Dime Bank
John Serafin, Dime Bank (SUBMITTED)
Anna Van Acker, Dime Bank (SUBMITTED)
The bank announced the addition of two experienced professionals, John J. Serafin and Anna Van Acker, to its commercial lending team, further strengthening the bank’s commitment to supporting local businesses and economic growth throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.
As commercial lenders at a community bank, Serafin and Van Acker will work closely with business customers to provide financing solutions, treasury services and strategic guidance to help businesses start, grow and thrive. Community bank commercial lenders play a vital role in local economies by evaluating credit needs, structuring loans and building long-term relationships that contribute to the success of businesses and communities alike.
Serafin joined the bank on March 23 as vice president, commercial lending officer III. In this role, he is responsible for developing new commercial lending relationships, growing deposits and delivering a full range of financial solutions to business customers. Serafin has more than 35 years of commercial banking experience across Northeast Pennsylvania, offering deep industry knowledge and a proven track record of building lasting client relationships. Serafin is actively engaged in the community and currently serves as a board member and finance committee chair of the FM Kirby Center for the Performing Arts and is a West Pittston American Legion member. He is the immediate past board chair of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce and a former board member of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he serves as treasurer for the Corpus Christi Knights of Columbus and is a member of the parish finance committee. Serafin holds an MBA in management and a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in finance from Wilkes University and is an Army veteran.
Van Acker joined the bank on May 1 as vice president, commercial loan officer II. In her role, she helps businesses secure financing for growth, operations and real estate needs by evaluating financial statements, structuring loans and fostering long-term client relationships. Van Acker has eight years of banking experience, having progressed through a variety of roles, including management trainee, commercial loan specialist, portfolio manager and commercial loan officer, and has gained expertise in underwriting, credit analysis and relationship management. A dedicated community leader, Van Acker serves as a NEPA Alliance board member, Human Resources Center board secretary and member of the PA Bankers Young Professionals Committee. She is also actively involved locally as treasurer of the Honesdale Area Jaycees, board secretary for PAWS of NEPA and publicity chair for Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County. Her contributions have earned her recognition as Jaycee of the Year, a National Outstanding Local Member, and recipient of the PA Bankers Women in Banking “Tomorrow’s Promise” Award. Van Acker holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Scranton and continues her professional development through the PA Bankers Advanced School of Banking and specialized lending programs.
King’s College
Zubeen Saeed, King’s College.jpg (SUBMITTED)
Paul Psak, King’s College (SUBMITTED)
Rev. George Piggford, King’s College (SUBMITTED)
The college announced that Zubeen Saeed, Paul Psak ’07 and the Rev. George Piggford, C.S.C., Ph.D., have been elected to its board of directors for three-year terms.
Saeed is the founder and chief operating officer of Building Blocks Learning Center, a multisite early childhood education organization serving more than 1,200 families across Luzerne County. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in early childhood education and expanded learning initiatives, she has led efforts focused on educational access, workforce development and community partnerships throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.
In addition to her professional leadership, Saeed founded the Bridge the Gap Program, an initiative that empowers high school women to pursue higher education and leadership opportunities through mentorship and academic support. She currently serves on several community and nonprofit boards, including the Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Wyoming Valley and Diamond City Partnership.
Psak is the founder and managing partner of Lake Ten Capital Partners, a private investment firm focused on lower-middle-market opportunities in logistics and industrial services. He previously held leadership positions with Ferro Holdings LLC, Vatera Capital Management and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., where he specialized in finance, operations, investment management and strategic planning.
A 2007 graduate of King’s College, Psak earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting. He is a certified public accountant in New York and has remained actively involved with the college through service on the McGowan School of Business Advisory Council and the King’s College President’s Council. In 2020, he received the Robert J. Ell Alumni Award for Outstanding Service to Alma Mater.
Piggford is a professor of English at Stonehill College, where he has taught since 2004 and currently serves as president of the Faculty Senate. A member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, he has held numerous leadership roles at Stonehill, including chair of the English department and director of the Moreau Honors Program.
Piggford earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and philosophy and a Master of Arts in English from Duquesne University, a doctorate in English studies from the University of Montréal, and a Master of Divinity from the University of Notre Dame. His scholarship has focused extensively on Catholic literature and theology, and on the works of Flannery O’Connor, and he has presented and published internationally on topics related to faith, literature and culture.