Peter A. Gray Joins Fidelity Bank as Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer and Market President for the Lehigh Valley
Rhea-AI Summary
Fidelity Bank (NASDAQ: FDBC) announced that Peter A. Gray joined as Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer and Market President for the Lehigh Valley on Feb 5, 2026. Gray brings more than two decades of community banking leadership and lending experience and will oversee commercial lending, compliance, and strategic lending policy execution.
Gray holds an MBA in Corporate Finance and a BS in Business Management, and has served on regional nonprofit and economic development boards, indicating local market ties.
Positive
- Appointed an executive with 20+ years of community banking and lending leadership
- Named to lead commercial lending and ensure compliance with lending policies
- Brings operational transformation experience aimed at improving efficiency
- Strong local relationships via service on community and economic development boards
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – FDBC
On the day this news was published, FDBC gained 1.39%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
FDBC is modestly positive (+0.04%) while key peers are mixed: PKBK -0.45%, TSBK -0.33%, WSBF -0.32%, LNKB +1.1%, NECB -0.28%, indicating a company-specific move around this management announcement.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 28 | Full-year earnings | Positive | -2.2% | Reported higher 2025 net income, EPS, net interest income and improved asset quality. |
| Jan 22 | Dividend increase | Positive | -1.4% | Declared 2026 Q1 dividend of $0.43 per share, up 7.5% year over year. |
| Jan 02 | Board appointments | Positive | +0.7% | Added two experienced directors expected to support growth and strategic direction. |
| Nov 03 | Risk officer hire | Neutral | -0.4% | Named new Chief Risk Officer to lead enterprise risk management and oversight. |
| Oct 23 | Dividend increase | Positive | -1.0% | Announced 7.5% increase in Q4 2025 dividend, extending 11-year growth streak. |
Recent positive earnings and dividend news often saw modest negative price reactions, while board and management appointments have produced small, mixed moves.
Over the past few months, FDBC reported strong 2025 results with net income of $28.2M and diluted EPS of $4.86, alongside improved asset quality and a $2.7B balance sheet. The bank has raised its quarterly dividend to $0.43 per share, marking eleven consecutive years of growth. Governance has been refreshed with new directors and a Chief Risk Officer. Today’s appointment of a new EVP, Chief Lending Officer and Market President extends this pattern of management-focused strategic positioning.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement adds another senior leadership step following recent board and risk management changes. Appointing an Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer and Market President for the Lehigh Valley highlights emphasis on commercial lending, regulatory compliance, and regional growth. Set against strong 2025 results and a multi‑year dividend growth record, investors may watch for future disclosures on loan growth, credit quality trends, and how the new executive’s strategy influences profitability and market expansion.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
DUNMORE, Pa., Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that Peter A. Gray has joined Fidelity Bank as Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer and Market President for the Lehigh Valley.
Gray brings more than two decades of executive leadership in community banking, lending, operational transformation, and client-focused strategy.
Gray most recently served as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at another area financial institution, where he played a pivotal role in advancing strategic initiatives centered on delivering efficiency. Throughout his career, he has also held leadership roles with oversight on business development and revenue enhancement.
Earlier in his career, Pete Gray served another financial institution guiding commercial and retail growth across a diverse Northeast Pennsylvania regional footprint.
A dedicated community leader, Gray serves on the Board of the Pocono Mountains United Way and sits on the Board of Directors for the State Theatre of Easton. He previously contributed to the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) Board. He holds an MBA in Corporate Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a BS in Business Management from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.
“Pete is a proven relationship-driven leader,” said Santaniello. “His experience and client experience delivery align with Fidelity Bank’s mission and long-term strategy. We are pleased to welcome him to the executive team.”
In his new role, Gray will partner closely with executive leadership and frontline bankers to further strengthen Fidelity Bank’s focus on managing all commercial lending activities to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements, strategic objectives, and established lending policies.
About Fidelity Bank
Fidelity Bank has built a strong history as a trusted financial advisor and continues its mission of exceeding client expectations through a unique banking experience. It operates 21 full-service offices throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties, along with a limited production commercial office in Luzerne County and a Fidelity Bank Wealth Management Office in Schuylkill County. Fidelity Bank provides a digital banking experience online at www.bankatfidelity.com, through the Fidelity Mobile Banking app, and in the Client Care Center at 1-800-388-4380. Part of the Company’s vision is to serve as the best bank for the community, which was accomplished by having provided over 4,500 hours of volunteer time and over
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/503d8f1e-b04a-42e3-aaa2-062ee7319e20
Photo Caption: Peter A. Gray
Contact:
Tara Smith
VP & Director of Marketing
(570) 504.2231
Tara.Smith@fddbank.com
FAQ
Who is Peter A. Gray and what role did he accept at Fidelity Bank (FDBC)?
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