2025 News and Information
Robert Ferraro Promoted to VP, Area Manager
March 31, 2025
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Honesdale, PA – Kate Bryant, President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Robert Ferraro has been promoted to VP, Area Manager.
In making the announcement, Bryant stated, “Bob's promotion to Vice President highlights his commitment to servicing our customers and our branch teams.” She continued, “His leadership and dedication continue to provide a positive impact for our Bank, and we look forward to his continued success.”
As VP, Area Manager, Ferraro will continue in his responsibility for overseeing all the organization's branches, developing and implementing business plans to achieve area-wide goals and objectives. He will supervise and support branch managers, providing guidance on operations, sales, and customer service.
He is a graduate of Abington Heights High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Scranton.
Ferraro has been in the financial industry for 24 years. He has developed a comprehensive understanding of banking operations through various roles, including customer service, sales, marketing, and branch management. These experiences have equipped him with a unique blend of customer-focused and operational expertise.
Reflecting on his promotion at the Bank, Ferraro noted, “I appreciate the opportunity to work for a company that shares my passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences and fostering meaningful relationships with our clients.”
Outside of the Bank, he is an active member of the Junior Cougar Football Association.
In his free time, he enjoys coaching young athletes on the football field, helping children develop their passion for the sport. At home, he is a devoted husband to his wife. They are blessed with two wonderful children and two loving pets.
PA Bankers Warns Consumers of Uptick in Phishing Scams
March 21, 2025
Harrisburg, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Bankers Association (PA Bankers) announced today that banks across the commonwealth are seeing an uptick in phishing scams targeting their customers via phone, email and text messages.
These phishing scams are communications designed to trick consumers into providing confidential information (like account numbers, passwords or PINS) either online or over the phone to someone impersonating a bank employee. Victims of phishing scams can lose hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
The association, and its member banks, urge consumers to remember the following:
- Banks will never ask for your personal information via phone, text or email. You may be asked to verify confidential information if you call your bank, but banks will never call you to ask for this information. If you receive an incoming call from someone claiming to be your bank, the safest thing you can do is hang up and call your bank’s publicly listed customer service number.
- If you receive a suspicious email or text, do not download any attachments, click on any links or reply to the sender. Report the email or text by forwarding emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org and text messages to SPAM (7726). Finally, report the phishing attack to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
- If you receive a suspicious phone call, hang up or end the call and do not respond to the caller’s requests.
- If you feel that you have been the victim of a scam and may have provided personal or important financial information, contact your bank immediately via their publicly listed customer service number. Often, this is found on the back of your bank card. Be sure to include any relevant details, such as whether the suspicious caller attempted to impersonate your bank and whether any personal or financial information was provided to the suspicious caller.
“PA Bankers and its member banks take consumers’ financial well-being seriously,” said Duncan Campbell, PA Bankers’ president and CEO. “Banks are constantly working hard to protect their customers’ money through a variety of safeguards, but one of the most effective ways to prevent consumers from falling victim to phishing scams is through continued education.”
In October, the American Bankers Association (ABA) launched its annual #BanksNeverAskThat campaign, which seeks to turn the table on fraudsters by empowering consumers to spot bogus bank phishing scams by using attention-grabbing humor and other engaging content. Consumers are encouraged to visit banksneveraskthat.com for an interactive game, a quiz and tips to help them learn more about these scams.
Marc Sturdevant Promoted to AVP, Systems Analyst
March 17, 2025
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Honesdale, PA – Kate Bryant, President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Marc Sturdevant has been promoted to AVP, Systems Analyst.
In making the announcement, Bryant stated, “Marc has been an instrumental contributor to the implementation and ongoing support of many of our systems-based initiatives. His efforts are essential to providing continuity in our operations and contribute to the overall stability of the Bank.” She continued, “We are grateful to celebrate Marc’s achievements through this promotion and look forward to his continued contribution to our Bank's success.”
As AVP, Systems Analyst, Sturdevant will be responsible for managing the IT department, overseeing project management, and administering the Office 365 environment.
He is a graduate of Delaware Valley Central School and holds an Associate of Applied Science in Macro Information Systems from Sullivan County Community College.
Sturdevant has over five years of experience in the financial industry, having held various significant roles. His previous career positions include East Coast Regional Network Administrator, Senior Systems Specialist, Senior Network Engineer, and Information Technology Manager.
