Celebrating the long-standing career of one of its highly respected leaders, Tompkins Community Bank announced the retirement of Paula Barron, senior vice president and community banking division manager of its Pennsylvania market. Barron has 34 years of banking experience, with 24 of those with Tompkins. She steadily rose through the company’s ranks in various capacities until her promotion to community banking division manager in 2014. She is succeeded by Laurie Grube, formerly a senior retail leader at Riverview Bank and most recently a vice president at Mid Penn Bank. Grube will assume her new role effective April 6.
“In addition to her dedication to her customers and retail banking team, Paula has set an extraordinary example for hands-on community service, devoting countless hours to service on local boards and committees,” said Ginger Kunkel, president of Tompkins, Pennsylvania. “Along the way, she inspired a generation of new leaders and helped make us who we are today. We will all miss her greatly.”
Throughout her tenure at Tompkins, Barron broke ground as a trailblazer for women in the banking industry. She began her career in marketing serving as senior vice president, chief marketing officer when Tompkins was formerly Leesport Bank, then was soon elevated into a leadership position in retail banking. Along the way, she has led numerous significant programs and projects that have helped to grow the branch offices within the Tompkins’ PA market. A valued leader in Tompkins’ Pennsylvania market, Barron is one of the founding members of Women2Women, an organization in the Berks County community that aims to effect change in women’s leadership roles within the Greater Reading community. Barron has also actively served the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania as a volunteer and mentor, working to empower young women as they develop into young professionals. Most recently, Barron was awarded the Champion for Women Award by the Pennsylvania Bankers Association as part of its 2023 Women in Banking Recognition of Excellence Awards.
As Barron’s successor, Laurie Grube will fill the role of community banking division manager. With 33 years of experience in the banking industry, Grube brings deep expertise and insight to the position, in which she will be responsible for overseeing the bank’s retail and business development strategies and managing branch operations.
“Laurie brings tremendous leadership experience and a highly engaged community-integrated approach to Tompkins,” said Kunkel. “Her positive, customer-focused work ethic will undoubtedly add incredible value to our community banking team. We look forward to the success she’ll have in her new role.”
Before joining Tompkins, Grube led banking teams across eastern Pennsylvania most recently at Mid Penn Bank, where she served as vice president and commercial loan officer. She currently serves on the board of the Southern Lehigh Chamber and on the loan committee for Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks and Seedcopa. She is also a member of the Allentown West Rotary Club and CREW Lehigh Valley. An M.B.A. recipient from of Alvernia University, Grube resides in Coopersburg with her husband Terry.
About Tompkins
Founded in 1836, Tompkins Community Bank serves the Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York, and the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Through their unique local decision-making model, the bank offers personalized service and exceptional responsiveness, while delivering a broad range of products and services for consumers and businesses. Insurance services are offered through Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and wealth management services are available through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information is available at www.tompkinsbank.com.
