By any measure, Vincent J. Delie, Jr., (pictured above), leads with purpose. As Chairman, President and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank (FNB), Delie is at the helm of a premier financial institution spanning seven states and Washington, D.C. Beyond business growth and strategy, Delie brings a deeply personal commitment to supporting veterans and military-affiliated individuals—both within his organization and throughout the communities FNB serves.
It’s a commitment rooted in family. “Many of my close relatives served our country,” Delie shared. “I saw the impact of their sacrifices on my family as well as how their service influenced their values and work ethic.” That legacy informs how he approaches his leadership role today—with respect, responsibility and a drive to create meaningful support systems for those who’ve served.
At FNB, that commitment starts at the top. “We have a cultural commitment to veterans and military-affiliated individuals that starts with me, the Board of Directors and our executive management team,” Delie said. The top-down approach ensures alignment across the bank’s approximately 4,200 employees and is reflected in a range of proactive initiatives designed to recruit, retain and support veterans throughout their civilian careers.
Emphasizing that philosophy is FNB’s benefits package, which includes competitive compensation, tuition reimbursement, development programs and military family leave for employees whose loved ones are on active duty. “Our appreciation for veterans’ service drives us to be more than an employer,” Delie said. “We strive to be a partner in their ongoing success.”
FNB’s dedication to veterans is not only about employment—it’s about community impact. Across its footprint, the company invests in programs and partnerships that empower veterans. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the institution is headquartered, a group of FNB leaders partnered with Pittsburgh Hires Veterans to establish a scholarship fund supporting female veterans pursuing education or employment. In Butner, North Carolina, FNB helped fund the Veterans Life Center of North Carolina, a residential facility that provides counseling, job training and financial education for at-risk veterans.
Employee engagement plays a key role in these efforts. Local staff frequently participate in outreach, including teaching financial literacy courses and offering one-on-one financial counseling. “Ultimately, we find that when a business acknowledges its employees’ experiences, values, strengths and challenges, it builds the mutual respect that enhances relationships,” Delie said.
Rather than isolating veterans within affinity groups, FNB integrates them into the broader corporate culture. Delie explained, “We felt it was most important to integrate veterans and military families into our culture overall—especially by focusing on opportunities to celebrate their service and contributions.”
From recruitment to retention, FNB’s approach is comprehensive. Veteran-specific initiatives include partnerships with organizations such as Marine for Life and Corporate America Supports You, helping connect transitioning service members with career opportunities that match their military-acquired skill sets. Roles in project management, logistics, training and customer-facing positions are often a natural fit.
Once onboard, FNB supports veteran employees with targeted training and leadership development, ensuring a smooth transition from military to civilian life. “We offer these benefits in respect to the unique situations—and difficulties—veterans, active-duty military members and their families often face,” said Delie.
Looking ahead, Delie remains committed to evolving these efforts. “The knowledge and experience of our military employees is invaluable to FNB,” he said. “We will continue to focus on creating opportunities for individuals who served our country, including by recruiting and developing veterans, active military and their families.”
For other companies seeking to become more veteran-friendly, Delie’s advice is clear: lead with respect, understanding and recognition. “Veterans have unique experiences that most of us will never fully comprehend,” he said. “But we can all listen and support them in building successful civilian careers.”
At FNB, honoring veterans isn’t just a gesture. It’s a business strategy rooted in values, strengthened by leadership and defined by impact.
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
