Banker snags 1st prestigious award

William S. Latoff remembered for work he did in state banking circles, in the community

A local banker has snagged a prestigious award named for a late prominent figure in county bank circles.

HARRISBURG » The Pennsylvania Bankers Association recently awarded Mark A. Hughes of Citizens & Northern Bank in Wellsboro with the first-ever William S. Latoff Advocacy Award.

The award recognizes an individual who is an active policymaker with Pa. Bankers, an outspoken advocate for the industry and a supporter of the Pennsylvania Bankers Public Affairs Committee, or PaBPAC.

Pa. Bankers President and CEO Duncan Campbell presented it at the organization’s annual Pa. Bankers Day at the Capitol, where more than 75 bankers met with their local legislators to discuss the impact banks have on their local communities.

“As chair of the Tax-Financial Institution Committee and a member of the Government Relations Policy Committee, Mark truly puts his community first,” Campbell said.

The award honors the late William “Bill” S. Latoff, former chairman and CEO of DNB First – National Association in Downingtown. Latoff was the chair of PaBPAC from 2007-10, a PA Bankers Government Relations Policy Committee member, the chairman of the Nominat-

ing Advisory Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and a representative to the American Bankers Association’s Bank-PAC Committee.

In addition, he was an asset to his local community, holding numerous professional and philanthropic leadership positions, including chairman of the Chester County Industrial Development Authority, chairman of the Chester County Library Trust Board and board member of the Chester County Economic Development Council, the organization noted in announcing the inaugural award.

“Among his many passions, Bill wholeheartedly believed that advocacy effectuates positive change for the industry,” Campbell said. “His dedication to improving the lives of those less fortunate and enhancing the quality of life in his community was unparalleled.”

DNB officials said they are pleased Latoff’s memory will live on in Pennsylvania banking circles.

“On behalf of our entire team at DNB First, we congratulate Mark Hughes,” said William J. Hieb, president and CEO of DNB First. “Bill Latoff was a tireless advocate for the entire banking industry, but especially community banks, and we are thrilled to see his legacy honored and perpetuated in this way.”

The nomination addressed Hughes’ “role, expertise and calm demeanor in providing insight and mediation on a tax issue in the 2016-17 state budget,” noting the time he dedicated to the association and his peers was “extraordinary.”

“I can’t think of a more deserving recipient for this prestigious award. Mark has been in this industry a long time, and not only is he very good at what he does every day, he is also passionate about the importance of community banks to the local economy,” said Brad Scovill, president and CEO of Citizens & Northern Bank. “His leadership and guidance as chair of the Tax-Financial Institution Committee demonstrates his dedication to the communities here in Pennsylvania.”

A plaque acknowledging Hughes and future award winners will hang in both the offices of PA Bankers and DNB First – National Association.

The Pennsylvania Bankers Association, located in Harrisburg, is the state’s leading banking trade association.

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE PHOTO Bill Latoff is the former chairman and CEO of DNB First. An award in his name is now bestowed to an outstanding individual in the state banking industry.

Mark A. Hughes