Geisinger College Leader Completes Prestigious Fellowship Program Valencia P. Walker, Geisinger Colleges’ vice dean for health equity and inclusion with Julie Byerley, president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and chief academic officer. Valencia P. Walker, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger College of Health Sciences’ vice dean for health equity and inclusion, recently completed the prestigious Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) fellowship program at based at the Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. The ELAM leadership development program was specifically created for senior faculty with great potential to attain executive leadership positions within academic medicine. Acceptance into the ELAM fellowship is determined through an annual competitive and rigorous selection process. Act with integrity and authenticity Spread joy with your work Act with empathy and respect Listen to truly understand Work collaboratively and uplift others Stretch and challenge others positively Support, encourage and exude optimism Recognize and celebrate others’ strengths Commit to lifelong learning ELAM fellows undertake an institutional action project meant to lead organizational change at their own institutions in areas such as education, professional development, research or quality improvement. For her project, Dr. Walker chose to create “Candid Convos” at Geisinger and assist in promoting a culture of psychological safety and professionalism. “The opportunity to participate in ELAM transformed my thinking about leadership, and I look forward to using what I gained from the experience to make a positive contribution at Geisinger,” she said.
Scranton Area Community Foundation, Women in Philanthropy Awards $35,000 to Local Nonprofits Women in Philanthropy (WIP), the initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation that focuses on empowering and transforming the lives of women and girls in the Lackawanna County region, proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 grants cycle. After a competitive grant process, $35,000 in grant funding was awarded to seven local nonprofit organizations. The awards were announced during the Women in Philanthropy Spring Grants Meeting held at the Hilton Scranton on Thursday evening, May 8, 2025. The recipients included Penn State Scranton (Financial Literacy Lunch & Learn Series for High School Students), Scranton School District (Girls in STEM), Scranton Primary Health Care Center (Confident Smiles Program), Providence Pregnancy Center (Casa de Maria Renovations), Black Scranton (Black Maternal Health Awareness), CASA of Lackawanna County, and The Philharmonic Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania (RxArts NEPA), all to support innovative projects and programs that work to transform the lives of women or girls across the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The grant award recipients and amounts were selected during the Spring Grants Meeting by Women in Philanthropy supporters, who had the opportunity to vote after hearing presentations from each nonprofit organization. Women in Philanthropy (WIP) is a collective of more than 125 dedicated supporters committed to transforming the lives of women and girls in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since its launch in 2014, this initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation has raised over $2 million and partnered with nearly 30 community organizations to create a measurable, lasting impact across the region. Women in Philanthropy proudly advances economic mobility in the area by addressing barriers to success, fostering leadership, and helping women build financial stability and independence. To learn more or become a supporter, visit www.supportnepawomen.org. Penn State Scranton accepts a Women in Philanthropy grant to support its Financial Literacy Lunch & Learn Series for high school students. Pictured from left: Amy Betts, Community Impact Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Desiree Voitek, Senior Director of Campus Development, Penn State Scranton; Nonna Sorokina, Assistant Professor, Penn State Scranton; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. Scranton School District students accept a Women in Philanthropy grant supporting the Girls in STEM program. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; students Hazel Pacheco, Aryanee Sanchez, and Mirka Richeme; and Katona Miller, STEM Program Supervisor, Scranton School District. Scranton Primary Health Care Center receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support the Confident Smiles Program, providing restorative dental care to women in need. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Joseph Hollander, CEO, Scranton Primary Health Care Center; and Amy Betts, Community Impact Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation. Providence Pregnancy Center accepts a Women in Philanthropy grant to support renovations to Casa de Maria, a safe and supportive housing space for women. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Anne O’Brien, Heather Murphy, Cecelia Carr, and Jessica Freyne, Providence Pregnancy Center; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. Black Scranton receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support Black Maternal Health Awareness programming. Pictured from left: Ellen Burkey, Board Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Glynis Johns, Founder and CEO, Black Scranton; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. CASA of Lackawanna County receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support advocacy efforts for children in the foster care system. Pictured from left: Brittany Pagnotti, Director of Donor Relations and Communications, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Donna Kurzweil, CASA volunteer; Joan Peterson, Executive Director, CASA of Lackawanna County; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic receives a Women in Philanthropy grant to support the RxArts NEPA program, promoting healing through music and the arts. Pictured from left: Christine Zike, Board of Directors and VP of Development, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic; Chason Goldschmitz, Executive Director, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic; and Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation.
Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Fire & Emergency Services Earns Firefighting Credentials (Photo credit: Nicolo Manzo) Three members of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Fire & Emergency Services team have obtained prestigious firefighting credentials through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Fire Chief Daryl Gebhardt has earned Chief Fire Officer designation and Firefighter Matthew Miller and Firefighter Stephen Motil have both earned Fire Officer designation. Per the Center for Public Safety Excellence’s social media, as of February 2025, there were only 2,030 Chief Fire Officers and 848 Fire Officers worldwide. The three esteemed members of Team Tobyhanna earned these designations after a rigorous process that took the trio about five years to complete. The application process includes conducting an internal review audit to build the submission, getting approval to submit the application, and oral and written reviews by neutral party peer assessors. Those applying for the designation must satisfy educational, years of service, and self-development criteria. Applicants must also prove their commitment to continuous improvement and community service in addition to proficiency in several technical competencies. Gebhardt said achieving this credential helps to bring the department and the personnel who comprise closer to one of the core tenets of the organization. “One of the main principles of obtaining a credential through the Center for Public Safety Excellence is continuous improvement. Just because you’re good today doesn’t mean you can’t be better tomorrow,” said Gebhardt. “It’s one thing to say I’m a firefighter, I’ve done all my training, and I meet all the normal training requirements. It’s another thing to say I continuously do more to improve myself not just on the job but outside of the job as well.” Achieving and maintaining the credential is a continuous endeavor. The credential is good for three years and applicants must identify short-term and long-term goals as well as how they plan to go about accomplishing them. Maintaining the credential requires follow-through on the plan. The development and implementation of a peer fitness program is just one concrete example of continuous improvement spurred on by obtaining and maintaining the credential. Per DoD Instruction 6055.06, “DoD F&ES individuals are encouraged to obtain and maintain professional credentials from nationally accredited or recognized organizations.” However, the obtaining of these credentials is voluntary and represents the employees’ commitment to going above and beyond to improve themselves, their department, and the entire organization. Motil said working to achieve this credential has been rewarding and positively impacted several facets of the Fire & Emergency Services mission. “Credentialing is about personal and professional growth through a commitment to the profession and your organization. It significantly benefits the department. Outside of meeting our job requirements, we’re demonstrating that we’re going above and beyond to fulfill our duties, be a mentor, and show a commitment to departmental improvement,” said Motil. Miller, who has also earned a prestigious position on Federal Emergency Management Agency Pennsylvania Task Force 1, agreed with Motil’s assessment. “Credentialing and accreditation show your commitment to emergency services, your installation, and the people we serve – the workforce, visitors, and the community. The reason we choose to undergo an audit like this is to show we’re exceeding the standards worldwide,” said Miller. Through obtaining these credentials, each of these members of Team Tobyhanna send a strong message of commitment to those whom they protect on the installation and in the community through several mutual aid agreements. They have raised the bar for themselves personally but also helped to bolster an already strong culture of dedication to mission. Miller lauded Gebhardt’s leadership by example and said it motivates everyone on the team to want to achieve more. “When you have a department head that pursues designations like this it speaks volumes amongst the members of our fire stations and other fire stations. He’s holding himself accountable to show improvement when nothing makes him do that,” said Miller. “Not only does it make us want to improve, but it shows the dedication to us as firefighters. Here’s our fire chief, the guy who is in charge of everybody, dedicating himself to constant improvement. Having him constantly raise the bar for himself gives us the motivation to keep going.” Employees investing in personal and professional growth to positively impact themselves, the organization, and the community is directly aligned with Tobyhanna Army Depot’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035, and specifically the Invest in Our People line of effort. The plan, which has three additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
Johnson College to Host Free Community Resource Fairs Johnson College will host two free Community Resource Fairs on its Scranton campus this summer. These events are open to the public and are designed to connect current and prospective college students with local resources and support services. The fairs will feature a variety of community organizations offering guidance and assistance on topics such as education, employment, health, and wellness. The fairs will be held on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Both events will take place inside the Moffat Student Center Gym at the Johnson College Scranton campus, located at 3427 North Main Ave., Scranton. “The Community Resource Fair is an opportunity for students to learn about services available to them both on and off campus,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs at Johnson College. “We’re proud to bring together organizations that are making a positive impact in our region.” Participating organizations include: Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA American Water Community Services for Children County of Lackawanna Transit System Educational Opportunity Centers of PA Goodwill Industries of NEPA Greater Scranton YMCA Maternal and Family Health Services Inc. Outreach Center for Community Resources PA Careerlink Lackawanna County Parent Pathways of NEPA RISE NEPA Scranton Area Community Foundation The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement And many more For more information, please contact Sam Lehman at slehman@johnson.edu or 570-702-8341.
