Penn Community Bank, the largest mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania, has recognized Chief Experience and Impact Officer (CXIO) Bernard Tynes for receiving Bucks County Community College’s 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Corporate Leadership Award. Tynes was honored along with other recipients at a program on Friday, Jan. 26 at the college.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a true visionary and inspirational leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and community empowerment. This recognition reflects the tireless efforts of our entire organization to increase access, develop thriving communities, and show the power of corporate social responsibility in empowering others,” said Tynes. “While we still have work to do, I accept this award as a reminder that we all have a role to play in building Dr. King’s ‘Beloved Community.'”

Tom Jennings, chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, and Associate Vice President Kevin L. Antoine, J.D., recognized Tynes and other humanitarian and community organization leaders who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to nondiscrimination, regardless of an individual’s station in life.

“We remember Dr. King for his courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice for all,” said Jennings. “We honor three extraordinary citizens who live his values. They are the peacemakers of our time, and they enrich our college and our community by their good example, steadfast spirits, and lives of generous service.”

“The MLK Leadership awardees demonstrate through their life’s work that civility, character, and fairness are unique to American democracy,” said Antoine. “What’s more, this program exemplifies the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by reaffirming that there is goodwill in the people of Bucks County, regardless of their station in life.”

Tynes is one of the area’s youngest executives and is changing the face of financial services leadership in the Philadelphia region. In his role, he has worked tirelessly to advance the $2.6-billion institution’s data-driven marketing strategy and award-winning brand, expanding its reach and impact and helping to guide the bank’s organic growth in Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Bucks counties, and the Lehigh Valley.  

A champion for expanded access to banking and lending options for diverse communities, he has overseen the creation and implementation of numerous products and services to address the needs of low- to moderate-income and historically under-served individuals and families. Focused on building thriving communities, Mr. Tynes also leads the bank’s community investment and philanthropic strategy, serving as Executive Director of the Penn Community Bank Foundation, which contributes more than $1,000,000 annually to nonprofits across the region.  

As a respected voice in the industry and community, he shares his talents with local, state, and national groups, including as a director of the Pennsylvania Banker’s Association, member of the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Council, member of the American Bankers Association’s Communications Council, director of the United Way of Bucks County, and director of Bucks County Community College Foundation.  

Other honorees include Community Leader Billie Barnes, Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development for Bucks County, and Humanitarian Leader Erin Lukoss, Executive Director/CEO of Bucks County Opportunity Council.

Learn more about Penn Community Bank and how it holds more than $2.7 billion in assets, employs more than 300 people, and offers banking and lending services at financial centers throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties.