Sweda Advertising Announces Promotion Megan Kolis of Sweda Advertising has recently been promoted to Senior Account Executive. In her role, Megan manages day-to-day interactions between the agency and its clients. Her responsibilities also include social media, public relations, digital and traditional media, branding, and campaigns. Megan joined Sweda Advertising in 2018 after graduating from the University of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication and a minor in Political Science. Established in 2004, Sweda Advertising is a full-service agency that posts annual billings of $2M+ and provides professional services to some of the region’s most respected clients.
Citizens Savings Bank Announces Promotion Citizens Savings Bank Clarks in Clarks Summit has announed the promotion of Eileen Applegate-Huegel to the position of Vice President of Information Technology. Looking back on her 41 years with the bank, Eileen started her career as a part time Checking Department clerk in 1981 and later transferred to full time clerk in the Mortgage Department. In November 1987, Eileen moved into the Data Processing Department as a Data Operations Assistant and then was elevated to Assistant Vice President of Information Technology in 2000. In this new position she will continue to assist in the directing, coordinating, and installing all information technology operations bank wide as well as now playing an instrumental role in helping to advance technology strategies for the bank. She resides in Scranton with her husband and 3 children.
Vicky Bryant Promoted at Honesdale National Bank Thomas Sheridan, Jr., President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Vicky Bryant has been promoted to VP, Data Processing Manager. In making the statement, Sheridan noted, “Vicky has shown her dedication and reliance throughout her career at the bank. We are very happy to have her as a long term HNB Family member. She goes above and beyond for our customers, in support of our goals and in her commitment to our community.” In her current role, Bryant serves as Data Processing Manager, overseeing the Data Processing department at HNB. Looking back on her 29 year career in the financial industry, Bryant began her career with HNB in the bookkeeping department, and shortly after had the opportunity to become a clerk in the Data Processing department. Since then she has been appointed to Data Processing Manager, AVP, Data Processing Manager, and will continue on as VP, Data Processing Manager. In mentioning her role at HNB, Bryant noted, “Working at HNB has given me the opportunity to raise two amazing young men, Michael Bryant is married and working in the natural gas industry & AC1 Daniel Bryant is currently stationed in Virginia for the US Air Force.” She continued, “As a member of the HNB family I have had the opportunity to work at a career that puts family first for its employees while still providing the community the best services available.” Bryant was born and raised in Honesdale and received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University. She has also received Jack Henry University administrator certifications throughout her career. Outside of the bank, she is a member of the Enterprise Grange Torrey, Pa, Cold Spring Chapel Community Kitchen & Laurella 4-H Cloverbud leader. She enjoys helping in the local community and when time and weather conditions allow, you will find her riding a snowmobile.
Casey Ferranti Promoted to Branch Manager at HNB Bank Casey Ferranti Thomas E. Sheridan, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Casey Ferranti promoted to Branch Manager overseeing the HNB Lake Wallenpaupack Office. In making the statement, Sheridan noted, “Casey is an experienced and well-respected member of the HNB team. We are eager to see her take on this new role and very confident she will do an outstanding job. Her extensive knowledge of our systems and operations will be a valuable asset in her ability to provide excellent customer service at the branch”. In her current role as Deposit Operations Representative, Ferranti focuses on the maintenance of the deposit database as well as tracking documentation for new accounts. Ferranti has a variety of experience in the financial industry from positions including Teller, Head Teller/CSR, Front Desk Receptionist/Greeter, a Representative in Data Processing for seven years and has spent the last four years in Deposit Operations. In mentioning her role at HNB, Ferranti said, “Working for HNB has allowed me to advance in my career. I have always believed in working hard and gaining as much knowledge as I could in any position I held, from being a teller or working in the back office.” She continued, “Every position gives you opportunity for growth, and not just advancing in your career, but allowing you to obtain the knowledge and experience you need to excel and move forward.” Originally from Honesdale, Ferranti is a graduate of Wayne Highlands School District. Outside of the bank, her spare time is spent with her daughter Adrianna and three dogs. She enjoys the outdoors by hiking, tubing, swimming, fishing, skiing, and ice skating. She has been a member at NEPA Fit club in Blakely for six years. She loves to watch football, whether it’s Friday nights under the lights, or on TV. She is also on the Board of The Dessin Animal Shelter.
NBT Bank Promotes Smaniotto to Chief Human Resources Officer NBT Bank Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Catherine Scarlett announced that Cynthia Smaniotto has been promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer. This achievement is the result of Smaniotto’s role in supporting the organization’s growth over the past 20 years, including expansion to more than 1,900 employees across seven states in the northeast. “Cindy has repeatedly demonstrated her effectiveness as a leader throughout her two-decade tenure with NBT,” said Scarlett. “Recently, as facilitator of our NBT Forward team, Cindy has provided executive leadership and guidance in helping the company and employees navigate the challenges of the pandemic.” Smaniotto joined NBT Bank in 2000 through the acquisition of LA Bank where she served as Director of Human Resources. During her time with NBT, she has held numerous roles, including Regional Employment Manager, Director of Employment Services and, most recently, Director of Human Resources. She is based at NBT’s Scranton Financial Center on Keyser Avenue. Among her many contributions to NBT, Smaniotto has supported the development and expansion of the human resources division to include specialties, such as talent acquisition, health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, and career guidance. She has also served as a steadfast employee advocate by advising managers and executives on talent development best practices. “One of the most fulfilling accomplishments of my career has been the time I have spent supporting the cultivation of a successful and cohesive team here at NBT Bank,” Smaniotto said.
Sarah O’Hora Promoted to Commercial Loan Officer I at HNB David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Sarah O’Hora has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer I. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Sarah is a long standing member of the HNB Family. Her local knowledge and sincere interest in her customers success have been consistent themes for her. He continued, “We are fortunate to have people like Sarah who are committed to making sure local businesses receive the value we have come to be known for in our community.” O’Hora is a graduate of Greencastle-Antrim High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree (Cum Laude) from Millersville University in 2011. She also attended the PA Bankers School of Banking in 2015, and Leadership Northern Poconos Class of 2016. Currently residing in Lake Arial, PA, she started her ten year career in the financial industry with HNB. Previous positions included Teller, Customer Service Representative, Marketing Assistant, Marketing and Communications Specialist, and Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager. She will continue as Commercial Loan Officer I. In this role, she is responsible for developing and managing commercial loan relationships, collecting and analyzing financial information, and negotiating terms for small business and other commercial loan applicants. In mentioning her time with HNB, O’Hora said, “My work at HNB has always allowed me to support those in my local community. In this new position, I will be able to continue to support the financial needs of our local business people whom, I believe, are the foundation on which our communities are built.” In her spare time, she is a Worship Leader at Wallenpaupack Church and a Publicity Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County, PA. She enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, pheasant hunting, clay bird shooting, and walks in the woods. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
Chamber Announces Promotion of Brianna Florovito The Chamber is proud to announce the promotion of Brianna Florovito to IGNITE Program manager. IGNITE is the entrepreneurship and business incubation program of the Chamber, which helps new businesses grow in Lackawanna County. In this role, Brianna will manage the IGNITE Program by fostering entrepreneurs and their companies through education, counseling, networking, and mentorship. Her responsibilities include overall program management, client development, funding, marketing, events, and more. Brianna started at the Chamber in 2019 as the workforce and entrepreneurial development specialist where she focused on economic and workforce strategies for the Chamber and its affiliates – SLIBCO, The Scranton Plan, and Skills in Scranton. Brianna is also an instructor at Lackawanna College teaching GED classes. She recently co-authored an article “Subject Position and Manifestations of Workplace Followership” that was published in the Journal of Organizational Psychology.
Chamber Announces Two Promotions Aaron Whitney Bruce Reddock The Chamber is proud to announce the promotion of two of its employees, Aaron Whitney and Bruce Reddock, who will both expand their roles with the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the economic development affiliate of the Chamber. Aaron Whitney is now the director of facilities and asset management and is responsible for the administration of finances, design, and construction of SLIBCO real estate. Aaron will also manage all properties and utilities owned by SLIBCO, as well as manage the Chamber’s IGNITE entrepreneurship program. Bruce Reddock is now the director of economic development. In this role, Bruce will manage aspects of SLIBCO development activities, oversee relationships with private companies, real estate brokers and developers, local officials, economic development organizations and more, plus oversee all aspects of the site-selection process. Bruce also recently graduated as a fellow from the Industrial Asset Management Council’s Leadership Development Program.
Michelle Kowalewski Promoted to Commercial Loan Officer II at HNB David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Michelle Kowalewski has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer II. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Michelle understands our values as a company and contributes to the support of our community day in and day out.” He said, “The Northern Susquehanna County market is a fresh focus of HNB and we have no doubt she will continue to provide strong service to our customers in her new role.” In her current role, Kowalewski is Mortgage Advisor at the Hallstead Office and assists customers and employees with daily functions as well as helping with mortgage recommendations. Originally from Montrose, Michelle received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agricultural Business Management from Penn State University. She has been in the financial industry for 6 years. Previously, she worked as an Agricultural Loan Officer for AgChoice Farm Credit in Northeastern, PA. She will continue to provide her expertise as Commercial Loan Officer II at HNB. In mentioning her career with the bank, she said “I am excited to return back to commercial lending after working in residential mortgage lending for two years.” She mentioned, “I hope to continue HNB’s expansion in the Susquehanna County market area and strengthen existing relationships with our current customers.” Outside of the bank, Michelle is an active member of local clubs and organizations, serving as Organizational Club Leader of the Born to Show 4-H Club, President of the Susquehanna County 4-H Livestock Committee, member of the Susquehanna County Youth Program Advisory Committee. Member of the Harford Agricultural Society, Youth advisor for the Susquehanna County Jr. Holstein Club, and a member of St. Mary’s Church, in Kirkwood, NY. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys serving as a 4-H Club leader, attending her kids’ sports events and 4-H activities, camping, and is eager to attend Penn State football games again this fall. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
The Dime Bank Promotes James Gardas The Dime Bank Board of Directors along with President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich, are pleased to announce that James Gardas was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President of the Wealth Management Division. Gardas is an investment adviser representative for The Dime Wealth Management, a full-service brokerage operation located within The Dime Bank. Gardas has almost thirty years of experience in the customer service arena including twelve years of experience in the Wealth Management Division. Gardas graduated Summa Cum Laude from Charleston Southern University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Business Administration and Mathematics. Gardas is a registered representative of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and is life, accident and health insurance licensed and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary. Gardas offers stocks, bonds, mutual funds, money management, annuities, insurance products, advisory services, retirement and educational savings plans, financial and estate planning services, and trusts to individuals and businesses through the Wealth Management Division. Peter Bochnovich stated, “Jim is an invaluable asset to The Dime Bank team. As the head of our Wealth Management division, Jim’s expertise has broadened the Wealth Management client base since taking the lead. His counsel and knowledge are a great fit for his customers, his team, and as a leader to The Dime Wealth Management division in pursuing our growth objectives.” He currently resides in Hawley, PA with his wife, Jade, and his two dogs, Moxie and Nugget.
