Portage Community Bank is under new leadership, but customers can expect the transition at the top to be a smooth one.
Chief Executive Officer Kevin Lewis recently announced his retirement after 25 years with the company, including the last three as CEO. He also served seven years as the chief lending officer and 15 years as the chief lending officer and president.
The bank’s board of directors appointed Constance M. Bennett to succeed Lewis as CEO. Bennett takes over after serving as PCB’s chief operations officer for 22 years and as the bank president the last three.
A press release by the bank announcing Bennett’s appointment states: “Connie has been an integral force in driving our company’s achievements and fostering a culture of excellence. Her unparalleled expertise, steadfast dedication, and deep understanding of Portage Community Bank make her the ideal candidate to lead the bank into the future.”
Bennett takes the reins of a bank that is coming off an exceptional year of growth in 2023. According to Marketing Director Pam England, in fiscal year 2023 PCB increased the loan portfolio by approximately $37.2 million, expanded the deposit portfolio by approximately $14.8 million and grew total assets by approximately $24.3 million.
As of Dec. 31, 2023, PCB exceeded the $500 million total asset threshold, finishing the year with total assets of $500.6 million, and had record earnings of $3,508,850, which is an increase of $134,203, or 3.83%, over the previous year.
“Overall, PCB experienced a tremendous year as far as lending initiatives, expanded deposit growth results, and operational success,” Bennett told The Portager, “despite the mix of economic uncertainty, market volatility, soaring interest ratings, and a very competitive banking environment.”
The board appointed Ann H. Durr to succeed Bennett as Portage Community Bank’s president. For the past five years, Durr has served as the bank’s chief retail officer and Summit County president, bringing over 30 years of banking experience to the institution and playing a pivotal role in spearheading PCB’s Summit County office expansion.
“Throughout her career, Ann has also been a member of executive leadership teams, thus demonstrating her strong leadership and strategic decision-making skills,” the press release states. “Her steadfast commitment to our company’s mission, coupled with her valuable experience in the banking industry, positions her as an exceptional leader for the company.”
Joining Bennett and Durr on the bank’s leadership team are Chief Financial Officer Donald Herman, Chief Risk Officer and Controller Robert Standardi, Chief Operations Officer Adriana Rucci-Kobus, Chief Lending Officer Eric Decker and Chief Credit Officer James Williams.
Portage Community Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Portage Bancshares, Inc. Visit www.pcbbank.com to learn more about Portage Community Bank.
Tom Hardesty is a Portager sports columnist. He was formerly assistant sports editor at the Record-Courier and author of the book Glimpses of Heaven.