Mount Airy Casino Resort Earns AAA Four Diamond Designation for 15th Consecutive Year Luxury Gaming and Resort Destination Recognized as Pennsylvania’s First Casino Resort to be Ranked a Four Diamond Property AAA North Penn presents Mount Airy Casino Resort with the coveted Four Diamond award in the luxury hotel lobby. From left: Brian Miller, Glenn Zumbach, Nina Waskevich, Lisa DeNaples, Todd Greenberg, and Peter Hernandez For the 15th consecutive year, Mount Airy Casino Resort has earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond designation, an exclusive classification that represents the top tier of the hospitality industry across North America. Mount Airy was the first Pennsylvania property to earn the prestigious Four Diamond rating, a testament to the extensive amenities, luxury accommodations and unparalleled service the casino resort continues to provide guests year after year. “Receiving the AAA Four Diamond Designation for the 15th year in a row is a significant achievement for our team,” said Lisa DeNaples, Mount Airy owner and managing trustee. “This recognition reflects our relentless dedication to delivering a world-class experience for every guest who walks through our doors.” Throughout the years, Mount Airy Casino Resort has won multiple awards and continues to earn top accolades for its outstanding vacation experiences. In the past year alone, Mount Airy received 21 Best of Gaming awards from Casino Player Magazine, and was once again designated as one of the Top Ten Casino Hotels in the Country by USA TODAY. “We are honored to receive the Four Diamond rating again this year, which is the direct result of our team’s dedication and commitment,” said Todd Greenberg, Mount Airy General Manager and COO. “This latest recognition, among many other awards, highlights the success of our ongoing commitment to exceeding our guests’ expectations and validates our efforts to be the best.” In addition to almost 300 guestrooms and luxury suites, Mount Airy features a variety of signature restaurant options, including Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen and the award- winning Bistecca by Il Mulino. From casual eateries to upscale dining, there’s something to suit every palate. This all-encompassing, adults-only getaway pampers guests even further at the Spa at Mount Airy, which provides a perfect retreat after a day – or night – filled with excitement. The resort also features a 20,000 square-foot convention center and ballroom for those seeking the perfect wedding venue or conference space, while the four-season pool complex offers private cabanas, a poolside bar and lounge, and an outdoor deck area that oversees the resort’s award-winning, 18-hole golf course. For those seeking the ultimate gaming experience, the heart of Mount Airy is its impressive casino floor. Boasting more than 1,600 slot machines, including both classic and modern favorites, as well as a wide selection of table games, the casino also features a dedicated poker room and a multi-media sports betting lounge. When it comes to entertainment, Mount Airy’s upcoming shows include Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience (June 14); Earth to Mars: The Bruno Mars Experience (July 12); and Springsteen tribute Bruce in the USA . For more information or to make reservations, visit MountAiryCasino.com.
