Communities across Pennsylvania are growing and thriving because their community banks care. The service and commitment demonstrated by community bank employees keeps customers faithful, and their sincerity keeps others hopeful. It is because of these employees that communities across the Commonwealth are thriving and becoming better places to live and work.
When it comes to community banking in Pennsylvania, the uniqueness, talent and attributes of the 14,000 individual community bank employees combine to make the entire industry greater than the sum of its parts.
As we travel across Pennsylvania, we meet community bank employees from many different backgrounds. Some are new to the industry, others have worked their entire careers in it. No matter how long these employees have been involved in community banking, they all share a common thread – a love for their community. They truly are the ones responsible for #KeepingTheLightsOn in their hometown.
As part of an ongoing series, each month we will be featuring brief interviews with these community bank employees, these “Hometown Champions”. Through these interviews, we hope to gain some insight into what makes the community banking industry great in Pennsylvania.
This month, we chat with the hometown champions from Farmers National Bank, a community bank operating 20 community offices across western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Chartered in 1900, Farmers National Bank is dedicated to their work and serving their communities. Over the past 119 years, they have remained committed to staying an independent community bank, striving to offer the highest standard in industry competitive products and services. As they continue to strengthen their organization, they act not only to benefit the bank, but also their customers, businesses, communities, and their employees.
Devon Vallies
Branch Manager
How did you get into community banking?
Devon: I was looking for a part time job that was flexible. I had a friend that worked at Farmers National Bank, and she loved it and told me to apply. The rest is history. I instantly loved my job and the customers that I serviced. I started as a part time teller and worked my way up to where I’m at today, Branch Manager.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Devon: The most rewarding aspect is the community involvement and community giveback. We leave a lasting impact on the communities that we serve through the service that we do.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Devon: A community bank is a relationship bank. It’s not about numbers, it’s about the people and their stories. The decisions made are done locally and allow for creativity. Community banks also have a focus on the communities they serve through giving back in various ways such as providing an extra set of helping hands or providing donations.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Devon: Most people don’t know that I was EXTREMELY shy in high school. I hated public speaking or anything that put me in front of people. Looking at me today, it’s hard to believe. I can talk to anyone and public speaking doesn’t bother me… I actually enjoy it!
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Devon: My 5th picture is rolled ice cream. My friend and I spent the day exploring Pittsburgh and stumbled upon this rolled ice cream shop. We had seen videos of it being made, but never actually had it. It was neat to be able to watch in person, and there are so many different combinations to make!
Aubery Hulings
VP/Operations Manager
How did you get into community banking?
Aubery: After obtaining my Associates Degree in Legal Business Studies, I planned to move into a career in the legal field with hopes of becoming an attorney. After completing an internship with an attorney, I started a “summer-help” teller job at the bank to pay the bills. This job quickly became my love and I fully immersed myself in banking. I was hired as a part time teller after the summer, went back to college for a degree in Finance, and the rest is history!
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Aubery: There are so many. The people I have met along the way, the people I work with, the customers we are able to help with their financial needs, and the list goes on. In my current role, I love to see a project to the end and see efficiencies created for employees and financial solutions rolled out to help a customer.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Aubery: Community. Serving the communities in which we are a part of. This means a few things to me:
1. Serving on committees or boards that are important to the growth the community.
2. Interacting with local community leaders to ensure we are meeting their needs.
3. Providing financial solutions to the businesses and organizations that are in our communities.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Aubery: I’m a pretty open book so people know that I teach Zumba, like to paint and have a 2-year old niece that I absolutely adore. One thing people may not know is, I went sky-diving last year for my birthday… and I loved it!
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Aubery: The 5th picture in my camera roll is a quote. As I come across inspirational or motivational quotes I save them for later. I send them to my team at work or I post them to a small Facebook group I manage to inspire others throughout their day.
Eric Gantz
Vice President, Senior Credit Officer
How did you get into community banking?
