Jennifer Mylott
Jennifer Mylott is a seasoned banking professional currently serving as Community Office Manager II at ESSA Bank, a division of CNB Bank, where she manages daily branch operations while providing a full range of lending services including consumer loans, home equity loans, and mortgage loans. She never initially imagined a career in banking. She began working at age 14 at a local deli, where two regular customers—the Vice President of Operations and CEO of a credit union—encouraged her to pursue a career in financial services. She eventually joined their organization and built her career from the ground up, starting as a teller, advancing to member service roles opening accounts, and expanding into lending, accounting, and collections before transitioning into branch management approximately 16 years ago. Six years ago, she joined ESSA Bank, which later merged with CNB Bank, expanding the organization’s reach beyond Pennsylvania into Ohio, Virginia, and Buffalo. Today, she believes strongly in cross-training across banking functions so she can support any operational area and lead effectively, especially during high-demand situations.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has developed a strong passion for leadership and professional growth. She completed the Leadership Lackawanna program, a rigorous 10-month leadership development experience that strengthened her strategic thinking, team development skills, and community leadership perspective. One of her most meaningful accomplishments through the program was contributing to a project that renovated a childcare center space by providing new toys and installing privacy fencing, an experience that was especially rewarding when she saw children actively enjoying the improved environment. She later returned to the program as an advisor for the current core class, helping guide their community service project to renovate an autism classroom. She strongly believes leadership is not only about managing teams but also about mentoring others, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for professional and personal growth.
Outside of work, Jennifer is deeply involved in her community and enjoys building meaningful connections with others. She serves on multiple boards and committees while supporting local initiatives throughout the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. She is passionate about giving back and bringing her professional expertise into community-focused projects. In her personal life, she enjoys attending concerts and appreciates the energy and experience of live music. Her overall philosophy centers on service, relationship building, and creating positive impacts both in the workplace and in the community. Through her work, leadership, and community involvement, she continues to help individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial stability and long-term success.
• Completed Leadership Lackawanna
• Leadership Lackawanna Advisor
• Salvation Army Board Service
• Outreach Center for Community Resources - Fundraising and Development Committee Chairman
• Leadership Lackawanna Advisor - Autism Classroom Renovation Project
• Children's Childcare Center Space Renovation
What do you attribute your success to?
She attributes her success to being personable, starting from entry-level roles and learning the business from the ground up, broad cross-training across functions, strong leadership skills, and active community service.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The recent ESSA/CNB merger expands geographic reach and resources (opportunity) while creating the challenge of maintaining customer trust and continuity during change. There is also an operational need for staff to be cross-trained to ensure continuity of service under varying circumstances.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think both professional growth and personal growth are equally important. I'm big on always having professional growth, but I don't think you can do a good job in your job if you don't have personal growth to go along with it. Having that network connection is so key, especially with all my community involvement and the things I do. Really having that network to help you grow and to help other organizations that you're trying to help grow or get some feedback and get some exposure out there, I think, is really important. I think it's super important to be cross-trained and know not just your role, but everybody's role, so that you can kind of dive into the trenches with somebody if need be.