First Hope associates advance

Hope — At First Hope Bank’s Annual Shareholders Meeting, the directorate approved the promotions of Sharon J.H. Nothstein, to vice president of commercial lending, and Michelle S.Miragliotta, to assistant vice president and retail analyst. Nothstein joined First Hope Bank in 1996 as a credit analyst and advanced to assistant vice president in 2001. She is responsible for development of new commercial business and management of her existing commercial loan portfolio. She graduated cum laude from East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, Pa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a concentration in managerial economics. Her training has also included courses and seminars sponsored by the New Jersey Bankers Association, the California Bankers Association, the Professional Bankers Institute, Robert Morris Associates and Dun and Bradstreet. She also took banking and finance courses at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, Calif. “Sharon’s excellent communication skills and her efficient handling of the commercial loan portfolio make her a valuable asset to First Hope,” said Donald D. Somma, senior executive vice president for retail operations/senior lender. “Her vast knowledge allows her to arrive at the lending solution that is right for an individual business.” Nothstein and her husband Robert reside in Paradise Valley, Pa. They have three children. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, refinishing antique furniture, bicycling and reading. Her community activities have included serving as a Friend of the Girl Scouts/Scranton-Pocono Council, Troop 493 and on various political campaigns. She also participates in Operation Touch of Home, a volunteer support group for service people from Monroe County, Pa. Miragliotta joined the bank in 2003 as a teller, advancing to loan clerk and then to retail analyst in 2004. She is responsible for analyzing data, assisting in establishing and implementing policies and procedures in retail operations, and ensuring bank compliance. She also trains bank personnel in fraud detection and makes product recommendations. She graduated summa cum laude from Drew University in Madison with a bachelor of arts degree in economics with a minor in business management. Miragliotta has received extensive bank training sponsored by the New Jersey Bankers Association in such areas as anti-money laundering, commercial lending, the Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending. “Michelle began her career as a teller at First Hope,” said Somma. “This allowed her to experience first-hand the retail operations of the bank, giving her valuable insight into all areas of First Hope and providing a framework for future operational enhancements.” Miragliotta is a resident of Fredon Township.