#United States #Board of Directors #Community Banking #First Hope Bank #Hope, New Jersey

First Hope Bank Celebrates Milestone at Its 114th Annual Meeting

On May 20, 2026, First Hope Bank proudly convened its 114th Annual Shareholder Meeting, reinforcing its legacy of community-oriented banking and local leadership. The event witnessed the re-election of board members and significant promotions within the bank's ranks, showcasing its commitment to fostering homegrown talent and ensuring continuity in its leadership structure.

Board Elections and Retirements

During the meeting, shareholders re-elected two prominent figures: William F. Burke, who has been serving as a board member since 2014 and is currently the President of Mendham Capital Management, and M. Murphy Durkin, Esq., who has been a board member since 2017 and is a Senior Partner at Durkin Durkin, LLC. Their experiences and dedication contribute significantly to the bank's strategic direction.

A notable highlight of the meeting was the acknowledgment of Robert F. Rokosz's long-standing service. Having joined the board in 1994, Rokosz's tenure spans over two decades, during which he has made invaluable contributions to First Hope Bank and its community.

In exciting news, Edward F. Walker, Jr., recently retired from his role within the bank, has now taken a position on the Board of Directors. Walker's connection with First Hope Bank dates back to 1996 when he first joined as Director of Wealth Management. His extensive experience will be beneficial to the board and the bank's future endeavors.

Key Promotions

In addition to board updates, First Hope Bank spotlighted several officer promotions, reflecting its ongoing efforts to cultivate internal talent and recognize the hard work of its employees. Among the promotions announced were:

• - Chris Motto – Assistant Vice President, Trust Operations and Investment Officer
• - Aimee Zschack – Vice President, Trust Officer
• - Betsy Foy – Senior Vice President, Trust Department Managing Director, Senior Trust Officer

The Reorganization Meeting further recognized additional promotions in the ranks:

• - Mary Ann Lopes – Vice President, Residential and Consumer Lending Assistant Leader
• - Samantha Roberts – Vice President, Deposit Operations Leader
• - Audrey Waldron – Vice President, Treasury Services Leader
• - MaryAnn Keppler – Senior Vice President, Human Resources Director
• - Andrew Sommerfeld – Senior Vice President, Marketing Director

Commitment to Excellence

Daniel G. Beatty, President and CEO of First Hope Bank, emphasized that these promotions are grounded not just in performance but also in trust and leadership qualities. “We’re not trying to be the biggest bank. We’re focused on being the most trusted bank in our community,” he stated. This approach underscores the company's long-term vision of sustaining solid relationships with clients and the local community.

Beatty further noted that the bank's progress is driven by a dedicated team committed to executing their vision while maintaining a strong connection with the communities they serve.

About First Hope Bank

Founded in 1911, First Hope Bank is a full-service community bank situated in Hope, New Jersey. With over a century of commitment to personalized service and financial excellence, it offers an array of consumer, business, and wealth management services. As a family-owned institution, First Hope Bank is dedicated to supporting local economic growth and nurturing deep-rooted relationships with the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.firsthope.bank.