Providence Engineering Executive Vice President, Mark Ritchie, P.E., Retires After 37 years in the A/E/C industry, trusted and admired Professional Engineer, Mark Ritchie is retiring as Executive Vice President of Providence Engineering. Mark has been around the A/E/C industry all his life. His father and grandfather both worked as bricklayers, so from an early age, Mark knew he wanted to be a part of the construction industry. But he also knew he did not like the strenuous physical work in the heat of the summer and cold of winter, so he decided to attend Penn State University and become an engineer. After graduating in 1984, Mark’s career took him to Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and finally, Central Pennsylvania where he started his own engineering firm in 2000. Based in Carlisle, Ritchie Engineering provided structural design services for thousands of projects throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and the Mid-Atlantic region. In January 2017, Ritchie Engineering merged with Providence, and thus, Providence Engineering opened our sixth office in Pennsylvania. Mark would go on to help open and lead the establishment of Providence’s seventh office in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Mark’s retirement plans include playing more golf with his wife Lisa, spending time with his family, which now includes three grandsons, and remaining an active member of his church and the Carlisle community. Congratulations Mark!
The Honesdale National Bank Promotes Brian Wilken to VP, Business Development Officer David Raven, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Brian Wilken, is now Vice President, Business Development Officer. In making the statement, Raven noted, “Brian embodies the spirit and culture of our HNB team, and his contribution and support to our customers and community is second to none. He understands that our customers success translates to not only our bank, but our community as a whole.” In his current role, Wilken provides the bank with business development opportunities and growth strategies involving our products, services, and business relations. Wilken will continue to provide his experience of 12 years in the financial industry and a whole career in business development to HNB as VP, Business Development Officer. In mentioning his role at HNB, Wilken noted, “This truly is such a rewarding career. I love my job, I get to help people wade through financial decisions every day. Helping their family or their business. I work for an institution that has made helping customers a priority for 185 years, and it’s an honor to carry on that legacy. I also have the privilege to work with an amazing group of people who truly care about customers, the community we serve, and each other.” Wilken is a Honesdale native, graduating from Honesdale High and receiving an Associate’s Degree from SUNY Cobleskill. He is an active member of his community. He is a member of the Grace Ridge Church, President of the Greater Honesdale Partnership, board chairman of the Human Resources Foundation, Board member at Wayne Tomorrow, member of Honesdale Eagles, member of Honesdale Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons #218, member of the Anthony Wayne Royal Arch Chapter, member of the Savonia Comandry, and member of the Wayne Pike Shrine Club. Outside of the bank, he is the father of two young men, Ben and Zack, with his wife Emily Wilken. In his free time, he enjoys hunting and golfing. 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.
Kauffman Named Vice President of Quandel Construction Group, Inc. Karl Kauffman, LEED AP, was recently named vice president of preconstruction and estimating for Quandel Construction Group, Inc., a Quandel Enterprises Company, a Central Pennsylvania construction management and general contracting firm. Karl’s transitions into the role following the recent appointment of Michael Karcutskie (former vice president of preconstruction and estimating for Quandel Construction Group) to president of Quandel Construction Group. Based in the firm’s corporate headquarters in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Kauffman is responsible for the implementation and management of the estimating and preconstruction efforts within the Quandel Construction Group team. Previously serving as a senior project manager, Karl used his communication skills to run efficient and timely projects, keep owners informed, and maintain positive relationship with team members. His technical skills have allowed him to assist in resolving issues and work with various superintendent on planning and implementing the firm’s project schedules. Karl began his career with Quandel Construction Group in 2003 and over the past 18 years has demonstrated a deep understanding of the construction industry. “Karl brings exceptional leadership skills to our clients. His creativity, deep commitment to service, and a collaborative style align well with Quandel’s purpose and core values,” said Michael Karcutskie, president of Quandel Construction Groups, Inc. “As we continue to grow and expand our client base, Karl’s experience is an asset to our firm and in meeting our client’s visions and goals.” Karl is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, earning his Bachelor of Architectural Engineering Degree. He is involved in the American Society for Healthcare Engineering, holding a healthcare construction certificate. Karl resides in Newport, Pennsylvania with his wife, Rachel, and their daughter, Kloe.
Sohns Rejoins NBT Bank’s Commercial Team NBT Bank announced that Thomas Sohns has rejoined the Bank as Vice President and Commercial Banking Relationship Manager. Sohns has 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to rejoining NBT Bank, he worked as Vice President in Commercial Lending for Landmark Community Bank in Pittston. A resident of Dunmore, Sohns earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Scranton. He is also a graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Commercial Lending School and the Emerging Leaders Program. Active in his community, Sohns serves on the board for Dress for Success Lackawanna and the Jog for Jude Planning Committee.
The Dime Bank Announces Brian C. Urbas as a New Commercial Lending Officer Brian C, Urbas has been hired at The Dime Bank as a new Vice President, Commercial Lending Officer, announced President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich. Urbas has 20 years of progressive banking and lending experience working at Northeast PA financial institutions serving Wayne, Susquehanna, and Lackawanna counties. Urbas’ enthusiastic and driven leadership skills coupled with his extensive experience yielded long-lasting customer relationships and strong business partnerships. His responsibilities included developing strategies to build new retail and business relationships in various industries, underwriting, and preparing and analyzing financial information for loan approval. Urbas’ responsibilities as a vice president, commercial lending officer at The Dime Bank will be garnering new commercial customer relationships in the area as well as maintaining existing commercial relationships. Senior Vice President Chief Lending Officer William Boyle stated, “Brian’s experience and knowledge of the various financial needs of commercial customers make him a great addition to our commercial lending team. His ability to focus on business development coupled with his superb customer service will prove to be a benefit for The Dime Bank and our customers, present and future.” Urbas has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Bloomsburg University. He lives in the Forest City area with his wife Lora and three children Claire, Max, and Marlo. Urbas is a basketball and baseball coach for the Forest City Regional Schools and a baseball coach in the Carbondale Teener League.
