MARS — Shawn R. Proper, senior vice president for mortgage and consumer lending at Mars Bank, has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s Government Relations Policy Committee.

The committee is responsible for the overall state legislative program of the association and determines policy positions and priorities on pending or proposed state legislation.

Proper began serving on the committee on Dec. 1, 2018, coinciding with the legislative session. At Mars Bank, Proper oversees the mortgage and consumer loan department. He also manages the bank’s first time homebuyer and veterans mortgage programs.

“Advocacy for the banking industry is an important part of our role as community bankers,” said James V. Dionise, Mars Bank President and Chief Executive Officer. “Appropriate laws and regulations are needed to insure that community banks can continue to provide competitive financial services and invest in families, businesses and organizations in our local communities.”

PA Bankers, located in Harrisburg, is the state’s leading banking trade association representing an expansive and diverse membership. The association offers extensive continuing education programs, government relations representation on behalf of the industry and provides numerous products and services for banks and their employees.

Mars Bank is a community bank focused on combining the products and technology that its customers need while maintaining its focus on long-term customer relationships, the bank said.