Breaking News
Local Business

Workplace — Aug. 15-16

4 min read

New hires and promotions

Jessica Kitt has been promoted by Kish bank from Vice President, Branch Banking Sales Manager, to Branch Banking Director.

With this promotion, Kitt joins Kish Bank's Executive Leadership Team, where she will help shape and execute the organization's vision for the future of branch banking delivery and client relationship management.

In her expanded role as Branch Banking Director, Kitt will provide strategic leadership for branch banking operations, service quality, and sales performance across the organization. She will lead efforts to strengthen Kish Bank's physical presence through market expansion while deepening existing client relationships and ensuring exceptional customer experience.

In conjunction with Kitt's promotion, Tom Minichiello will serve in an evolving role as Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Officer. He will assume additional responsibilities supporting key strategic initiatives led by the CEO while continuing to mentor and oversee retail banking and consumer lending functions.

Tina M. Collins has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Kish Bancorp and Kish Bank, effective immediately. Collins most recently served as interim CFO since October 2025 and steps into the permanent role following a public recruiting search that drew a strong and competitive field of candidates.

Collins is a seasoned accounting and finance executive with over 30 years of experience in community banking, who joined Kish Bank in 2019. Prior to serving as interim CFO, she was SVP, Accounting & Controls Director at Kish Bank, where she was responsible for financial reporting, compliance with regulatory reporting requirements, internal controls, and asset/liability management.

Sean Rainey has been hired to succeed Collins as Controller, effective immediately. Rainey most recently served as Senior Accounting Manager at Nikon SLM Solutions, overseeing North American accounting operations and leading financial statement consolidation and reporting. In his prior roles, Rainey held progressive accounting and finance leadership positions at GE Healthcare, KCF Technologies, and Rex Energy Corporation.

Heather Chelgren has been hired by the Clearly Ahead Development Board of Directors as Finance and Development Manager.

In this role, Chelgren will oversee the organization's daily financial operations, ensure compliance with federal and state grant requirements, and manage all aspects of the revolving loan program, including underwriting and financial analysis. She will help ensure exceptional service for private businesses and community and economic development projects throughout Clearfield County.

Awards and honors

Michael J. Wagner of Altoona has been recognized by Super Lawyers for more than 20 consecutive years for his outstanding legal achievements.

Wagner has demonstrated excellence in the practice of law year after year. No more than five percent of Pennsylvania attorneys receive this honor each year. Super Lawyers are outstanding attorneys in Pennsylvania who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Wagner concentrates his practice on Workers' Compensation and Employment Law.

Joe Beach and Jose Silva, drivers for Amtran recently competed in the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association Bus Roadeo. The annual competition gathers top transit operators from across the Commonwealth to test their skills, safety standards, and professionalism.

​Competitors are evaluated on precision maneuverability, thorough vehicle pre-trip safety inspections, and passenger wheelchair securement tests.

Beach, a former state champion and multi-time international qualifier took home the first place trophy while Silva took fourth place honors.

Petty Officer 1st Class Cory Prebehalla, a native of Johnstown, was recently named Senior Sailor of the Quarter while serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command in Bethesda, Md.

Prebehalla graduated from Conemaugh Township High School in 2016 and holds a bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State University.

The Navy's Sailor of the Quarter program recognizes sailors for sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism

Submissions for Workplace can be sent to Walt Frank at wfrank@altoonamirror.com. Please include the name of the individual, his/her present address, original hometown and high school and college from where he/she graduated, and information about the person's accomplishment.

Starting at /week.