New hires and promotions
Benjamin Martin has been promoted by First National Bank to senior vice president and commercial banking team leader.
Based out of FNB's Selinsgrove and State College offices, Martin leads a team of commercial bankers that serve the Company's Central Mountain Region, which comprises counties throughout central Pennsylvania. Martin and his team are responsible for lending, business development, relationship management and portfolio management for middle-market companies.
Dr. Hemal Gada has joined Cardiology Associates of Altoona.
Gada brings more than a decade of experience in interventional cardiology and has a specific focus in structural heart disease, providing novel and minimally invasive solutions for heart valve disorders, PFO/ASD closure, and left atrial appendage occlusion (the "Watchman" procedure). He is board-certified in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Tina M. Collins has been promoted by Kish Bancorp Inc., parent company of Kish Bank, to interim Chief Financial Officer and treasurer from SVP, Accounting and Controls Director, following the commencement of Mark J. Cvrkel's phased retirement.
Collins is a seasoned accounting and finance executive with over 25 years of experience in community banking. Most recently she has served as SVP, Accounting & Controls Director, at Kish Bank, where she has been responsible for financial reporting, compliance with regulatory reporting requirements, internal controls and asset/liability management.
Awards and honors
Renee Staines, personal lines team manager for Element Risk Management, Hollidaysburg, has been named by Risk & Insurance Education Alliance as the 2025 Outstanding CSR of the Year recipient of the state of Pennsylvania.
To qualify for this top state honor, Staines submitted the winning essay on the topic, "As technology continues to reshape the insurance industry, CSRs and Account Managers must navigate the challenge of integrating digital tools while maintaining strong, personal client relationships." She also was selected for having demonstrated outstanding service and professionalism within the insurance community.
Dr. April Detar of State College, a local dental practitioner, recently received a membership plaque, a gold lapel pin and an engraved gold key from the International College of Dentists, USA Section, symbolic of fellowship for conspicuous service rendered in the art and science of dentistry.
The International College of Dentists is the preeminent honor society of the world's outstanding dentists. Detar exemplifies the core values of integrity, leadership and service and was inducted as a fellow of the International College of Dentists at its 91st Annual Convocation.
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