Geisinger Hospitals Receive Perinatal Quality Improvement Awards Five Geisinger hospitals were recently recognized as recipients of the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative’s (PA PQC) Designations Awards which were presented at its annual conference in Altoona on May 21. Designation signifies the hospital has established multidisciplinary teams that have demonstrated continuous quality improvement work in maternal and newborn care by sharing best practices and data in their hospital and community in specific issue areas impacting maternal mortality, including Maternal Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), Maternal Sepsis (MS), and Safe Sleep (SS). A gold designation signifies a hospital’s proven commitment to data-driven, population-specific health goals and patient voice in their quality improvement work. A silver designation signifies a hospital’s dedicated commitment to incorporating data driven population-specific health goals or patient voice in their work. A bronze designation signifies the hospital has consistently met quality improvement submission goals. The awards were announced and presented during a ceremony at the Blair County Convention Center. Those earning the silver or gold designation level have undertaken additional projects focused on health equity and/or patient voice within maternal and neonatal health-care. The five Geisinger hospitals receiving recognition included: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital: bronze for SS; silver for OUD; gold for NAS Geisinger Community Medical Center Scranton: bronze for OUD and SS Geisinger Lewistown Hosptial: bronze for SS; silver for OUD and NAS Geisinger Medical Center, Danville: bronze for MS and OUD; silver for SS Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Wilkes-Barre: bronze for OUD; gold for SS and MS. “Geisinger has participated in the PA PQC since its inception in 2019. Our hospital teams collect and submit data to the PQC every quarter and, in the spirit of a collaborative, share their successes and challenges so that outcomes can be improved across the system,” said James Cook, M.D., Geisinger director of newborn services and co-chair of the PA PQC advisory committee. “The gold/silver/bronze designations are highly appreciated by our team members who are taking the time to improve patient care to those patients affected by opioid use and those who work to increase safe sleep awareness for newborns in our communities.” Designation awards and levels are based on meeting quality improvement milestone criteria over a 12-month period from April 2024 to March 2025. In Pennsylvania, perinatal health issues persist, including racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and neonatal outcomes, higher than average maternal sepsis rates, and drug overdose deaths during pregnancy and postpartum. Through collaborative efforts, the PA PQC aims to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes across the state. The PA PQC is administered by the JHF and WHAMglobal, and it is affiliated with the Northeast PQC (NEPaPQC). About the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative The Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative (PA PQC) provides quality improvement support to healthcare teams to improve the standard of care for pregnant and postpartum people and babies. Seventy-seven birth sites and NICUs from across the commonwealth participate in the PA PQC. The PA PQC is administered by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation and WHAMglobal, and it is affiliated with the Northeast PQC (NEPaPQC). For more information, visit papqc.org. About the Jewish Healthcare Foundation The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) and its three operating arms — the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative (PRHI), Health Careers Futures (HCF), and the Women’s Health Activist Movement Global (WHAMglobal) — offer a unique brand of activist philanthropy to advance healthcare innovation, advocacy, collaboration, and education in the interest of better population health. For more information, visit jhf.org.
