. Stephanie A. Gill, M.D., MPH, is a board-certified family medicine physician at The Wright Center for Community Health and the program director and physician faculty member of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Residency Program. For more information about The Wright Center, go to TheWrightCenter.org.
WVIA Recognized with Multiple Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB) Awards for Local Storytelling and Impact WVIA, the PBS and NPR affiliate serving over 22 counties in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB) with multiple awards across several categories. These honors highlight the station’s commitment to producing high-quality, locally relevant stories that inform, educate, and engage the community. Key Highlights: WVIA received recognition in five categories, including Outstanding Television Use of Digital Media, Outstanding Television Public Affairs Program, Outstanding Documentary Program, Outstanding Use of Radio Digital Media, and a Judges Merit Award. The station was honored for producing high quality news, information, and education content, which reflect its ongoing dedication to serving the public by telling impactful local stories that resonate with the community. Two of the awards recognize the quality and importance of coverage from WVIA News, including a deeply reported story about the dangerous consequences of distracted driving statewide initiative to crack down on it, and a Veteran’s Day special about a 99-year WWII veteran who readies his local orchestra for their next performance in Scranton. Key Quotes: “We are grateful to the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters for this recognition,” said Ben Payavis II, Chief Content Officer at WVIA. “As a public media organization, our goal is to provide thoughtful, local programming that reflects the diverse needs of our community. These awards affirm the hard work and passion of our entire team, as well as the importance of the trust we’ve built with local organizations, artists, storytellers, and the audience we serve.” “Public media belongs to the people, and these awards belong to our community,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO of WVIA. “We are honored to continue sharing meaningful stories that inform, inspire and shine a spotlight on our region.” WVIA was Awarded in the Following Categories: Outstanding Television Use of Digital Media:“The Forgotten Dynasty: Scranton Eagles Football Digital Campaign” Contributors: Chris Zellers, Jim Jennings, Kara Washington, Caitlin Mackiewicz, Holly Biondo, Ron Andruscavage, Ben Payavis II Outstanding Television Public Affairs Program/Program Series:“Keystone Edition Reports: Distracted Driving”Contributors: Julie Sidoni, Faith Golay, Lisa Guthrie Deabill, Ben Payavis II, Roger DuPuis, Haley O’Brien, Ron Andruscavage Outstanding Documentary ProgramWHAM Re-Bop-Boom-Bam: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham”Contributors: Kris Hendrickson, Ben Payavis II, George Graham, Ron Anduscavage, Loren Schoenberg, Andy Sordoni Outstanding Radio Use of Digital Media:“WWII veteran Gene Passarella”Contributor: Sarah Hofius Hall JUDGES’ MERIT“VIA Short Takes #403”Contributors: Kris Hendrickson, John Alaimo, Ben Payavis II These awards are a testament to the WVIA’s commitment to producing content that goes beyond entertainment by delivering balanced, fact-based local news and informative programs, as well as captivating arts, historical, and educational content for our region. Winners will be recognized at the Annual Excellence in Broadcasting Awards Luncheon taking place at the Harrisburg Hilton on Friday, April 11, 2025. The full list of winners will be announced on the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters website.
Wayne Bank Promotes Monica Bell to Assistant Fraud Officer Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Monica Bell to Assistant Fraud Officer. “Monica is extremely deserving of this promotion, and I am thrilled to announce her accomplishment. Her commitment to bettering operational efficiency in our Fraud Department has contributed to our consistent growth. With hard work and expert knowledge, Monica will continue to aid our improvement at Wayne Bank,” said Mr. Donnelly. Bell joined Wayne Bank in 2022 and most recently served as a Fraud & Risk Analyst, where she was responsible for maintaining safe practices and driving operations within our Fraud Department. Bell graduated from Ocean County College, where she received an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Bell spends her free time coaching and volunteering her four children’s sports teams with her husband.