Shapiro Administration Reminds Drivers to Put Down the Phone, ‘Paul Miller’s Law’ Signed by Governor Shapiro last year, the new hands-free law bans hand-held cell phone use while driving and increases transparency and accountability at traffic stops Today, in keeping with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to safety on Pennsylvania roads, the Shapiro Administration urged drivers to put down the phone while driving, ahead of the June 5 effective date for “Paul Miller’s Law,” which makes it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), and Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) joined Senator Rosemary Brown and national advocate Eileen Miller to urge drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel. As part of his mission to provide a safe transportation system for all Pennsylvanians, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 37 into law on June 5, 2024. Effective June 5, 2025, the law – known as “Paul Miller’s Law” – prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other momentary delay. Pennsylvania already enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion. Beginning June 5, 2025, law enforcement will begin issuing written warnings for violations of Senate Bill 37. Law enforcement will have the ability to issue summary citations to violators beginning June 6, 2026. “Paul Miller’s Law is about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. Make the safe choice. Put your phone out of reach and don’t text and drive. One text, one glance down – it could kill someone. And it’s not worth it.” Under Paul Miller’s Law, drivers can still use their phones to alert emergency responders and, if they are using hands-free technology, to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music. “The Pennsylvania State Police will enforce the new law to its full extent,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “Distracted driving is not a minor offense. Just one second of inattention can result in irreversible consequences. We urge all drivers to stay focused behind the wheel.” “Distracted driving is a serious issue that undermines PennDOT and the PA Turnpike’s collective effort to create safe driving experiences for our travelers,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Safety is the driving force of what we do at the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and the Paul Miller Law is a meaningful step towards safer roads for everyone.” “Focusing on the road while driving is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “Safe driving can also help reduce the cost of your insurance as insurers factor your accident and driving history into their ratemaking. We encourage consumers to speak with their insurance provider to learn more about the benefits of safe driving, the discounts they could receive, and how they can start saving today.” “As the Prime-Sponsor of Senate Bill 37, now Act 18 of 2024, seeing this law go into effect is incredibly rewarding knowing it will save lives,” said State Senator Rosemary Brown (R- Lackawanna, Monroe, Wayne). “Since day one I have always believed in this commonsense policy. It’s important that drivers remember that the cell phone has become the most consistent, repetitive, and lengthy distraction behind the driver’s wheel causing significant public safety concerns. This law will change behaviors and save lives. The legislature passed Senate Bill 37, now Act 18, with overwhelming bi-partisan support, and I am confident that my efforts, along with the efforts of my friend Eileen Miller, have Pennsylvania going in the right direction for public safety.” The law is named for Paul Miller, Jr., who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor trailer in 2010 in Monroe County, as the result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving. Since his death, Paul’s mother Eileen Miller has become a national advocate for stronger laws to curb distracted driving. “Nearly 15 years ago, two Dunmore state troopers knocked on my door to tell me that my son was killed,” said Eileen Miller, Paul Miller, Jr.’s mother. “My son did everything right – he was killed by someone else’s unsafe choices behind the wheel. This law is for every family in Pennsylvania that doesn’t have to experience two state troopers knocking on their door to tell them that their loved one was killed by distracted driving. Paul Miller’s Law will be a beacon of protection for every driver and passenger in Pennsylvania.” Paul Miller’s Law will also work to prevent bias in policing by requiring law enforcement to collect data on drivers pulled over during traffic stops, including race, ethnicity, and gender. The data will be made publicly available in an annual report. This amendment – which the Governor advocated for in conjunction with the Legislative Black Caucus – builds on the Shapiro Administration’s work to ensure Pennsylvanians can have the utmost faith in the law enforcement officers serving and protecting them every day. According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 9,950 crashes involving a distracted driver, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 fatalities. Distracted driving crash data is believed to be underreported due to many drivers’ reluctance to admit to being distracted at the time of a crash. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe drive: If you are expecting a text message or need to send one that can’t wait, pull over and park your car in a safe location before using your device. Ask a passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages. Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination. Cell phone use is not the only distraction while driving. Anything that takes your attention away from driving, your eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel is a distraction. Driver behavior is the leading factor in 83% of the crashes that occur annually in Pennsylvania. These behaviors include driving distracted, impaired, or aggressive. For more information on distracted driving, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
