13 Bankers Promoted at Fidelity

Posted on July 7, 2021 by The Dunmorean

Daniel J. Santaniello, President & CEO, Fidelity Bank, announces the promotion of 13 Fidelity Bankers to new Corporate Officer positions. This distinguished group of Bankers exemplifies the vision and core values of Fidelity Bank. New corporate officers include:

Delbert “Bert” James, Jr., has been promoted to Senior Vice President. James serves as Fidelity’s Security Officer. He has managed over 4,500 fraud incidents with total exposure of over $63 million, and over $4.5 million in funds that left the Bank. His diligence resulted in a recovery rate of 85 percent. In addition, his implementation of ongoing branch training for counterfeit checks significantly reduced losses. An expert in his field, James also has vast experience with Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) issues. He provides constant support to Fidelity’s BSA Officer, contributing to the Bank’s strong BSA rating, and sharing his expertise in bank security with Branch Administration and Deposit Operations. A resident of Scranton, James joined the staff of Fidelity Bank in 2008.

Sharon Mullaney has been named Senior Vice President. Mullaney serves as Business Services Solutions Manager and has been a Fidelity Banker since 2015. A resident of Lake Ariel, she has earned a reputation as one of the finest treasury management bankers in the region. A trusted advisor, Mullaney provides exceptional service to her clients. With a deep understanding of business needs and cash flow cycles, Mullaney provides unique, customized solutions to clients and prospects. She has served on the Board of Directors for Griffin Pond Animal Shelter since 2018, and currently serves as Secretary. She is also a 2000 graduate of Leadership Lackawanna, and completed the PA Bankers Association Advanced School of Banking in 2019.

John Pash has been promoted to Senior Vice President. A trusted financial advisor, Pash joined the Fidelity Bank team in 2015 and serves as Financial Analyst in the Finance Division. Pash has considerable experience in accounting and financial reporting, with expertise in transparent, best-in-class, fully-integrated financial reporting processes. Pash is a resident of Jermyn.

Todd Saab has been named Senior Vice President. As a Business Relationship Manager in the Lehigh Valley, Saab joined the Fidelity team in 2018. He is a trusted advisor and a leading commercial lender in the region. He provides customized solutions to clients and prospects based on his expertise in business cash flow cycles. Saab is a resident of Lower Macungie.

Rose Coyne, CPA, has been appointed Vice President. A resident of Scranton, Coyne serves as Financial Reporting Specialist. She joined the Fidelity Bank team in 2012, earning a reputation as a banker who is proactive, action-oriented, and committed to ensuring accuracy in all financial reports.

George Czajkowski has been named Vice President. Serving as Facilities Manager, Czajkowski plays a vital role in optimizing operations and safety of all Fidelity Bank properties. He has earned a reputation as a dedicated and proactive professional in his field.

William J. Fennie III, CFA has been appointed Vice President. A resident of Scranton, Fennie serves as Trust Investment Officer in Fidelity Bank’s Wealth Management Division. Since joining Fidelity Bank in 2018, he has developed strong relationships with Fidelity Bank’s wealth management clients and internal business partners. Specializing in investment management, Fennie is the chairman of Fidelity Bank Wealth Management’s Investment Strategy Committee. He embraces a client-centric approach tailoring portfolios and financial plans to fit each client’s goals and objectives.

Robert “RJ” Riley has been named Vice President. Riley joined the staff of Fidelity Bank in 2017 as Business Relationship Manager. A natural leader in his profession, Riley specializes in business operations and possesses an innate ability to quickly assess client needs to develop customized solutions. Riley is a resident of Kingston.

Patricia Curley has been appointed Assistant Vice President. She has served as Retail Branch Manager in Pittston since 2011. She has a proven track record of success in providing an exceptional experience to her community, clients, bankers and business partners. Curley is a resident of Yatesville.

JoAnn Fuller-Lawless has been named Assistant Vice President, Project Manager. Since joining Fidelity Bank in 2019, Fuller-Lawless quickly established herself as a resource for all areas of the Bank. Her expertise in project management and bank operations has helped to streamline branch and retail services, and deposit and loan operations. Fuller-Lawless is a resident of Beach Lake.

