Palm Bancorp, the holding company for First Northern Bank and Trust Co. announced the election of a new president, attorney Frank S. Checho, who will also act as vice chairman and co-CEO to its board of directors.

First Northern Bank and Trust Co., a sole subsidiary of Palm-Bancorp, Inc. (a unitary bank holding company), is a state chartered bank operating under the Office of the Federal Reserve headquartered in Palmerton.Michael Harleman, executive vice president; Albert Yesu, senior vice president and chief financial officer; and Faust Checo, were elected as new directors, along with Yesu also being elected Treasurer, effective Feb. 21, 2012. These individuals bring an average of 25 years of banking experience to the board of directors.The existing directors were re-elected: Anna Marie Checho, secretary; Christopher Checho, assistant secretary; Salvatore Checho, chairman of the board and CEO; William H. George, director; Bonnie L. Paules, assistant secretary and assistant treasurer; Raymond C. Rinaldi, director; and Raymond Rinaldi II, director.Salvatore Checho, chairman of the board and CEO of Palm Bancorp, stated: "We congratulate the newly elected and re-elected Directors and Officers! We wish to acknowledge their exceptional contributions to Palm Bancorp's board. We are grateful for their long and highly valued service, and look forward to benefiting from their considerable financial and business banking experience."First Northern Bank and Trust Co. serves consumers and businesses by offering a full complement of deposit, loan and cash management services through its 11 regional branches located throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.First Northern Bank and Trust Co. has been locally owned and operated for 105 years and prides itselves on being a true community bank, with all financial needs and decisions being made locally.To learn more, friend us on Facebook or visit

www.1stnorthernbank.com.