It’s Your Business
Washington O’Brien named First Federal CEO First Federal Savings Bank has elected Patrick O’Brien to the board of directors and appointed him to serve as its president and chief executive officer (CEO).
O’Brien, 48, most recently served as the bank’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. He assumes the role of president and CEO from John G. Robinson, who is retiring.
O’Brien has been with First Federal for more than three years, working closely with Robinson on all bank matters. Together, they have navigated First Federal through uncertain economic times by relying on sound banking principles and building a solid capital base without the need of Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds.
During their time together, Robinson and O’Brien have also opened new bank branch locations, introduced Internet banking, enhanced First Federal’s personal banking and commercial banking products and launched a special effort to attract new customers, specifically in the world of small business. In March they expanded the reach of its affiliate, Exchange Underwriters Inc. through the acquisition of Allsurance Insurance Agency.
As president and CEO, O’Brien will actively work with front-line employees to continue improving customer service skills and sales techniques.
O’Brien brings more than 25 years of extensive banking experience to this position. Prior to joining First Federal, O’Brien cultivated his banking career with Gallatin Bank and Community Bank, before advancing into high-level management roles with WesBanco Bank and PNC Bank. O’Brien has spent his entire banking career in his native Washington County.
As a longtime resident of Lone Pine, O’Brien continually works to serve the community in much more than a banking role.
O’Brien sits on the board of directors of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund, Boy Scouts of America, Presbyterian Senior Care and North Bethlehem Township Planning Commission and is chairman of the Washington Hospital Foundation.
“Pat brings integrity and commitment to the bank and the community. We’ve worked with Pat on numerous development projects and he’s always been very accessible and helpful. We look forward to working with him in his new role as president and CEO of First Federal,” said Jim Stark, chief executive officer, Fayette County Community Action Agency Inc.
He and his wife, Christine, have been married for 25 years and have three children; Sean, 24, Molly, 21, and Collin, 19.
South Union Township
Caringola opens Mark C’s
Mark Caringola of Connellsville has opened Mark C’s Diner in the former restaurant area of the Super K mart store at 99 Matthew Drive, South Union Township.
Caringola, whose former diner was voted one of the best for breakfast in Greensburg in 2009, is offering breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
A life member of the New Haven Hose Co. in Connellsville, Caringola also offers a 10 percent discount on any regular menu item to policemen, firemen or other emergency medical services personnel who presents his or her identification.
The menu includes homemade lasagna, meatloaf, spaghetti, sauces and soups, as well as daily breakfast, lunch and dinner specials.
Managers are his brother, Danny Caringola, and Fran Mullaney of Connellsville.
For more information, call 724-437-4620.