Newsmakers for July 23

Reading Eagle, Pa.
·4 min read

Jul. 25—Reading Hospital

Charles F. Barbera, MD, president and CEO of Reading Hospital has been named to Becker's Hospital Review 2023 list of "Physician Leaders to Know" for his dedication to improving and optimizing healthcare in our community.

According to Becker's, chosen physician leaders have amassed both clinical expertise and leadership experience, providing them with unique perspectives that benefit patients and colleagues alike. The leaders have exhibited outstanding leadership skills and clinical excellence.

Barbera is the first physician CEO in the hospital's 150-year history. He joined Reading Hospital in 1996 and became the chair of Emergency Medicine in 1999, a position he held for more than 20 years, before being named president and CEO in April 2022. Barbera was key in the creation and accreditation of Reading Hospital's Trauma Center, developed a successful Community Paramedic Program, and was instrumental in the development of Reading Hospital's Pediatric Emergency Department and Psychiatric Emergency Department.

Barbera received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He holds a bachelor's degree in communication arts from LaSalle University, a master's degree in business administration from Alvernia University, and a master's degree in public health from The George Washington University. He previously served as the president of Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians and The Berks County Medical Society, and he has served on the boards of the Autism Society of Berks County, the American Heart Association, and the Children's Home of Reading. Barbera currently serves as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation Board.

Buckingham Strategic Wealth

Brad Brisan, a Wealth Advisor at Buckingham Strategic Wealth in Wyomissing has received national recognition in AdvisorHub's '2023 Advisors to Watch' rankings. Brisan was named No. 2 in the '100 Solo Advisors to Watch' category based on his scope, growth, and professionalism.

The ranking, announced in June, recognizes advisors across the country for their quality of practice, professionalism, character and community involvement. Criteria considered included: assets under management, production/revenue, team size and more. Data as of Dec. 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2022 was provided and considered for this award.

Barley Snyder

Barley Snyder attorney EmmaRose Strohl has been elected to serve on the Berks Community Television (BCTV) board of directors as vice chairwoman. This new leadership position comes in addition to current leadership positions Strohl serves in, including vice chairwoman of the board of Pennsylvania's Americana Region and secretary of PA Eats.

Strohl is an integral part of Barley Snyder's Food & Agribusiness Industry Group, working with clients on compliance issues with state and federal agencies including the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. She is actively involved with the PA Industrial Hemp Steering Committee, serving as co-chair of its policy and regulation subcommittee. She is also a member of the firm's Business, Trusts & Estates and Alternative Dispute Resolution groups.

BCTV aims to empower people and engage the community through an indispensable civic media hub for community information, according to its website. The nonprofit media organization based out of Reading is made possible thanks to dedicated volunteers serving as hosts, producers, camera operators, guest speakers and more.

Fellow Barley Snyder attorney Susanna M. Fultz has guest-hosted several segments for BCTV, providing guidance on employment law topics such as wage and hour law updates and human resource management.

Peoples Security Bank & Trust

Jolene Zimmerman (Northampton) has been named vice president, senior cash management sales office for Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Zimmerman will be serving business clients in the Greater Delaware Valley and Lehigh Valley regions at the Emrick Blvd. office located in Bethlehem.

Zimmerman will be consulting with area businesses and corporate clients about maintaining and improving their cash management, streamlining their cash inflows and outflows, information reporting, and the safety of their deposits.

A graduate of Northampton Community College, Zimmerman brings more than 25 years of banking experience to Peoples Security Bank & Trust. She is very active in her community and likes to volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest Food Bank, United Way, and the Salvation Army of Lancaster.

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