DUNMORE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Jerry A. Champi, who is widely respected in regional and national
banking circles both for his expertise in commercial and retail lending
and his long-held commitment to business integrity, has been named
interim President and Chief Executive Officer of First National
Community Bank (FNCB).
The appointment, which is subject to the approval of the Office of the
Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), was announced this afternoon by the
Board of Directors of First National Community Bancorp, Inc.
(OTCBB:FNCB), following the unexpected resignation of J. David Lombardi,
who has stepped down as CEO and Director of the Corporation and the Bank
for personal health reasons, effective today.
An executive at the Dunmore-based institution for almost two decades and
a banker for more than 25 years, Champi most recently served as Senior
Executive Vice President and Retail/Commercial Division Manager at FNCB.
The Board has expressed its appreciation to Lombardi for the outstanding
leadership and vision that he provided for so many years, as well as for
the remarkable record of institutional growth and accomplishment that
shall always serve as his legacy. At the same time, the Directors said
they are grateful to be able to draw upon Jerry Champi's extensive
experience, knowledge and familiarity with the marketplace as the
organization moves forward with the transition and skillfully address
the challenges and opportunities facing all banking organizations in
today's complex environment.
A successor search process has already been established and the Board
has initiated due diligence to identify a permanent successor to
Lombardi. The Board has indicated that Mr. Champi will absolutely be
among the candidates considered.
Assets Increased From $50 Million To $1.3
Billion
Lombardi joined what was then known as the First National Bank of
Dunmore in 1981 as Senior Vice President and Commercial Lender. He was
promoted five years later to Executive Vice President and Chief
Executive Officer, and was named President and CEO in 1988.
Under his stewardship, the bank (which took on the name of First
National Community Bank in 1988 and is currently celebrating its
centennial anniversary year) saw its assets grow from $50 million to
$1.3 billion; increased its number of branch offices from two to 21, and
expanded its marketing territory to additional communities throughout
the region.
Lombardi's departure comes soon after an unusually stressful year, one
that was made particularly challenging by the protracted international
economic crisis. However, he leaves at a time when FNCB is
well-capitalized, fiscally secure, expanding its services and busy
making quality loans.
Local Roots and Community Involvement
A Northeastern Pennsylvania native, Champi, 49, joined FNCB in 1991. He
currently serves as President of the Luzerne County Community College
Foundation Board; Treasurer of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce,
and as member of the Advisory Board of Penn State Worthington Scranton,
a campus of the Pennsylvania State University.
He is a member of the American Institute of Banking; the Greater
Scranton Chamber of Commerce; the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of
Commerce, and is a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association.
Champi received a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Penn
State, and an MBA in accounting and finance from Wilkes University.
He and his wife, Cathy, are residents of Laflin Borough (Luzerne
County), and the parents of five children -- a set of twins and a set of
triplets.
First National Community Bank provides personal, small business and
commercial banking services to individuals and businesses from 21
community offices throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Wayne
Counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania. FNCB's newest office, located on
Wheeler Ave. in Dunmore, opened in December 2009. The institution was
established as a National Banking Association in 1910.
Source: First National Community Bancorp, Inc.
Contact: First National Community Bancorp, Inc.
Judith M. LaCouture, 570-340-6144