AHB completes acquisition of Pawhuska First National

American Heritage Bank recently completed its acquisition of Pawhuska’s First National Bank, according to a March 11 announcement by AHB Chairman/CEO William L. Berry.

For now, First National customers should continue using existing checks, account numbers, debit cards and services at their normal banking locations. Notification regarding possible changes will be sent out prior to a computer conversion in late-August 2015, American Heritage officials said.

“We are currently evaluating facilities to determine the best way to serve our Pawhuska customers,” Berry said.

AHB locations will not be able to process transactions for First National Bank accounts until after the August conversion, officials explained.

Berry added that American Heritage officials “have enjoyed working with the Stuart family through this process.”

Charles F. Stuart founded First National Bank’s Pawhuska predecessor (American National Bank) in 1906. Stuart’s descendants remained involved with the independent, family-owned institution for more than a century. Housed in an historic building at 100 W. Main St., the name was changed to First National Bank of Pawhuska in 1935.

“We take our obligation to be good stewards of the (First National) bank’s customers, officers, employees and community very seriously,” Berry said.

The bank official added that there may be minor changes at American Heritage’s Pawhuska facilities, but said they should not effect local customers.

AHB Senior Vice President Richard Trolinger will be responsible for all Pawhuska locations as part of the banking institution’s Osage Region. Larry Dalvine, the senior vice president, and Vice President Paula Rabb will continue to oversee the First National locations.

Danny Ferguson is to continue as vice president and branch manager of Pawhuska’s AHB location at 239 E. Main St. American Heritage acquired the former Osage Federal facility in December 2012..

Founded in Sapulpa in 1905, American Heritage is one of the oldest independently-owned banking institutions in northeastern Oklahoma. It now serves 15 communities at 20 locations in Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Tulsa and Washington counties from its now .