Reflecting on his promotion at the Bank, Sturdevant noted, “It's a privilege to work with such a great team of people, truly an extended family. The collaborative spirit and mutual support within our team have been key factors in our success, and I am honored to continue contributing to our shared goals in my new role.”
Outside of the Bank, Sturdevant has been a dedicated member of the Callicoon Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years. During his tenure, he has held various positions including Assistant Chief and Captain, and he currently serves as Lieutenant. Additionally, Sturdevant is a Commissioner of the Callicoon Fire Department.
Additionally, he enjoys playing golf and building home server environments.
Sarah Fritz Promoted to Loan Operations Supervisor
March 17, 2025
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Honesdale, PA – Kate Bryant, President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Sarah Fritz has been promoted to Loan Operations Supervisor.
In making the announcement Bryant stated, “Sarah's contributions to our organization have been nothing short of extraordinary. Her leadership, dedication, and innovative approach have significantly enhanced our operations and positively impacted our clients.” She continued, “We look forward to her continued success at HNB.”
As Loan Operation Supervisor, Fritz will be responsible for overseeing the daily function of the loan operations department, managing audit requests, and facilitation reporting. She will work closely with other department areas to further enable operational and customer success.
She is a graduate of Honesdale High School and holds an Associates in Business Administration from Lackawanna Junior College.
Fritz has accumulated 18 years of banking experience, with the past nine years dedicated to the Loan Operations Department at HNB. Prior to this, she gained extensive experience in various roles, including shipping/receiving and the service department for seven years. Earlier in her career, Fritz spent approximately nine years in another financial institution, working her way up from a teller/CSR position to briefly serving as an Assistant Branch Manager.
Reflecting on her promotion at the Bank, Fritz noted, "Working at HNB has been a great experience. I continue to expand my knowledge and expertise in the banking industry. I work alongside many amazing people, and with them, it has been an honor to help customers achieve their financial goals. It has made me feel like part of a team."
Outside of the Bank, Fritz is the Victims Intervention Programs Board Treasurer.
Additionally, she enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, and mowing the lawn. She finds joy in engaging in outdoor activities, especially when the weather is nice.
Lacey Churmblo Promoted to VP, Controller
March 17, 2025
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Honesdale, PA – Kate Bryant, President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Lacey Churmblo has been promoted to VP, Controller.
In making the announcement Bryant stated, “Lacey’s journey at HNB has been remarkable.” She continued, “Her critical thinking and unwavering commitment have set her apart as a leader. We are thrilled to promote her to VP, Controller, confident that her accounting expertise and dedication will continue to drive our success."
As VP, Controller, Churmblo will be responsible for the oversight of HNB financials reporting and maintaining financial policies and projections.
She is a graduate of Bishop O’Hara and has received a BA Accounting degree from Marywood University.
She has been an integral part of the financial industry for a total of 19 years, including 11 years with another local financial institution and 8 years at HNB. Since joining HNB in 2016, she has held significant positions such as Accounting Administrator, Accounting Officer, and Loan Operations Supervisor. Prior to her tenure at HNB, she served as an Accounting Supervisor at a local financial institution and began her career as a Staff Accountant at a public accounting firm.
In commenting on her new role at the bank, Churmblo noted, “HNB has been an amazing place to work and has given me many opportunities to grow my career and encourages you to become part of something much bigger by getting involved in the community and giving back.”
Outside of the bank, she is actively involved in the community. She serves as a Board Member of the Wayne County Public Library and has been the Treasurer for various club sport programs.
Additionally, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, particularly camping. She and her husband take great pleasure in watching their three children participate in various sports, including basketball, soccer, football, softball, and cheerleading.
Tina Jones Joins HNB as VP, Director of Human Resources
March 17, 2025
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Honesdale, PA – Kate Bryant, President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Tina Jones has joined HNB as VP, Director of Human Resources.
In making the announcement, Bryant stated, “We are excited to welcome Tina to HNB. Her extensive experience and insight regarding Human Resources along with her collaborative approach make her an invaluable addition to our team.” She continued, “We look forward to her leadership and the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to our organization.”
As VP, Director of Human Resources, Jones will be responsible for overseeing employee relations, including systems, policies, and processes, negotiating benefits, enhancing employee engagement, and administering compensation.
