2026 News and Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honesdale, PA – Kate Bryant, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced that Theodor “Ted” Radu has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Wealth Operations Manager.

In making the announcement, Bryant stated, “Ted has been a dedicated and trusted member of our team for many years. His technical expertise, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to service have strengthened our Trust operations and the clients we serve. His leadership, mentorship, and growing influence within the department make this promotion exceptionally well-deserved.”

Radu has been a valued member of HNB for more than ten years and brings over 20 years of experience in the banking industry, including a decade of specialized experience in trust services. He began his career with HNB as a teller and has steadily advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as AVP & Trust Officer.

As AVP, Wealth Operations Manager, Radu will oversee the HNB Financial Services team, developing processes and providing operational support that allows the team to focus on serving existing clients and building new relationships. He will also continue his work within the Trust Department, helping to strengthen alignment and collaboration between Trust and HNB Financial Services.

Radu is widely recognized for his professionalism, collaborative approach, and dedication to supporting others. He is known for mentoring newer team members, offering guidance to colleagues, and contributing to a strong team culture rooted in service excellence.

Radu holds a degree from West Chester University and has earned both the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® and Chartered Financial Consultant^® designations.

Reflecting on his experience, Radu shared, “HNB has been supportive throughout my career, encouraging me to pursue valuable designations and further education. That support has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and ultimately serve our clients at a higher level. There is a genuine commitment here to doing what’s right for employees and customers alike.”

A native of Honesdale, Radu currently resides in Lakeville. He is actively involved in the community, serving as secretary of the Wayne County Historical Society Board of Directors and representing HNB with professionalism across several organizations, including the NEPA Estate Planning Council and the Financial Planning Association.

In his free time, he enjoys golfing, weightlifting, and practicing meditation, which he values as an important tool for mental well-being.

The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.

 

Honesdale, PA —  Honat Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of The Honesdale National Bank, today formally announced the retirement of long-standing board member Charles “Chuck” Jurgensen. His retirement was effective at the close of June 2025. Chuck’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in guiding the organization and reinforcing its commitment to community banking.

Chuck joined the Board on February 27, 2002 and has served with distinction for 23 years. During his tenure, he contributed significantly through his involvement in strategic projects, market expansions, and asset management, helping shape strategies that strengthened the Bank’s position as a trusted financial partner in the communities we serve.

Alongside wife Wanda, in 1975 Chuck founded Top Notch Distributors in Honesdale, PA. He presides over the organization as its CEO and his leadership and business acumen have grown it from a small, family-run enterprise into one of the largest and most trusted distributors of residential and commercial door hardware.  

Reflecting on Chuck’s impact, Board Chairman William Schweighofer shared, “Chuck has been a steady and insightful voice on our Board. His commitment to our mission and his passion for community banking have left a lasting mark on our organization. We are deeply grateful for his years of service and leadership.”

Kate Bryant, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, added, “Chuck’s influence extended beyond the boardroom. His guidance and perspective have helped us navigate change while staying true to our values. We thank him for his unwavering support and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Honat Bancorp, Inc. extended its heartfelt gratitude to Chuck Jurgensen for his exceptional service and dedication with a commemorative bench. The bench bares a statement indicative of the guidance that he frequently shared in his leadership role: “Find a way to say yes to the customer.” His contributions have strengthened our organization and reinforced the importance of community banking in today’s financial landscape.

Honat Bancorp, Inc. (HONT: US OTC) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, The Honesdale National Bank, headquartered in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest, independent, community bank headquartered in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with thirteen full-service offices across Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties. Financial Services and Trust solutions for their customers are also serviced through their HNB Financial Group headquartered in Honesdale and the HNB Mortgage Center headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. To learn more visit hnbbank.bank or call 570-253-3355.

Honesdale, PA – 

As global tensions increase due to recent conflict involving Iran, financial institutions across the U.S. are experiencing heightened cyber risk. Banks are strengthening cybersecurity controls as cyberattacks typically increase during periods of geopolitical conflict.

Reports from cybersecurity analysts show a spike in disruptive cyber activity—including hacktivism, DDoS attacks, impersonation attempts, and phishing—following recent military operations. Fraudsters often exploit these moments by crafting messages tied to current events to mislead consumers.

How Fraudsters Are Exploiting the Conflict

Threat actors may use:

• Phishing emails or texts posing as government agencies, news outlets, banks, or humanitarian organizations.
• Urgent or emotional messaging referencing geopolitical events to trick victims into clicking malicious links or sharing credentials.
• Fake security alerts claiming your account is compromised due to “international cyberattacks.”
• Donation scams exploiting humanitarian concerns tied to the conflict.

During periods of global instability, these tactics become more common as cybercriminals capitalize on heightened public anxiety.

 

How Customers Can Protect Themselves

• Be skeptical of urgent messages referencing international unrest or security concerns.
• Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts; navigate directly to trusted websites.
• Enable Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA) on your HNB accounts.
• Monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity.
• Update your devices to safeguard against vulnerabilities exploited during cyber escalations.
• Report suspicious communications immediately.

We’re Here to Help

The Honesdale National Bank continues to monitor emerging threats and implement advanced protections designed to keep your accounts secure.

If you suspect fraud:

Contact Your Local HNB Office (locations page) or call 570-253-3362