Misericordia Announces Todd Sloan as Vice President of University Advancement Misericordia University recently appointed Todd Sloan as the university’s new Vice President of University Advancement. “Thanks to the dedication of our faculty and staff to our mission and Mercy Thrives strategic plan, Misericordia University enjoys significant positive momentum, as evidenced by the deep pool of talented candidates interested in the Vice President of University Advancement position,” said Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., president. “My thanks to the entire campus community, and especially the search committee, for participating in this process. I am confident that Todd will help lead the university through our ambitious fundraising campaign and build on the work already done to position MU as a key giving priority for donors. It is a pleasure to welcome him home to NEPA.” Sloan is a fundraising and communications professional with over thirty years of experience in non-profit and educational institutions where he has overseen major and planned giving activities, alumni relations programming, corporate relations and communications. Throughout his career, Sloan has worked closely with university presidents, volunteer boards, deans and other leadership in designing and executing fundraising strategies including the planning process for multiple comprehensive campaigns. Most recently, Sloan has served of counsel as Vice President for Client Partnerships with The Angeletti Group, a national fundraising consulting firm which provides campaign and fundraising strategies to nonprofit organizations. Sloan’s extensive experience includes the Pennsylvania State University at University Park where he served as Senior Director of Development and Alumni relations for the Smeal College of Business and then in a central role as Executive Director for Schools & Units during which he provided oversight for the directors of development of ten college and academic units. Sloan’s other senior leadership roles include serving as Assistant Vice President at American University in Washington DC as well as serving as Vice President of Development & Alumni Relations at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. Sloan has deep roots in Northeastern Pennsylvania, having held positions earlier in his career at Keystone College, MMI Preparatory School, and the United Way of Wyoming Valley. Sloan earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from The Pennsylvania State University.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Achieves Corrosion Control Accreditation Painter Ashley Lancia (far right), along with Thomas Petroski, meet with Kemper during the audit. (Photo Credit: Justin Kucharski) Tobyhanna Army Depot is the first government organization to earn accreditation through the Association for Material Protection and Performance (AMPP), affirming the organization’s position as the leading provider of readiness for the U.S. Armed Forces. After a comprehensive audit from Jul. 9-10, Tobyhanna obtained AMPP’s QP1 accreditation, which certifies excellence in steel work and field coating applications; the QP3 accreditation, which certifies excellence in shop coating applications; and the AS3-ITO accreditation, which certifies excellence in training courses and facilities. Only 500 companies worldwide maintain AMPP certifications. Kris Kemper and Michael Damiano from AMPP conducted the audit on their first visit to Tobyhanna. The duo praised Tobyhanna’s facilities and workforce. “I have been to many other military bases and Tobyhanna is the best,” said Kemper. “From your exceptional processes to the cleanliness of the facility, Tobyhanna’s workforce truly cares about their mission – and it shows.” Kemper serves as a technical services consultant for AMPP, while Damiano serves as a program director. Tobyhanna pursued AMPP accreditation to enhance its abilities to protect military weapons systems from deterioration, according to Fabrication & Component Refinishing Division Chief Thomas Petroski. “The DOD spends countless dollars every year combating corrosion, something that compromises the safety and readiness of our warfighters. By gaining this accreditation, Tobyhanna is meeting a critical need for our military,” he said. During the audit, AMPP officials identified several best practices across the installation – such as the innovative and intentional employee training programs, specifically within the corrosion control and refinishing realms. Since 2008, Tobyhanna has used the virtual reality Spray Technique Analysis and Research for Defense (STAR4D) system to provide hands-on, immersive training for refinishing artisans. The depot also provides dozens of other trainings related to surface preparation and coating application from both in-house instructors and industry experts. Resource Management Directorate officials say Tobyhanna spends upwards of $6M per year on workforce development. Damiano and Kemper applauded Tobyhanna’s holistic approach to workforce development. “Tobyhanna’s training programs are phenomenal and are well above what is available in private industry,” they said. Depot leaders attribute the accomplishments to the dedication of the depot workforce. “The AMPP accreditations are a reflection of the expertise of our workforce and their passion for providing American warriors with the very best support,” said Depot Commander Col. Benjamin L. Kilgore. “Becoming the first in the DOD to achieve this goal didn’t happen by accident – and this success proves that no one does it better than Team Tobyhanna.” Christopher Musso, Tobyhanna’s Director of Quality, agreed. “This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and the unparalleled dedication of every member of Team Tobyhanna. To be the first government organization to earn this level of recognition speaks volumes about our proactive approach to protecting and sustaining military assets and, ultimately, safeguarding our warfighters.” AMPP’s Kris Kemper (right) reviews documentation with Training Specialist Carmelo Rivera. Tobyhanna’s comprehensive training programs were lauded by AMPP during the accreditation audit. (Photo Credit: Justin Kucharski) Michael Damiano (right) from AMPP reviews visual management boards in Tobyhanna’s mission work areas. Thomas Petroski and Quality Assurance Specialist William Stevens (left) were also present. (Photo Credit: Justin Kucharski)
Fidelity Bank Appoints Michael Jones to Retail Branch Manager Daniel J. Santaniello, President & Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, announced Michael Jones has been hired as Assistant Vice President, Retail Branch Manager at the Fidelity Bank Mountain Top branch. Jones, a dedicated banker with years of experience, will lead community outreach and team-building efforts at Fidelity Bank, while overseeing day-to-day branch operations, providing exceptional service for clients across the region. Prior to joining Fidelity Bank, Jones served as a Regional Banking Officer and Personal Banker, honing his skills in client advisory roles. Jones will demonstrate strong leadership skills and knowledge of community banking in his new role as Retail Branch Manager at the Mountain Top branch. In making the announcement, Santaniello stated, “We’re thrilled to welcome Michael as our new branch manager. His leadership, community spirit, and enthusiasm aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re confident he will make a lasting impact on both our Mountain Top branch and our clients.” A resident of Drums, PA, Jones is a Pennsylvania State Commissioned Notary. He and his husband proudly welcomed their first daughter Ina earlier this year. His family also includes two beloved dogs, Minnie and Lilo, named after Disney characters, reflecting Michael’s enthusiasm for all things Disney. “Moving from a large bank mindset to a smaller community-focused approach has been invigorating,” said Jones. He continued, “Here at Fidelity Bank, I feel heard, and I truly see the impact we make every day in the communities we serve.” Beyond the branch, Jones is active in local organizations and community initiatives, building relationships and supporting area development.
