LITITZ - Susquehanna Bank PA on Tuesday named Eddie L. Dunklebarger as its president and chief executive officer.

Dunklebarger had joined the executive leadership team of the bank's parent company, Susquehanna Bancshares Inc., in November 2007, serving as vice chairman of the board of directors and executive vice president. He will continue in those roles.

Dunklebarger previously served as chairman, president and CEO of Community Banks Inc., which Susquehanna acquired in November 2007 - a move that doubled Susquehanna Bank PA's branch network.

"Eddie brings significant knowledge and experience both in banking and in our markets in central Pennsylvania," said William J. Reuter, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. "His guidance will be a valuable asset in his new role as president and CEO of Susquehanna Bank PA."

"I look forward to working with our local leadership teams to help our customers meet their financial goals and to build strong relationships throughout central Pennsylvania," Dunklebarger said. "Our bank offers the diverse products and resources of a regional financial services company, provided by employees who are dedicated to the values of personalized service and community banking."

Dunklebarger succeeds Gregory A. Duncan, who had served as President and CEO of Susquehanna Bank PA since October 2005. Duncan, who joined the company in 1987, is leaving to become Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer at First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., in Billings, Mont.

Susquehanna Bank PA operates branches in Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Luzerne, Lycoming, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Snyder, Union and York counties. It is one of three bank subsidiaries of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.

The bank has assets of $6.6 billion and operates 123 branches throughout central Pennsylvania.