Fidelity Bank Taps Veteran Leaders for Board to Drive Strategic Growth

DUNMORE, PA – January 02, 2026 – Fidelity Bank has announced a significant enhancement to its leadership team, appointing two seasoned financial industry veterans, James Clemente, CPA, MT, and Rocco A. DelVecchio, to its Board of Directors. The appointments, effective January 2, 2026, signal a strategic move by the community-focused institution to deepen its expertise in accounting, taxation, and large-scale growth management as it navigates an increasingly competitive regional banking landscape.

The decision by the Boards of Directors of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary, The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, brings decades of high-level experience into the fold. Mr. Clemente will serve as a director until the 2028 annual shareholders' meeting, while Mr. DelVecchio's term will run until the 2026 meeting. These additions are poised to influence the bank's strategic direction, building on a period of robust performance and community investment.

A Board Fortified with Decades of Expertise

The new directors bring distinct yet complementary skill sets honed over long and distinguished careers. James Clemente, the Managing Partner at the accounting firm Snyder & Clemente, offers more than 45 years of specialized knowledge in taxation, estate and gift planning, business acquisitions, and IRS representation. His deep understanding of complex financial structures and regulatory environments provides the board with an invaluable resource for oversight and strategic financial planning. Beyond his professional practice, Clemente has a history of governance, having previously served as a director for another local community bank and currently serving as Chairman of the Board for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Healthcare Foundation. His active membership in both the American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants underscores his commitment to the highest standards of his profession.

Rocco A. DelVecchio adds a wealth of executive banking leadership experience. His career is marked by senior roles across the financial services spectrum, including commercial, retail, small business, and wealth management. Notably, he has held top positions such as President & Chief Executive Officer of MNB Corp. and President & Chief Operating Officer at Lafayette Ambassador Bank, where he was responsible for managing multi-billion-dollar loan and deposit portfolios. This experience in driving profitable growth strategies at other major area banks provides him with a proven playbook for expansion and operational excellence. DelVecchio is no stranger to Fidelity Bank, having served as a consultant for the institution from 2020 to 2024, giving him a running start with an insider’s perspective on its operations and strategic goals.

Strategic Timing in a Shifting Market

These appointments come at a pivotal time for regional banks across Pennsylvania and the nation. The industry faces a dual-sided reality of significant challenges and unique opportunities. Intense competition from larger national banks and agile fintech companies, coupled with the pressures of industry consolidation and a complex regulatory environment, requires community banks to be more strategic than ever. Customer expectations have also evolved, with a growing demand for seamless digital services that rival those of larger competitors.

However, regional banks like Fidelity possess a key advantage: deep community integration. Their ability to make localized decisions and build strong personal relationships remains a powerful differentiator. The appointments of Clemente and DelVecchio appear to be a direct response to this market dynamic. By bringing in leaders with both extensive local knowledge and experience managing large-scale operations, Fidelity Bank is positioning itself to offer sophisticated, top-tier financial solutions while maintaining its identity as a trusted community partner. This blend of expertise is crucial for navigating economic shifts and capitalizing on opportunities for proactive business development, especially in lending to local businesses and individuals.

Driving Growth and Community Commitment

Fidelity Bank has recently demonstrated a strong track record of both financial success and community dedication, creating a solid foundation for its new directors to build upon. In 2023, the bank was recognized as the leading residential mortgage lender in Lackawanna County, capturing over 9% of the market. Its commitment to fueling the local economy was further evidenced in 2024 by originating over $131 million in home loans, more than $319 million in business loans, and facilitating over $54 million in government financing for community projects.

The bank's physical and digital footprint has also expanded. A new branch opened in Wilkes-Barre in late 2023, and significant investments have been made in its digital branch, offering a full suite of online and mobile banking tools. Perhaps its most ambitious project is the $26 million renovation of the historic Scranton Electric Building into a new corporate headquarters, a move projected to bring 165 professional jobs to downtown Scranton, supported by a $9 million state investment. This commitment is matched by its philanthropic efforts, with employees contributing nearly 6,000 volunteer hours and the bank donating over $1.5 million to non-profits in 2024 alone.

The expertise of the new board members aligns directly with these strategic pillars. DelVecchio's experience in driving growth can help scale the bank’s successful lending programs and wealth management services, while Clemente's background in business acquisitions and tax strategy could prove vital as the bank considers future expansion or M&A opportunities.

Enhancing Governance for a Future Outlook

The current Board of Directors at Fidelity Bank is a seasoned group with an average tenure of over a decade. The additions of Clemente and DelVecchio diversify this established team, injecting fresh perspectives grounded in decades of practical success. Chairman of the Board Brian J. Cali highlighted this strategic fit in the official announcement.

“James brings exceptional expertise in accounting and taxation, along with a long history of community involvement,” Cali stated. “His insight and commitment to service will help guide Fidelity Bank’s strategic direction and reinforce our dedication to delivering value for our clients and shareholders.” He added, “Rocco’s leadership and extensive banking experience will be a tremendous asset to our Board. His proven ability to drive growth and foster strong client relationships reflects the values that define Fidelity Bank.”

Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that the new directors' expertise would help build long-term value for all stakeholders. By strengthening its board with leaders who understand both the nuances of community banking and the demands of a modern financial landscape, Fidelity Bank is sending a clear message that it is preparing not just to compete, but to lead in the years to come.