Monroeville, Pa. – December 2, 2011 – At their annual company social on Wednesday, November 16, Standard Bank recognized nine women for their years of dedicated service.  Standard Bank is proud to acknowledge such loyal associates who consistently provide expert advice and compassionate service to customers.  In addition, these women are directly involved in their communities and are great supporters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Celebrating 25 years of service with Standard Bank is Joyce Orendi, deposit operations manager at the bank’s Monroeville office, who manages the bank’s Customer Care Center. Also celebrating 25 years of service is Kathy Ahlburn, assistant manager of the Hyndman Community Bank Office (CBO) and president of the Women’s Group, a member of the Hyndman Lions Club and the Salvation Army.

 Celebrating 15 years of service is Colleen Brown, senior VP and chief financial officer of Standard Bank, a graduate of West Virginia University with 31 years of banking experience.  In her community, Colleen volunteers and serves on various committees for the Bethel Park VFD.  Also celebrating 15 years is Joann Orszulak, staff accountant at the bank’s Monroeville office. 

There were five associates celebrating 10 years of service.  Gwen Lewton, Standard Bank CBO coordinator, oversees all ten Standard Bank CBOs.  She has been in the banking industry for 33 years and is a graduate of West Liberty State College and the West Virginia School of Banking.  Gwen also serves on the board of directors for the Westmoreland Food Bank.

Linda Chenet, commercial lender for Westmoreland County, has been in the banking industry for 37 years and has the pleasure of working with many offices, organizations and customers around the county.  Linda is a member of the Latrobe Area Chamber of Commerce, Latrobe Rotary Club, and the In Westmoreland Networking group.

Erin Ansell, assistant manager of the Ligonier CBO, is greatly involved with the Ligonier community from participating in holiday events to local Chamber functions.  Erin is also a member of Ligonier Valley’s Business and Professional Women organization.

Mary Jo Hixson, sales and service specialist and mortgage loan originator at the Scottdale CBO, serves on the Scottdale Chamber of Commerce as chamber secretary and as chairman of membership enrollment.  She developed and chaired Scottdale’s Community Winter Light Celebration and is the designer and editor of their newsletter.  

Also celebrating 10 years with Standard Bank is Joyce Garstecki, customer service specialist at the Mt. Pleasant CBO.  Personally, Joyce serves as treasurer, youth director and Sunday school teacher at the Gospel Life Tabernacle Church in Mt. Pleasant. 

Standard Bank would like to thank all of these women for making such a positive difference in the community and exemplifying what it means to serve with a community bank.  Community banks improve America’s communities and help drive local economies.  They are also an integral part of the financial system and play a key role in the nation’s economic recovery.  Congratulations and thank you to these nine associates for their years of helping build up their communities for continuing success!