Northwest’s Rick Hamister Recognized in Buffalo Business First’s 2023 Power 250




March 9, 2023

Buffalo, New York (March 9, 2023) - We’re excited to share that Buffalo Business First included Rick Hamister, president of the Great Lakes Region, on its 2023 Power 250 list!

Hamister placed at No. 66 due to his strong entrepreneurial spirit and passion for giving back to the community. The publication’s annual list includes the region's most influential people, both longtime power players and those just beginning to shape the future of Western New York.rickhamister.png

Since his appointment as Northwest region president in 2018, Hamister has overseen much of the bank’s five-year, $102 million community benefits plan in the Buffalo community, including heading Northwest’s strategic expansion, community engagement and revitalization efforts within the Jefferson Avenue neighborhood.

“I am honored to be a part of such a dynamic business community and humbled to be recognized among such a prestigious group of influential leaders,” said Hamister. “While this recognition is an honor, continuing to support the needs of our customers and the community at large is what drives me on a daily basis.”

Over the past three years, Mr. Hamister has led Northwest’s expansion of the Buffalo regional headquarters, including an increase from 125 to 200 employees. In addition, he’s active in many community organizations, serving as a board member for Buffalo Niagara, Hilbert College and the Hauptmann Woodward Institute.

The Power 250 is an annual list compiled by Buffalo Business First to recognize and celebrate the most influential leaders who hold power in their industry and the community as a whole.

To view the full Power 250 listing, visit the Buffalo Business First website here.

About Northwest Bank

Northwest Bancshares, Inc (Nasdaq: NWBI) is a $14 billion asset financial services company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and the parent company of Northwest Bank, a Pennsylvania chartered savings bank headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania. The Company serves consumers, small businesses, corporations, and municipalities with a diverse offering of banking, lending, payments, and wealth management solutions. As of December 31, 2022, Northwest Bank operates 142 full-service branches across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Indiana and provides customers fee-free access to more than 55,000 ATMs across the United States.