CLEARFIELD – On Aug. 9 Peter F. Smith, a member of the CNB Financial Corp. board of directors for 27 years, was unanimously elected chairman of the board, effective Jan. 1, 2017, by fellow directors.
Dennis L. Merrey has been chairman since 2007 and provided a two-year notice of his intention to step down as chair at the end of 2016. Merrey has been a director of the corporation since 1991 and will remain on the board of directors.
“I would like to personally thank Denny for his years of service as chairman of the board,” said Joseph B. Bower Jr., CNB Bank president and chief executive officer.
“Under his leadership, we have navigated through many environments, the recession, several expansion plans and doubling the corporation’s assets. His experience will continue to be a positive presence in the boardroom.”
Bower continued, saying, “Peter’s knowledge of banking and our culture will ensure that CNB stays committed to all of the communities that we serve, and I look forward to working with him.”
Smith obtained his Bachelor of Arts from Williams College in 1976 and later graduated from the Dickinson School of Law in 1981.
He joined his late father, William U. Smith, in the general practice of law in Clearfield after graduation and continues that practice today. Smith was appointed to the CNB Financial Corp. board of directors in 1989.
Smith is the sixth chairman of the corporation since its formation in 1984. John Leitzinger was the original chairperson followed by Ronald B. Strattan, L. E. Soult Jr., William Owens and most recently Merrey.
Smith said, “On behalf of the shareholders, I thank Mr. Merrey for his outstanding leadership and service to CNB. I will dedicate myself to building upon his fine work and the work of those who preceded us. The board and management are committed to delivering superior banking service to our customers, and we are confident that will build value for our investors.”
CNB Financial Corp. is a $2.5 billion bank holding company conducting business primarily through CNB Bank, the corporation’s principal subsidiary. CNB Bank operations include a private banking division, three loan production offices, and 40 full-service offices in Pennsylvania and Ohio, including ERIEBANK, a division of CNB Bank, and FCBank, a division of CNB Bank.
“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with the management of the bank and my colleagues on the Board,” said Merrey.
“The bank has enjoyed significant growth and change over the last 10 years, which was largely facilitated by the cooperative efforts, dedication and commitment of the board of directors and management.
While the financial service industry continues to be challenged with change and a historically low interest rate environment, I believe that CNB Bank is well positioned to meet these future challenges.”
He continued by saying, “I would also like to thank and acknowledge the support and loyalty of our customers and shareholders. May I extend my heartfelt congratulations and support to Mr. Smith as the next chairman of CNB Bank and CNB Financial Corp.”