Vincent J. Delie, Jr., Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB) and First National Bank, will be honored with the Award for Excellence in Business at the Sons of Italy Foundation’s 37th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.
Vincent J. Delie, Jr. is a nationally recognized business leader, and since joining FNB in 2005, he has held various executive positions. He assumed leadership of the Bank as President in 2009 and subsequently became Chairman, President and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation. Delie is also a proud member of Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, belonging to the Nicola Misasi Lodge 1277 of the State Lodge of Pennsylvania. He said, “I carry a deep pride in being Italian American, honoring the resilience, values and work ethic that shaped who I am and guide how I live and lead every day.”
Under Delie’s leadership, FNB has experienced significant growth and transformation. He built the company from a small rural bank into one of the 50 largest bank holding companies in the U.S. In addition to overseeing 17 acquisitions, Delie has personally steered FNB’s geographic expansion and the development of its industry-leading digital strategy, including its proprietary eStore® platform and Common app. With nearly $51 billion in assets and a diverse footprint that spans seven states and Washington, D.C., FNB today boasts the nation’s 19th largest retail delivery channel among domestic banks. It has earned recognition as one of the most trusted and admired banking institutions in the U.S. and has been recognized by prominent news organizations such as Forbes, TIME and Newsweek. The company has received numerous national and international honors, including repeated recognition as a top workplace and multiple industry awards for excellence in banking, innovation, customer service and financial performance.
Delie himself has been widely recognized for his leadership and vision, having recently been recognized as one of the top 50 CEOs in the U.S. and one of the top five U.S.-based bank CEOs on a global list. He is also the recipient of multiple prestigious accolades such as CEO of the Year from CEO Magazine and The Digital Banker, and the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to innovation, strategic growth and community impact.
Through his dedication to excellence in business and service, Delie exemplifies the high standard of leadership and achievement celebrated by the SIF’s Award for Excellence in Business. “This recognition is particularly significant to me because of the sacrifices my family made building a life in America,” said Delie, reflecting on the honor. “It is humbling to see my name among the esteemed NELA recipients, who I am certain experienced the same Italian family dynamic, and to join a group that includes many Italian Americans I have admired throughout my youth and career.”
The NELA Gala is the Foundation’s premier annual event, honoring leaders whose achievements, service, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on their professions and communities, while supporting SIF’s mission of philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation.
This year’s Gala will also celebrate Umbria as the 2026 Region of Celebration, bringing national attention to the rich culture, history, and traditions of Italy’s “Green Heart.”
For more information about the 2026 NELA Gala and this year’s honorees and special guests, visit nelagala.org.
About the Sons of Italy Foundation®
The Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF) is the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), supporting scholarships, medical research, disaster relief, cultural preservation, and veterans’ initiatives nationwide. Since its founding, SIF has contributed tens of millions of dollars to charitable causes, including awarding more than $600,000 in scholarships over the past four years to outstanding students across the country.
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