Eric: Upon graduating from Youngstown State University in 2009, I joined Farmers National Bank as a Management Trainee. After completing the structured training program, I transitioned into Commercial Credit as a Credit Analyst. I was fortunate enough to work under the leadership of well-respected industry professionals including Raymond Lawton (retired Chief Credit Officer), Richard Liszka (Senior Credit Analyst), and Matthew Lucco (former Chief Risk & Strategy Officer.) These individuals shaped me as a professional and developed my genuine love for community banking.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Eric: From my perspective, the most rewarding aspect of community banking is the ability to see the positive impact of our actions. This may include financing a home purchase, supporting credit needs of a small business, volunteering with a local charitable organization, providing educational seminars to the public, or supporting local youth athletics. It seems that community banks, in general, are highly focused on supporting the total needs of a community from both a financial and non-financial standpoint.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Eric: Many people view the community bank title as a size differentiator. However, community banking is truly a philosophy about making a concerted effort to focus on businesses, individuals, and families where the bank does business. Community banks take the time to understand the needs of their customers and deliver products and services with a personal touch. This is something “big banks” struggle to replicate.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Eric: Most people don’t know that I am an avid motorcyclist and an active member of the American Motorcyclist Association. While my available riding time has diminished in recent years, due to family responsibilities, I still enjoy dusting off the “Hog” and hitting the open road on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I find that motorcycle riding is a fantastic way to unwind and relieve stress.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Eric: My 5th picture on my phone camera roll dates back to July 28, 2017. The photo was taken at a local park of my oldest daughter, Emilie, who is now 4 years old. My daughter and I often sneak out to this park in the evenings to enjoy the slides and swings, as well as take in a little fresh air.
Sarah MacBeth
Branch Manager
How did you get into community banking?
Sarah: My introduction to community banking started a few months after graduating from college. A friend of mine, of whom had a contact at Farmers, reached out to me knowing I had been job searching and referred me to Farmers. The job description was in line with what I had studied during my college career, so I applied, completed my interview, and the rest is history. My first position at Farmers was in our Corporate Lending Department as a Commercial Loan Documentation Specialist and was also my first professional job. I quickly learned the world of banking was my niche and Farmers had a way of making it personal. What resonated with me the most was the fact that everyone I met presented me with a warm welcome and a helping hand; I knew at that point I was home.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in community banking?
Sarah: For me, its visual. The impact you can make on someone’s life is like no other. Helping others is something close to my heart. Banking allows me to help others in their lives and actually see it in person. Community banking goes deeper than that even, it allows me to develop relationships, it allows me to see and learn a person for who they are instead of seeing only a number.
People always want a definition of “community bank,” what’s yours?
Sarah: Without a doubt, “community bank” is defined as a bank that centers itself within its community, building and developing personal relationships not only with its community, but also with its employees.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Sarah: I once auditioned for American Idol while I was in college. Although it did not present any opportunities, I learned to push myself outside of my comfort zone and to never stop achieving your dreams. To this day I am always singing whenever a great tune strikes.
What is the 5th picture in your camera roll on your phone, and can you please share the story behind it?
Sarah: At the time of that picture, my husband was then my fiancé. We were newly engaged posing for one of our engagement photos on the perfect October day in 2016. The location in the photo is very special to us. My husband, Keaton, was very close to his paternal grandparents, his grandmother especially. Her name was Pat MacBeth. Growing up, his grandparents had a bed and breakfast, of which he spent a lot of his time. They passed on early in his life, but his family has kept the bed and breakfast although no longer in operation. My husband and his parents have always expressed how similar in nature I am to Pat. Her hard work and dedication in life was like no other. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but I have been told many times how much I mirror her passion for life and the reward of a hard day’s work. We not only had our engagements photos taken at the bed and breakfast, but we also were wed at the same location. The bed and breakfast itself was almost a place of magic; it was as if our grandparents that had passed on were present the day we were married.