Tobyhanna Commences Work on New Army Family Housing Project Representatives from Tobyhanna Army Depot and Centinel Public Partnerships break ground on a highly anticipated project to build 35 new homes for military families at the depot. From left: William Ramey, Director of Installation Services; Amalia Thomas, Master Planner; Depot Commander Col. James L. Crocker; and Todd Wentland, Cadence Communities Project Director. (Justin Kucharski) The skies were gray but golden shovels gleamed as leaders from Tobyhanna Army Depot and their private military housing partner, Centinel Public Partnerships (Centinel), broke ground on a project to build better housing for military families. Depot Commander Col. James L. Crocker presided over the highly anticipated event, which commenced a $38M project that will build 35 modern and accessible homes for American heroes stationed in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Crocker was joined by Cadence Communities Project Director Todd Wentland along with William Ramey and Amalia Thomas of the Installation Services Directorate. The project is a collaboration between the depot and Centinel as part of the Army’s Small Installation Privatization Initiative to revitalize military housing across the country. Other participating installations include the Natick Soldier Systems Center in Massachusetts; U.S. Army Garrison-Miami in Florida; Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois; Fort McCoy in Wisconsin; Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico; and Fort Hunter Liggett in California. Built in the late 1970s, the existing homes in Tobyhanna’s family housing community, Tobyhanna Pines, will be demolished immediately. In their place, 35 new homes will be constructed: 16 four-bedroom properties, 18 three-bedroom properties, and a single four-bedroom property that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities act.The new community will boast a new name, Cadence Communities, and American warriors from all military services will be eligible to reside there. The culmination of the project will bring a robust military community back to Tobyhanna, according to Housing Manager Colleen Gavin. “Right now, military families lack a ‘hub’ in Northeastern Pennsylvania. When the homes are ready for occupancy, our warfighters and their families will have a central location to live and thrive,” she said. “We look forward to helping create a culture of camaraderie and providing secure housing options for those who defend our nation so bravely.” Wentland said the new homes are the product of a strong partnership and a shared purpose between Centinel and Tobyhanna. “Today’s groundbreaking at Tobyhanna Army Depot marks more than just the start of construction on 35 new homes as part of Cadence Communities. It symbolizes our enduring commitment to delivering high-quality housing and a sense of community for the service members and families who call this installation home. We are proud to be part of the Tobyhanna family and grateful for the trust placed in us,” he said, adding that warfighter quality of life drives all aspects of the project. “The new homes will replace aging units with thoughtfully designed residences that reflect the evolving needs of today’s military families—spaces that support their well-being, resilience, and connection.” In addition to military families, Gavin emphasized that Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees and military retirees will also benefit from the project. “If the Cadence Community is 95% occupied by active-duty military members and there is no demand from other warfighters, DOD employees who work at Tobyhanna or military retirees will be eligible to move in,” she said. “Having this housing on post creates opportunities for active-duty families, unaccompanied military personnel active National Guardsmen and Reservists, military retirees, and federal civilians.” The event marked a significant accomplishment for those in the Installation Services Directorate, who spent years planning the modernization project. “It is a proud day to see the groundbreaking for our new Army family housing neighborhood. Providing new homes and bringing soldiers and their families back to our installation with ease of access to our community services, fitness centers, and child and youth services will provide the holistic support our warfighters deserve,” Ramey said. Oustrich agreed, adding that the final product will provide better experiences for military families living in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “This construction project will bring military families back to the installation as part of the Tobyhanna family and afford them certain amenities not available to them while living on the economy,” he remarked. The Cadence Communities are expected to be completed and ready for occupancy in mid-2027. Fostering quality housing for American warriors is a TOBY2035 Invest in Our People and C5ISR Readiness initiative. Tobyhanna Army Depot’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. Cadence Communities is a 50-year partnership established in 2023 between Centinel, a leader in community development, and the U.S. Department of the Army. With a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for military members and their families, Centinel, alongside property management partner WinnResidential Military Housing Services, will develop, build, renovate, finance, and maintain more than 540 homes across seven U.S. Army installations that make up Cadence Communities. This commitment will create vibrant and supportive communities that meet the evolving needs of soldiers and their families until 2073 and beyond.
