— AmeriServ Trust and Financial Services Co. has hired Vicki Harriger of Nanty Glo as vice president and personal trust officer.

Harriger most recently was a personal trust officer at First National Trust Co.

In her new position with AmeriServ, Harriger will be responsible for administration of personal trusts, special needs trusts and investment management accounts.

Harriger is a graduate of the Central Atlantic School of Trust at Bucknell University and has attained the designation of certified trust and financial adviser (CTFA).

She is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Cambria and Somerset Counties. She also is treasurer for First Baptist Church of Nanty Glo.

Store manager appointed at Maurice's

Nicole Smith has been named store manager for Maurice’s in The Galleria in Richland Township.

Smith will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the store, including sales performance, visual presentation, and personnel recruitment and training.

The store, a brand of Ascena Retail Group Inc., operates more than 833 stores in 46 states and Canada.

For store information and to shop online, go to www.maurices.com.

Latrobe dentist earns recognition

Dr. Willeam A. Choby of Latrobe has earned mastership status in The International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

The status is given to professionals involved in dental implant treatment. It is based on continuing education, research and actual clinical experience.

The International Congress of Oral Implantologists is dedicated to communicating scientific knowledge and improving the clinical practice of dental implantology worldwide.

For additional information, go to www.icoi.org.

Consultant lauded for development

Tastefully Simple consultant Chelsea Brenneman of Hollsopple recently earned the company’s national Top Monthly Leader Development Achiever award.

Tastefully Simple is a national tasting party company featuring easy-to-prepare foods.

For more information, contact Brenneman at chelseabrenneman@yahoo.com or go to tastefullysimple.com.

United teacher earns biology award

Robert Penrose of United Junior/Senior High School has been presented the 2012 Pennsylvania Outstanding Biology Teacher Award by The National Association of Biology Teachers, in conjunction with Prentice Hall and the Duquesne University Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.

Presented annually since 1961, the award identifies a teacher from each state who has made valuable contributions to the profession and to his/her students. Criteria for the award include teaching ability, experience, inventiveness, initiative, inherent teaching strengths, and cooperativeness in the school and community.

Penrose received his bachelor’s degree from IUP and his master’s degree from Gannon University.

President chosen for insurance business

INDIANA – Michael E. Bartolini has been named president and chief executive officer of First Commonwealth Insurance Agency, a subsidiary of First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

“We are very pleased to recognize Michael’s talent and ability with this well-deserved promotion,” said Cheryl Parzych, executive vice president for wealth services for First Commonwealth Bank.

“Over the course of his 16-year career at First Commonwealth, Michael has distinguished himself in the insurance and financial services industry and has proven to be an invaluable asset to the firm.”

Most recently, Bartolini served as vice president and FCIA business practice manager, leading sales in areas such as employee benefits and personal and commercial insurance lines.

Bartolini is a volunteer in a variety of youth sports, including Saltsburg Youth Football, Saltsburg Youth Basketball, Young Township Little League Baseball, Derry Area Youth Soccer League and Indiana YMCA.

He served on the Blairsville Improvement Group board of directors.

Bartolini earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Allegheny College in Meadville. He is also a graduate of the CNA Commercial Property and Casualty Insurance School and holds several state insurance licenses.

Bartolini and his wife, Tara, have three children. They live in Clarksburg, Indiana County.

Bank division selects vice president

Natalia Paich has been named vice president at First Commonwealth Financial Advisors, the wealth management division of First Commonwealth Bank.

Additionally, she recently has satisfied certification requirements permitting her to use the credentials of certified financial planner professional.

Prior to joining First Commonwealth Financial Advisors, Paich was employed for seven years in New York City as an audit manager for Deloitte & Touche LLP, specializing in the financial services industry.

In addition to earning CFP credentials, she also is an accredited investment fiduciary auditor.

A graduate of Penn State, she received her executive certificate in financial planning from Duquesne University.

She will be working with Johnstown clients.

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