Northwest Bank Region Presidents Recognized Among Top Women Business Leaders

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Northwest Bank (NASDAQ:NWBI) announced that region presidents Kristen Hughes and Jennifer Gibson have been recognized among the top women business leaders in their markets for 2026. Hughes was named to Pennsylvania Business Central's Women in Business Top Women CEOs & Leaders list, while Gibson was included on Buffalo Business First's Power 200 Women and Power 250 lists.

According to Northwest Bank, Hughes, who joined in 2021, leads business development, community relations and customer experience across Pennsylvania, supporting strategic growth. Gibson, a more than 20-year Northwest veteran, oversees consumer banking strategy, market development and multistate retail operations across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana.

The company said these recognitions highlight Northwest's focus on leadership that advances customer experience, associate development and community impact. Northwest Bancshares, the holding company of Northwest Bank, operates 152 full-service financial centers and 11 drive-up locations and provides access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwest Bank is proud to announce that its two region presidents, Kristen Hughes and Jennifer Gibson, have been recognized among the most influential women leaders in their respective regions for their outstanding leadership, business achievements and community impact.

Hughes, region president and executive director of retail banking, was named to Pennsylvania Business Central's Women in Business' Top Women CEOs & Leaders for 2026, a recognition honoring women who are making a significant impact through leadership, innovation and business excellence. The annual list celebrates accomplished executives who are driving growth within their organizations, shaping their industries and making meaningful contributions to their communities.

Gibson, region president and executive director of retail banking, was named to Buffalo Business First's Power 200 Women list and Power 250. Both lists recognize influential leaders who are helping shape the future of Western New York through professional achievement, community engagement and organizational impact.

"These recognitions reflect the caliber of leadership we have across Northwest," said Urich Bowers, chief consumer banking and strategy officer. "Kristen and Jennifer are both deeply committed to our customers, our associates and the communities we serve. Their ability to build strong relationships, lead with purpose and drive meaningful results exemplifies Northwest's values and mission."

Since joining Northwest in 2021, Hughes has played a key role in strengthening the bank's presence across Pennsylvania and advancing strategic growth initiatives. She currently leads business development, community relations and customer experience efforts throughout the commonwealth, helping customers achieve their financial goals through personalized service and innovative solutions.

With more than two decades at Northwest, Gibson has held leadership positions across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. She oversees consumer banking strategy, market development and multistate retail operations, while championing strategic growth, community partnerships and exceptional customer experiences.

"I'm honored to be recognized alongside so many inspiring women leaders," said Hughes. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our associates across Northwest and the strong relationships we've built with our customers and communities."

"It's a privilege to be included among such accomplished women leaders," said Gibson. "I'm proud of the work our Northwest team does every day to support our customers, strengthen relationships and make a positive difference in the communities we serve."

Through their leadership, both women have helped advance Northwest's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences, fostering associate development and strengthening the neighborhoods the bank serves. Their recognitions underscore Northwest's continued investment in leaders who drive growth while making a meaningful impact in the communities they call home.

About Northwest Bancshares, Inc. 

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 range of business and personal banking products, as well as employee benefits and wealth management services. Northwest operates 152 full-service financial centers and 11 drive-up locations across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Indiana, and provides customers with fee-free access to more than 55,000 ATMs. Northwest Bancshares, Inc.'s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NWBI). 

Media Contact:  
(814) 217-8998  
media@northwest.com 

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SOURCE Northwest Bank

FAQ

What recognition did Northwest Bank (NASDAQ:NWBI) leaders receive in September 2026?

Northwest Bank reported that region presidents Kristen Hughes and Jennifer Gibson were named among top women business leaders in 2026. According to Northwest Bank, Hughes was honored by Pennsylvania Business Central, while Gibson was recognized on Buffalo Business First Power 200 Women and Power 250 lists.

Who is Kristen Hughes and why was she honored as a top woman CEO in 2026 for NWBI?

Kristen Hughes is Northwest Bank's region president and executive director of retail banking. She was named to Pennsylvania Business Central's Women in Business Top Women CEOs & Leaders for 2026. According to Northwest Bank, she leads business development, community relations and customer experience efforts across Pennsylvania.

What recognition did Jennifer Gibson of Northwest Bank (NWBI) receive from Buffalo Business First?

Jennifer Gibson, a region president and executive director of retail banking at Northwest Bank, was named to Buffalo Business First's Power 200 Women list and Power 250. According to Northwest Bank, she oversees consumer banking strategy, market development and multistate retail operations across four states.

How long have the honored Northwest Bank (NWBI) leaders worked at the company?

According to Northwest Bank, Kristen Hughes joined the bank in 2021, while Jennifer Gibson has more than two decades of service. Hughes has focused on Pennsylvania growth, and Gibson has held leadership roles across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana during her tenure.

How do these leadership awards relate to Northwest Bank’s (NWBI) strategy and community focus?

The awards are described by Northwest Bank as reinforcing its commitment to leaders who drive growth and community impact. According to Northwest Bank, Hughes and Gibson advance customer experience, associate development and community partnerships across the bank’s multistate footprint.

What is Northwest Bancshares (NWBI) and where does Northwest Bank operate?

Northwest Bancshares is the holding company of Northwest Bank, a full-service financial institution founded in 1896. According to Northwest Bank, it operates 152 full-service financial centers and 11 drive-up locations across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Indiana and offers access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs.