Tompkins Financial names Gruber as new president of VIST Bank

ITHACA — Tompkins Financial Corp. (NYSE MKT: TMP) has named Scott L. Gruber president and chief operating officer of VIST Bank, a subsidiary headquartered in Wyomissing, Pa.

Robert D. Davis, who has served as president and CEO of VIST Bank since August 2005 will continue in his role as CEO, focusing on strategic and transition initiatives, until his retirement at the end of 2013, Tompkins Financial said.

At that time, Gruber will become both president and CEO of VIST Bank. In addition, he will serve as a corporate officer and member of the leadership team of Ithaca–based Tompkins Financial. Gruber will join the company on April 30.

Gruber brings more than 30 years of banking experience to his position at VIST Bank. He spent the last 16 years at National Penn Bank, most recently as group executive vice president where he led the corporate banking team.

“We are extremely committed to serving and growing our markets in Southeastern Pennsylvania,” Stephen S. Romaine, president and CEO of Tompkins Financial, said in a news release. “Scott is an outstanding addition to our team. He brings an incredible depth of banking experience, knowledge of the marketplace and the clients he serves, plus a deep commitment to the community.”

A long-time resident of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Gruber is actively engaged in the community through his service to a host of organizations. VIST Bank (www.vistbank.com) has 20 locations in that region.

Tompkins Financial is a financial-services company with $4.8 billion in assets serving the Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York as well as Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Headquartered in Ithaca, Tompkins Financial (www.tompkinsfinancial.com) is parent of Tompkins Trust Company, The Bank of Castile, Mahopac National Bank, VIST Bank, Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., and Tompkins Financial Advisors.

Tompkins Financial closed its acquisition of VIST Financial Corp., the previous parent of VIST Bank, last Aug. 1. The acquisition brought Tompkins Financial about $1.4 billion in total assets, $1.2 billion in deposits, $960 million in loans, and nearly 300 employees.

Contact Carbonaro at mcarbonaro@cnybj.com