Sparta-based First Hope Bank has appointed Ronna Marchello as Vice President, Market Manager, responsible for leading its branches in Sparta, Andover, and Hackettstown, supporting the surrounding communities.
Marchello joined First Hope Bank in November 2025 and brings decades of banking leadership and relationship-building expertise to her new role. In this position, she will
She will oversee branch operations at the Sparta office and provide direct oversight to the leaders of the Hackettstown and Andover offices.
Marchello previously served as Vice President and Business Development Officer at Spencer Savings Bank.
She also held leadership positions in branch management and business development with Investors Bank, where she successfully managed staff and supported growth in competitive markets.
In December, First Hope Bank distributed $50,000 in grant funding to 12 fire and rescue organizations across northwest New Jersey. The initiative, facilitated through a partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY), aims to provide immediate relief to local departments facing a challenging combination of rising operational costs and a surge in service calls.
In October, First Hope Bank launched the 2025 Rural Rally in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey (HHNNJ). The initiative, part of the nationally recognized 2025 Carter Work Project, aims to expand affordable housing opportunities and revitalize rural communities.