She is a graduate of Riverside Jr/Sr High School and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Bloomsburg University. She has also undertaken graduate-level coursework at the University of Scranton.
Jones has been in the HR field for over 30 years, working across various industries including healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Reflecting on her new role at the Bank, Jones noted, “At HNB, I have found the perfect place to continue my career. HNB stands out as the most collaborative, inspiring, and rewarding company I have ever had the pleasure of working with. The high employee retention rate and low turnover are testaments to the thriving and engaging environment at HNB. Under the leadership of our new CEO, Kate Bryant, I am confident that I made the right choice in joining this remarkable organization. Kate is a brilliant yet humble leader, who understands that true influence does not require being the loudest voice in the room but rather setting a strong example.”
Outside of the Bank, she is a dedicated member of several organizations. She serves as a board member for the Wayne/Pike Workforce Alliance and is a member of the NEPA HCF Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship Committee. She has been a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) since 1993. Additionally, she held the position of Secretary/Treasurer for the RBE Water Association from 2000 to 2017.
She was honored with the 'Top 25 Women in Business' Award by the Northeast PA Business Journal. Additionally, she is a Certified Targeted Selection Interviewer and holds certification in Crucial Conversations.
In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts and comedy shows. Her favorite summer destination is Sea Isle. She cherishes moments spent with her husband, Bob, and three children, Julie, Lauren, and Vinnie.
Ellen Pritchard Joins HNB as AVP, Branch Manager of Main Street Office
March 17, 2025
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Honesdale, PA – Kate Bryant, President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Ellen Pritchard has joined HNB as AVP, Branch Manager of our Main Street Office.
In making the announcement, Bryant stated, “We are thrilled to have Ellen join our team. Her extensive knowledge and care for providing excellent customer service make her a valuable addition to our Main Street office.” She continued, “We are excited to witness the positive impact she will have at HNB.”
As AVP, Branch Manager, Pritchard will be responsible for generating business in the branch and surrounding market, directly supervising, coaching, and developing the team while ensuring customer service excellence.
She is a graduate of Southeast High School, Bradenton, Florida. She has completed various certifications and training courses covering a wide range of banking topics, including lending, customer service, and other essential financial services.
Pritchard has been in the banking industry for over four decades. She has extensive experience in banking, having held multiple roles that have allowed her to develop a well-rounded understanding of financial services and customer relations. These various roles have provided her with strong leadership experience and a deep commitment to exceptional customer service.
Reflecting on her new role at the Bank, Pritchard noted, “I am excited about the opportunity to work at a new Bank, as it presents a chance to learn new systems and processes and contribute my experience in a new environment. I look forward to adapting to the bank's culture, learning from my colleagues, and making a positive impact.”
Outside of the Bank, she is an active member of the Wayne County Habitat for Humanity Resource Community and serves as the Treasurer for the Alert Hook & Ladder Women's Auxiliary.
In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with a good book, making memories with her family, experiencing the outdoors on the river, and exploring the shops in Lancaster.
Amy Gregory Promoted to AVP, Mortgage Underwriter
March 17, 2025
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Honesdale, PA – Kate Bryant, President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Amy Gregory has been promoted to AVP, Mortgage Underwriter.
In making the announcement Bryant stated, “Amy’s outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment have truly made a difference at our bank. Promoting her to AVP, Mortgage Underwriter, reflects her exceptional skills and dedication to our clients.” She continued, “We are excited to watch Amy continue to grow and positively impact our organization.”
As AVP, Mortgage Underwriter, Gregory will be responsible for continuing to underwrite mortgage applications and making sound decisions based on financial data, credit history, and underwriting guidelines.
She is a graduate of Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School and received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from The Pennsylvania State University, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
She has worked in the financial industry for 16 years. She began her career at HNB as an Intern in the Financial Services department in 2009. She held many positions within our institution, including serving customers in our branches, handling mortgage processing, and engaging in underwriting. She served as a Mortgage Advisor for 8 years before returning to her current role as Mortgage Underwriter.
Reflecting on her promotion at the bank, Gregory noted, “At this point in my career, working for HNB has helped me feel accomplished and recognized for the work ethic that I hold myself accountable for. I have had excellent mentors throughout my entire career at HNB who have helped me get to where I am today. I am so grateful for all of them and to be part of the HNB team.”
Outside of the bank, she is a member of the Carbondale Dance Academy Parents Club Association and holds the title of Treasurer.
Additionally, she enjoys spending time with her two children, Nora and Nico, and her husband Derek. When time permits, she loves to read.
Kate Bryant Featured in March Issue of Happenings Magazine
March 3, 2025

In Options We Trust: Pennsylvania Trust's New Direction
February 28, 2025
These days every decision comes with endless choices – be it financial, food, or shopping. I remember as a child having three television stations for my viewing pleasure. Now, I can literally watch a channel dedicated to puppies amongst thousands of others. How about trying to select a hummus at the local supermarket? There are so many flavors. I mean, Snickerdoodle, really? Talk about option overload and the inevitable analysis paralysis.
Recently, the Pennsylvania legislature proved it is in favor of providing choices to consumers in the Trust arena. The passage of the Directed Trust Act (Act) permits Trustees of Pennsylvania situated trusts options to engage advisors other than the Trustee to assist with trust management. Perhaps not as exciting as another generation of phones or new mattress store, but the law encourages choice, which is something not typically associated in stodgy trust law.
Directed Trusts have been around for years in other jurisdictions. They allow the powers and duties usually held by Trustees to be shared with other professionals, like accountants or financial advisors. Prior to the passing of the Act, Pennsylvania had no clear law as to roles and responsibilities of non-Trustees involved with Pennsylvania trusts. The ambiguity created uncertainty for Trustees as to duty, responsibility, and even liability when engaging professionals to provide their skills to Pennsylvania trusts. No longer.
The Act outlines three different new advisory roles for trusts situated in Pennsylvania: trust director, trust protector, and trust director for investments. Now, creators of trusts can delegate fiduciary responsibilities to these specific roles.
There are several benefits for separating duties to the trust protector, director, or investment advisor. First, like everything else, trust assets have become increasingly complex. Trusts no longer hold just stocks, bonds, and perhaps real estate. On occasion, a trust will include “unique” assets, like closely held family business interests or oil and gas leases. Trustees often lack the expertise to handle “unique” assets. The Act allows a designated party to assume the responsibility of managing the aforementioned unique assets and utilize their specific skill set for the trust’s overall benefit.
Second, trust creators often maintain long-term relationships with their financial advisor, whom they want to have continue managing investments, but not oversee other traditional trustee functions such as handling the beneficiaries, preparing and filing taxes, and following the language of the trust. The Act permits investment advisors to maintain their financial advisory position within the trust promoting continuity and familiarity.
Finally, according to Pennsylvania Senator Lisa Baker, who sponsored the Act and serves in The Honesdale National Bank footprint, The Act is aimed at, “reducing costs and alleviating administrative burdens [we are] ensuring a more efficient distribution of trust income to beneficiaries and making more funds available for their benefit.”
As a professional Trustee for The Honesdale National Bank, we see the Directed Trust Act as an opportunity. From experience, we often meet with potential customers who have long-established rapport with their financial advisor. These advisors, because of their position, do not have fiduciary powers and/or the expertise to manage the nuances of trusts outside of the investment piece. That is where we can assist. The Act permits a financial advisor and an expert trustee, like The Honesdale National Bank, to work in concert for the trust’s overall benefit. At The Honesdale National Bank, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate. Furthermore, the heart of our culture is serving the best interests of our customers. The ability to increase the resources available to our customers and communities is a refreshing opportunity to support that mission. Ray Kroc one of the founders of McDonald’s said it best, “None of us is as good as all of us.”
The Directed Trust Act is a welcome addition to the Pennsylvania Trust landscape. Please reach out to our Trust Department staff if you wish to further inquire on our services or the impact of the Act.
By: Charles Curtin, JD, LLM, CTFA
Vice President and Trust Officer
The Honesdale National Bank
HNB Supports Susquehanna and Wyoming County Students' Financial and Entrepreneurial Growth
February 18, 2025
Kate Bryant Officially Transitions to President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank
January 1, 2025

Honesdale, PA – Today, January 1, The Honesdale National Bank proudly shares that Kate Bryant has officially transitioned to her role as the Bank’s President and CEO. In this capacity, Kate will serve as the Bank’s first female president and CEO as the next step in her more than 20-year career with HNB. This appointment also makes Kate the area’s first female bank president.