Fidelity Bank Promotes Jesse Lick to Banking Relationship Manager Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that Jesse Lick has been promoted to Associate Banking Relationship Manager at Fidelity Bank. Lick has been with Fidelity Bank for three years, developing his career as a credit analyst. He will continue his career as an Associate Business Banking Relationship Manager, working closely with clients to understand their unique needs and providing them with a personalized solution. In this role, he will be responsible for managing and growing his portfolio of business clients. It involves developing relationships, identifying financial needs, and providing tailored banking solutions including loans, merchant and treasury services, and deposits. He will work closely with service partners across the Bank to deliver exceptional service and support clients’ business growth. In reflecting on his new role, Lick stated “After years of working to understand the underwriting side of commercial lending, I am thrilled to be able to make the leap over to the relationship management side of things at Fidelity Bank.” He continued, “I am excited to learn a whole new set of skills in this role and can’t wait to see the opportunities it will bring.” A graduate of Lakeland High School, Lick earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Penn State University in 2016. Lick started his career in banking in 2017 and worked at other local financial institutions before starting his role as Credit Analyst at Fidelity Bank in 2022. In making this announcement, Santaniello stated, “Jesse has shown dedication to evaluating risk, identifying opportunities, and supporting our clients’ financial goals.” He continued, “I am glad to have him grow his career here at Fidelity Bank and achieve new heights in his new role.” Currently residing in Blakely, PA, Lick enjoys working on cars, going to car racing events, live music, RC cars/trucks, skiing, snowboarding, exercising, cooking, and spending time with his girlfriend.
NEPIRC Announces New President/CEO Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is under new leadership. NEPIRC’s Board of Directors recently announced the promotion of Drew Mackie to the role of President/CEO, effective July 1, 2025. Mackie will lead the organization with the mission to empower small and mid-sized manufacturers with world-class assessment, performance evaluation, training, and consultative services. The NEPIRC team provides consultative and training services to more than 1,000 firms and 44,000 manufacturing employees across an 11-county region of northeastern, northern and parts of central Pennsylvania helping them grow and thrive in a highly competitive global manufacturing economy. In a search that spanned the nation, Mackie’s appointment is a testament to his distinguished career of more than 23 years of experience in client services and small business manufacturing support. NEPIRC Board President Gregory Stanton, who led the executive search committee that vetted 44 applicants, expressed enthusiasm about Mackie’s appointment, stating, “Drew’s experience was unmatched in the search, and his deep commitment to our center’s mission resonates profoundly for our future.” Stanton said that after a thorough national search, the best candidate was in front of them at NEPIRC. He added, “We are confident that Drew’s vision, combined with the dedication of the NEPIRC staff and the support of our community of manufacturers, will lead NEPIRC to even greater heights.” Prior to his appointment to President/CEO, Mackie held the position of Executive Vice President at NEPIRC for nearly three years, and CFO, a position in which he focused on the center’s program management, staff leadership, and grant compliance, for nine years. In addition to overseeing all the center’s programmatic activities, Mackie was responsible for increasing the visibility, reach, and outcomes of the center’s mission and strategy, and supporting the manufacturers within the center’s 11-county region. Mackie said, “It is with great honor and appreciation that I accept this promotion. I have deep respect for the depth and breadth of services NEPIRC offers. I am deeply grateful for the trust the Board of Directors has placed in me, and enthusiastic about leading the center into its next chapter of growth and impact to the region.” Mackie, who is a certified public accountant, was a partner at the accounting firm Ginader Jones & Company LLP, where he focused on client support and compliance activities. He also served in the senior and staff accountant roles, illustrating his ability to adapt and advance within challenging environments. Mackie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton and is a graduate of the Tab Wilkins Emerging Leaders program from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).
