7 Key Facts About First Keystone Community Bank's 2025 Financial Surge And Digital Transformation

First Keystone Community Bank, a cornerstone of Pennsylvania banking since 1864, has recently demonstrated a robust financial performance and a significant commitment to modern digital services. As of today, December 15, 2025, the bank continues to leverage its deep community roots with forward-thinking financial solutions, positioning itself as a leader among regional institutions. The bank's parent company, First Keystone Corporation (OTC Pink: FKYS), has released strong earnings reports, highlighting a successful strategy focused on increasing interest income and expanding customer-centric technology.

The institution's long-standing history, coupled with its recent strategic moves—including a focus on innovative digital banking and tailored loan products—makes it a compelling case study in community bank longevity. This comprehensive analysis dives into the bank's latest financial health, its key leadership, and the specific services driving its success in the competitive 2025 financial landscape.

First Keystone Corporation: Corporate Profile and Executive Leadership

First Keystone Community Bank operates as a subsidiary of First Keystone Corporation, a publicly traded entity on the OTC Pink market under the ticker symbol FKYS. Established in 1864, the bank has a rich history spanning over 160 years, maintaining a strong presence across several Pennsylvania counties. As of September 2025, the bank operates a network of 19 full-service locations, holding an "A" health rating and being a proud Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. [cite: 11, 20, 16 from step 1, 1 from step 2]

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• Parent Company: First Keystone Corporation
• Stock Ticker: OTC Pink: FKYS [cite: 7 from step 1]
• Founded: 1864 [cite: 11 from step 1]
• Headquarters: Berwick, Pennsylvania
• Current Location Count: 19 branches (as of September 2025) [cite: 11 from step 1]
• Key Locations: Danville Branch, Bethlehem Branch, Berwick, PA [cite: 1, 3 from step 1]

Current Executive Leadership (2025)

The bank’s strategic direction is guided by a seasoned executive team, which has overseen the recent period of financial growth and digital modernization. [cite: 1 from step 2]

• President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Jack W. Jones [cite: 1 from step 2]
• SVP, Chief Operating Officer (COO): Michelle M. Karas [cite: 1 from step 2]
• SVP, Chief Credit Officer: Mark McDonald [cite: 1 from step 2]
• Recent Leadership Transition: The bank recently announced the retirement of former President and CEO, Elaine Woodland. [cite: 15, 17 from step 2]

The 2025 Financial Surge: Analyzing Recent Earnings Reports

The most compelling recent news surrounding First Keystone Community Bank is the strength of its financial performance, with the parent company, First Keystone Corporation, reporting positive results across 2024 and into 2025. These reports underscore a successful strategy in a challenging economic environment. [cite: 4, 6, 8, 10 from step 1]

1. Q2 2025 Interest Income Increase

First Keystone Corporation reported an increase in total interest income for the Second Quarter of 2025, a crucial metric indicating healthy growth in its core lending and investment activities. This trend follows a pattern of increasing interest income seen throughout the previous year. [cite: 10 from step 1]

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2. Strong 2024 Performance Metrics

The bank's financial momentum was established in 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2024, non-interest income saw a significant increase of $541,000, or 8.8%, compared to 2023. Furthermore, net securities gains contributed positively to the overall financial health, demonstrating effective asset management. [cite: 4 from step 1]

3. Loan Portfolio and Investment Growth

The increase in total interest income is predominantly attributed to growth in the loan portfolio and higher yields on interest-earning assets. The Second Quarter 2024 earnings, for example, showed a 27.3% increase in total interest income compared to the same period in 2023, driven by these factors. This indicates a robust demand for the bank’s various loan products, including small business loans. [cite: 8 from step 1, 3 from step 1]

Innovative Banking Solutions and Digital Transformation

First Keystone Community Bank has made substantial investments in its technology infrastructure, recognizing that modern community banking requires both local presence and cutting-edge digital tools. This focus on digital transformation has allowed the bank to offer a powerful and personalized banking experience to its customers. [cite: 11 from step 2]

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4. New Digital Banking Platform

The bank recently upgraded to a new digital banking provider to deliver a more powerful and personalized experience. This platform offers innovative new tools and features designed to enhance ease of use and customer satisfaction. [cite: 11 from step 2]

5. Comprehensive Mobile and Online Banking Features

The new digital ecosystem provides customers with a full suite of services accessible from their mobile devices or desktop. Key features include: [cite: 7, 12, 13 from step 2]

• Reviewing account balances and transactions.
• Conveniently transferring funds between accounts.
• Access to personal finance tools for budgeting and tracking finances.
• Online bill pay capabilities.
• Free mobile banking application available for Android and other platforms.

Tailored Products and Community Focus

The bank’s product offerings are specifically designed to meet the needs of its community, ranging from free basic accounts to high-interest options and specialized business financing. [cite: 9 from step 2]

6. Diverse Checking Account Portfolio

First Keystone offers a variety of personal checking accounts to suit different financial habits, which are key LSI entities for local search: [cite: 14, 18, 19 from step 2]

• Key Checking: A free checking account with no monthly service charge and no minimum balance requirement.
• Keystone Cash Checking: A high-interest checking option that rewards customers who meet certain monthly qualifications, such as completing 12 debit card purchases.
• Keystone Cashback Checking: An account that offers cashback rewards, a free VISA® debit card with chip technology, 24/7 fraud monitoring, and free eStatements.

7. Commitment to Business and Community

Beyond personal accounts, First Keystone is a significant provider of business services, particularly specializing in small business loans to support local economic growth. The bank also maintains a strong commitment to its service areas through corporate philanthropy, including non-profit donations and sponsorships, which were actively continued throughout 2024. [cite: 3 from step 1, 15 from step 1]

Historical Context: The Pocono Community Bank Acquisition

While the bank's current focus is on digital innovation and financial growth, its history of expansion is notable. A key milestone in its growth was the acquisition of Pocono Community Bank. The definitive agreement to acquire Pocono Community Bank was entered into by First Keystone Corporation, with the merger officially completed on November 1, 2007. Following the merger, the Pocono branches operated under the name "Pocono Community Bank, a division of First Keystone National Bank." This strategic move expanded the bank's footprint and solidified its regional influence. [cite: 3, 5, 8 from step 2]

In summary, First Keystone Community Bank continues to thrive by successfully balancing its deep historical roots and community focus with a modern approach to financial services. The strong 2025 financial performance, coupled with a renewed commitment to digital banking under the leadership of Jack W. Jones, positions the bank for continued relevance and growth in the competitive Pennsylvania market.