Chris O’Brien has been appointed Assistant Vice President. A resident of Shavertown, O’Brien joined the Fidelity Bank team in 2016, as Merchant Services Specialist. Embracing a philosophy of relationship banking, O’Brien is an industry leader with exceptional sales skills. He has been recognized by Fidelity’s merchant services provider, Elavon, on numerous occasions as a top sales performer for new accounts activated, processing volume and revenue produced for the Bank.

Matthew Stroney has been named Assistant Vice President, Credit Administrator. An indispensable member of the Fidelity Bank credit administration team, Stroney was nominated as Outstanding Service Partner by his peers during the 2020 Fidelity Honors Gala. Among his many achievements was mastery of the CARES Act financial assistance programs, including accounting, PPP lending, CARES Act forbearance, and CECL during the pandemic. A resident of Dalton, Stroney joined the Fidelity Bank team in 2017.

Lauren Luongo has been granted Officer status. A member of the Fidelity Bank team since 2012, Luongo is a Business Relationship Manager in Lackawanna County. Providing exceptional service to internal and external partners and clients, Luongo embraces relationship banking to provide exceptional client services. Luongo is a resident of Roaring Brook Township.

Fidelity Provides $1,000,000+ in Tax Credit Funds

Posted on June 2, 2021 by The Dunmorean

Fidelity Bank recently presented non-profit organizations and educational institutions with Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) funds totaling over $1.054 million. Ranging from $1,000 to $141,000 per organization, the amount of financial support the Bank has been able to provide to organizations has nearly doubled since 2019.

“We are pleased to partner with Fidelity Bank through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program,” said Melissa Turlip, Director of Programming, Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. “Funds were provided to twelve high schools in northeastern Pennsylvania to support Dual Enrollment programs. The funds offset the costs for participating students to earn college credits while in high school and are a huge benefit to hundreds of students.”

“As a community bank, Fidelity is proud to invest in the communities we serve,” said Daniel J. Santaniello, president and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “With so many families and school districts facing economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for funding is more important than ever. The local students who benefit from the enriched educational experiences provided by these funds are the future. We wish them great success as they pursue their educational goals and dreams.”

The EITC program provides tax credits to eligible businesses contributing to scholarship and educational improvement organizations. In keeping with Fidelity Bank’s commitment to support the communities it serves, the program benefits students in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. Through partnerships between local businesses, parents, and scholarship organizations, EITC funding gives local students opportunities for better educational outcomes.

Fidelity Honors Bankers for Exemplary Service

Posted on April 7, 2021 by The Dunmorean

George Czajkowski was awarded Outstanding Service Partner.

Fidelity Bank recently continued an annual tradition of honoring Bankers for exemplary service and achievements with a virtual celebration. Three professionals earned prestigious awards. George Czajkowski was awarded Outstanding Service Partner, Shawna Halley was recognized for Excellence in Customer Service, and Michelle Carr was named Banker of the Year.

Czajkowski is Assistant Vice President & Facilities Manager. He was recognized as Outstanding Service Partner for his extraordinary commitment to the safety and well-being of Fidelity Bankers and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shawna Halley was recognized for Excellence in Customer Service.

At the onset of the public health crisis, he immediately addressed the needs of Fidelity Bankers. He ensured Bankers were supplied with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and created work spaces in compliance with CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines. Workplace adjustments included installing barriers, adding signage, and implementing sanitation processes in all offices. In the event of possible exposure, his responsiveness has been exceptional. Czajkowski has been on call constantly to ensure Banker safety. He continuously goes above and beyond to serve the Fidelity team.

Halley is a Customer Care Center Specialist. Committed to providing exceptional service, she personifies the Fidelity Model Experience with every client and Banker interaction. She is dedicated to providing an extraordinary client experience, and has proven to be a valuable team player who remains positive and productive in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

Michelle Carr was named Banker of the Year.

Carr is Vice President & Regional Retail Sales Manager. She was named Banker of the Year in honor of her exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to incorporate the standards of the Fidelity Model Experience into everything she does. The Fidelity Model Experience is focused on relationship banking, encouraging Bankers to fulfill their unique roles with integrity, innovation, passion, and commitment. Carr continuously seeks ways to improve processes, and she leads by example. She encourages her team to pursue their goals, and strive to reach their greatest potential. A role model to fellow Fidelity Bankers, her positive outlook helps boost morale, and inspire others.