Honesdale National Bank – Lemnitzer Fund Supports Graduates The Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Memorial Fund, administered by the Trust Department at The Honesdale National Bank and local Honesdale businessman, Paul Meagher, continued its support of those pursuing higher education with the awarding of scholarships to 2025 graduates with a total distribution of $35,993.78. The Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Memorial Fund was created by these prominent Honesdale residents to support designated charitable organizations within Wayne County, as well as to provide scholarships to deserving graduates of Wayne Highlands High School. Ernest was the brother of the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Honesdale resident, Lyman Lemnitzer. Jayson Reager and Jess Rylan Montgomery, both 2025 graduates of Wayne Highlands High School, were selected as this year’s recipients of the Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Scholarships. These awards recognize academic excellence and a commitment to furthering education. Jayson Reager will attend Messiah University to study Nursing. Jess Rylan Montgomery will attend Penn State University to study Business. The Honesdale National Bank Trust Department has managed the investments of the Memorial Fund since its inception in 1991. Through prudent investment of the trust assets, grants in excess of $3,169,000 have been paid to qualifying recipients to date. A total of $519,764.44 has been distributed through the Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Scholarships alone. For more information about the HNB Financial Group, please call 570-253-3355 or visit the HNB Corporate Center in Honesdale. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. For more information on HNB’s products and services, visit www.hnbbank.bank.
Johnson College Seeking Vehicle Participants for “Truck & Cruiser Palooza” Johnson College is inviting local individuals, businesses, emergency services, and organizations to participate in its upcoming Truck & Cruiser Palooza, a family-friendly, hands-on vehicle experience and fundraiser taking place Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at the Johnson College Scranton campus, located at 3427 North Main Ave. Truck & Cruiser Palooza is an interactive, family-friendly event where kids can climb aboard and explore a wide range of vehicles while meeting the professionals who operate them. Plus, there will be classic cars and other vehicles showcased during the event. Suggested donation for attendees is $5 to $10 per family, with all proceeds benefiting Johnson College’s SkillsUSA Club. The college is seeking a wide variety of vehicles to display and engage with children and families. Interested participants are encouraged to bring vehicles in the following categories: Construction vehicles: Dump trucks, excavators, backhoes, cranes, cement mixers, and other heavy machinery Emergency services vehicles: Fire trucks (including pump and ladder trucks), ambulances, police cruisers Utility and service vehicles: Garbage trucks, recycling trucks, snow plows, road paving equipment, bucket trucks, oil tankers, tow trucks Transportation vehicles: Semi-trucks, big rigs, moving vans, charter buses, school buses Military vehicles: Army transport trucks, armored vehicles Specialty vehicles: Monster trucks, tractors, and other unique or custom rides To register a vehicle or for more information, contact Sam Lehman at slehman@johnson.edu or 570-702-8341.
Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run Race proceeds will benefit the Y’s Financial Assistance Program The Greater Scranton YMCA will host a Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk on Sunday, August 24th, 2025. Event proceeds will support the Y’s Annual Support Campaign, which provides scholarship funding to individuals and families in need, allowing them to benefit from all the Y has to offer. Registration is open. The cost for participants over the age of 12 is $25. Participants 12- years-old and younger are free. Race day registration is available for $35.00. Day of race check-in and packet pick-up will open at 8:00 a.m. Following the race, the Y is inviting participants to stay for a post-race Luau, including live music, refreshments, and a medal ceremony. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to award financial assistance to individuals and families in need, allowing them to benefit from all our Y has to offer” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “It’s because of the generosity of our donors and the support of our community that we are able to make such an impact. The Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk will serve as a celebration of community—bringing us together for a day of fun and support for those in need.” For more information and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Dunmore/TheGreaterScrantonYMCAHawaiianHulaHustle. For questions about the Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk, contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org.
Nomad Yoga to Hold ‘Vino and Vinyasa’ Enjoy a 60 minute Slow Yoga Flow in the gardens of Wood Winery, followed by a drink of your choice! Date: Thurs, July 24 Time: 6:00pm Location: Wood Winery, Madison Twp PA Cost: $20 Registration: Reservations are required. Call/text Rebecca to sign up 570.591.1637
