Brian Spacht, a new branch manager at First National Bank in Observatory Hill, 3908 Perrysville Ave., took the time to answer questions from The Northside Chronicle about his recent position and what he’s doing to improve relations with the community and First National Bank.

Where did you go to college? What was your major and why?

I attended Lock Haven University as an undergraduate to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Finance and Economics concentration. I then went to graduate school at Saint Francis University for my Masters in Business Administration, and was a member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Honors Society. I graduated with a GPA of 3.972.

I always enjoyed learning about finance and economics in both high school and college, so I knew that a banking career was in my future. Understanding economics and finance not only helps me in my personal life, but also lets me assist customers in making the right decision.

Where is your hometown and what brought you to Pittsburgh?

I grew up in a small town called Halifax about 20 miles north of Harrisburg. I lived in Pittsburgh for about a year after graduating high school. I left Pittsburgh to further my education, but always knew that Pittsburgh would be home one day.

What led you to take over the position as branch manager at First National Bank in Observatory Hill?

Once I graduated I moved to Pittsburgh because of First National Bank’s presence in the Pittsburgh market. After working in the North Hills for a brief period of time, I had the opportunity to work in the Northside and shortly after was offered a position to manage our Observatory Hill branch. I enjoy the culture, history, and people of the Northside.

When did you take over?

I started working as a Customer Service Representative at the Observatory Hill branch in June of 2013 and became the manager in November of 2013.

What previous experience do you have?

I have over five years of banking experience and specialize in consumer, business, and investment banking. I have been with First National Bank for over three years and while going to school at Lock Haven I worked at Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union for two years.

What do you hope to accomplish as branch manager?

As a branch manager I plan on carrying out First National Bank’s mission and vision through its core standards. Our vision is to be an industry leader in creating value for our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities we serve.

My mission is simple, and I plan to do the following:

-Help customers achieve economic success and financial security by building enduring relationships based on trust and integrity.

-Build a workforce where employees can learn, grow and prosper as contributing members of a winning team.

-Create long-term value for our shareholders.

-Improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.

I will build long lasting relationships with customers, employees, shareholders and the communities by embracing our core values; integrity, service, teamwork, innovation, and winning.

What is a typical day like for you/what are your responsibilities at branch manager?

Being a branch manager requires me to wear many different hats. My number one priority throughout the day includes providing outstanding customer service to my customers. I am continuously trying to build on existing relationships and make sure that my existing customers are completely satisfied by making them aware of the array of products and services First National Bank has to offer. I spend a large portion of my day trying to build new relationships by being active in the community and meeting with business owners, community organizations, and individuals. Improving the quality of the community that I serve is also a priority of mine when it comes to my day-to-day operations. Servicing my existing customers, building new relationships, and giving back to the community is a typical day for me.

How do you like the job so far?

I love my current role and I have embraced the challenges set in front of me. Being an active member in the community and expanding on existing relationships, as well as building new relationships, is what I enjoy most about my new role.

Would you like to add anything else?

I would like to invite current customers as well as residents of the community to stop by the Observatory Hill branch located at 3908 Perrysville Ave Pittsburgh PA 15214 on April 11, 2014 for our Appreciation Day.