Local business leaders make Top 100 list

Pennsylvania Business Central's latest "Top 100 People" publication recognizes Huntingdon County professionals for their contributions to the fields of banking, insurance, construction and higher education.

Cisney & O'Donnell president Dennis Cisney Jr., Community State Bank branch manager Tracy Shade, Mutual Benefit Group president and CEO Gary Williams and Juniata College president Jim Troha appear on the 2024 roster.

The Top 100 People were selected from Pennsylvania Business Central's 23-county coverage area. Honorees were nominated by community leaders, local chambers of commerce and Pennsylvania Business Central's readers.

"We are fascinated by the impact a single individual can have on their workplace, their community and the lives of those around them," the publication's managing editor, David Harry, wrote in his introduction to this year's list, which debuted Jan. 26. "The stories of these individuals can provide instruction, inspiration and the motivation to raise our own standard of excellence."

Cisney said he's honored to make the Top 100 list as a representative from a small business that was started by his own father, Dennis Cisney Sr., and Richard O'Donnell.

Cisney & O'Donnell, specializing in building, remodeling and pool construction, opened for business in 1969. Fifty-five years later, the company is still family-owned and -operated.

Cisney said fellow employees include his sister and wife, as well as his daughter who joins the team during the summer months.

Cisney said there's plenty of other special connections within the Cisney & O'Donnell workforce, including a father-and-son carpentry team.

"We take (the Top 100 honor) very seriously and there's no doubt that it gets our name out there a little bit," Cisney said, glad to share the recognition with the company.

"It is no doubt an honor," Cisney said and congratulated his fellow honorees.

Shade, manager of Community State Bank's Three Springs branch for 19 years, has been with CSB since 1995 when she was hired as a part-time teller at the bank's main office in Orbisonia.

"I'm not a front-runner, I'm a behind-the-scenes kind of person so I was very honored," Shade said, with regards to the Top 100 list, adding she's been fortunate to have worked with a number of good leaders and mentors during her time with CSB.

"I strive to give my team that kind of support and leadership to help them grow their careers as well," she said. "I feel a little humbled because it's not a 'me' award, it's a team award. I can't say enough about the wonderful team I have. We have a wonderful, beautiful community that we serve here; I was born and raised in the area so it really is the hometown bank for me."

The job's rewards, Shade said, come from helping her fellow southern Huntingdon County residents. "There is such a rush," she said, when a student opens a checking account upon getting their first job or a family member opens a savings account for a newborn baby.

"It feels so wonderful to be a part of those beginning steps for people," she said, adding there's also opportunity to provide much-needed assistance when a customer loses a loved one or find themselves the victim of identity theft.

"That's when people need the most compassion, understanding and guidance," she said.

Community State Bank president and CEO Mike Bibak said the CSB team is "very proud but not surprised" that Shade made the list, noting she cares about her branch team and their customers.

"She's the example of an employee who cares about both and that's what we like to have here," Bibak said.

Williams, who was named president and CEO of Mutual Benefit Group Dec. 31, 2022, brings more than 25 years experience in the insurance industry to the Huntingdon-based firm.

Williams said the Top 100 honor gave him an opportunity to reflect.

"The Huntingdon community, businesses, and organizations welcomed me and my family," he said. "They made it easy for us to adjust and settle into beautiful central Pennsylvania."

Williams credits the people in his life for sharing knowledge and insights that have encouraged his own growth and success.

"Humbly, I realize the vast majority of what I learn comes from friends, family and other professionals. My relationships enable me to build knowledge, deepen understanding, and add valuable experiences that I enjoy each day," he said.

Mutual Benefit Group, established in 1908, provides insurance coverage for automobiles, homes and businesses.

"I am thankful to Mutual Benefit Group's outstanding employees and look forward to serving together as we continue to build a bright future on our 115-year legacy."

Williams is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and holds certification in process excellence and product management. Prior to beginning his career in the insurance field, Williams served in the United States Air Force in Honduras and worked as a manufacturing manager for the Sara Lee Corporation in Jamaica.

Troha brought two decades of experience in higher education leadership with him when he joined Juniata College in 2013.

Juniata's 12th president, who is currently on sabbatical, is also chair of the NCAA Division III Presidents Council and serves on the board of directors for Kish Bank and Kish Bancorp, Penn Highlands Huntingdon and Huntingdon County Business & Industry.

Other honors with Huntingdon County connections include:

Matt Stuckey of Stuckey Automotive, parent company of Stuckey Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Huntingdon

Jeffrey Long, owner of Jeff S. Long Construction who operates Graystone Court apartments.

Gregory Hayes, president and CEO of Kish Bank.

Travis Sheetz, President and CEO of Sheetz Inc.

Vincent Delie Jr., chairman, president and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank,.

Dr. Jaewon Ryu, President and CEO of Geisinger.

Steven Fontaine, CEO of Penn Highlands Healthcare.

Pennsylvania Business Central is a publication of Sample Media, which also owns The Daily News.