Northwest Bank has announced two key leadership appointments that further strengthen the bank’s commercial banking presence in the Jersey Shore and greater Williamsport region.

According to a news release, Kevin Waple has been named regional commercial banking market executive, and Chris Sullivan has been named commercial banking relationship manager. Together, they bring more than 65 years of combined banking and commercial lending experience–along with deep, longstanding ties to the local market.

“In their new roles, Waple and Sullivan will work together to expand commercial banking services, deepen client relationships, and support business growth across the region,” the news release said. “Their complementary leadership, credit expertise, and on the ground experience position the bank to deliver a more robust, relationship driven approach to serving local businesses.”

“Kevin and Chris bring decades of combined experience and an unmatched understanding of the Williamsport and Jersey Shore markets,” said Mike McCarty, director of regional commercial banking. “Kevin’s strategic leadership and Chris’s strong portfolio and relationship building background create a powerful team–one that will serve our clients with exceptional insight, local knowledge, and a shared commitment to community-focused banking.”

Waple, who has lived and worked in Central Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years, brings more than 35 years of commercial banking experience, including five years with Northwest. As Market Executive, he will oversee commercial banking strategy and lead teams across the region.

Sullivan brings more than 30 years of banking experience, most recently managing a $150 million commercial portfolio and leading multiple teams at Susquehanna Community Bank. With deep roots in the community and extensive experience serving businesses across Jersey Shore and the surrounding markets, he will focus on delivering financial solutions that help clients achieve long term growth.

“Our combined experience and shared commitment to these communities create a strong foundation for the work ahead,” said Waple, according to the news release.

“Supporting local businesses has always been central to my career, and I’m excited to partner with Kevin and the Northwest team to continue that focus,” added Sullivan.

Together, Waple and Sullivan will play a key role in advancing Northwest Bank’s relationship based approach to commercial banking in the region–providing tailored solutions, deep market insight, and a unified leadership presence for businesses throughout Williamsport, Jersey Shore, and Central Pennsylvania.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Northwest Bank. Founded in 1896, Northwest Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, as well as employee benefits and wealth management services

Currently, Northwest operates 151 full-service financial centers and ten drive-up locations across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Indiana. Northwest Bancshares, Inc.’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NWBI”). Additional information regarding Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Northwest Bank can be accessed online at www.northwest.com