Urban Co-Works Holds ‘First Friday Free Coworking’ Event Every First Friday, Urban Co-Works offers free coworking in our coworking space from 9am to 5pm. This month’s event is set to take place June 6th, at the regular time of 9am to 5pm. Freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs and other professionals come to Urban Co-Works to try out our vibrant workspace for First Friday Free Coworking. Discover the benefits of working in a distraction free environment by signing up here for free tickets.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Announces Employees of the Quarter Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) recently honored two standout team members as its latest Employees of the Quarter, recognizing their exceptional contributions to our mission of supporting America’s warfighters. Selected for their dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence, the honorees exemplify the values that keep Team Tobyhanna and America’s Armed Forces ready, modern, and prepared. The junior and senior recipients for the 2nd quarter of FY25 are Jolene Jensen of the Production Management directorate and John Wojciechowski of the Resource Management directorate respectively. Jensen currently serves as a Management Assistant in the Regional Support Center (RSC) Management Division. She is being recognized for the pivotal role she plays in the execution of administrative matters across the division along with planning and leading the depot’s Integrated Product Team for the implementation of the worldwide field support contract within the Logistics Management Program (LMP). Jensen also took on the sole administration role for the management Global Combat Support System (GCSS) Army across TYAD’s RSCs. Jensen’s efforts have positioned the depot for the incorporation of over 400,000 labor hours across more than 120 separate programs into LMP. This significantly impacts TYAD’s productive yield and net operating revenue performance. Her leadership in administering GCSS Army has enabled the establishment of proper property book office accountability of all government material across seven separate RSC sites. She has also supported the completion of the complex reorganization of the division and its two associated moves. Michael Monroe serves as Chief of the RSC Management Division. He said Jensen’s dedication to bolstering warfighter readiness made her more than deserving of this honor. “Where others may concern themselves with daily weight of their assigned workload, Ms. Jensen has remained intensely focused on what needs to get done. She has stepped up to lead teams where she was the lowest grade employee. She did it with confidence and effectiveness, largely due to the professional reputation that she has established and maintained,” said Monroe. “It is her constant and continuous, selfless service that provides the foundation for the professional credibility and competence for which she is known. She doesn’t seek the spotlight, but rather seeks the satisfaction of making the greatest possible impact and achieving excellence on behalf of the warfighter.” Reflecting on the recognition, Jensen said it couldn’t have been achieved without the strong support system around her. “Receiving Employee of the Quarter is such a massive honor – my heart swells with pride by the recognition. That said, the work I put in is only a reflection of the amazing team I work with and the example each of my RSC co-workers set on a daily basis. I am eternally grateful to have been granted the privilege of standing at the base of this mountain of knowledge and wisdom and learn from it every day,” said Jensen. “Though it should go without saying, I feel incredibly lucky to have leadership that recognizes our potential and pushes us to perform beyond what we thought ourselves capable.” Wojciechowski serves as a Lead Budget Analyst within TYAD’s Budget Division. He is being recognized for developing over 300 new cost center rates within a three-week timeframe during a recent organizational restructuring, all of which were uploaded into LMP ensuring appropriate rates were available for customer charging the day the reorganization was implemented. He also reconfigured the labor-hour plan to reflect the new organizational structure, ensuring leadership can make informed decisions related to resource allocation. Additionally, he drafted information papers focusing on forward repair activity rate development and CECOM Civilian Human Resources Services Center costing that have been shared with senior leadership for policy and decision making consideration. Wojciechowski created detailed worksheets that categorize the components of each cost center rate. This established a visible standardized structure that is easily understood and ensures rate development is comprehensive, accurate, and auditable during rate development. These complex spreadsheets ensure questions regarding rates are addressed in minutes instead of days. He also developed detailed guidance and instruction of cost center rate development to be used internally and externally to ensure transparency in costing data and confidence in pricing to customers. Chief of the Program Budget & Execution Division Deana Haikes lauded Wojciechowski for bringing stability during an otherwise unstable time. “John accepted the labor-hour planning, execution, and justification function during the reorganization. When it was determined this function was transferring to the Division, John assumed the role to ensure he understood it, the mission was performed properly, and he could develop guidance for his team of analysts to ensure they acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage the workload. This quarter, John’s willingness to improve processes, multitask a heavy workload, navigate additional stress, all while getting to know the new teammates brought to him during the reorganization proved to be the steady hand that was required for success.” Wojciechowski said receiving the honor made him reflect on how every depot employee plays a role in supporting the joint warfighter. “I was very surprised that I won employee of the quarter. I do not feel like I do anything extraordinary each day. I think I feel that way because I enjoy and take pride in what I do and realize the part we all play in supporting the warfighter,” said Wojciechowski. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by amazing coworkers and have had great mentors throughout my career at Tobyhanna.” The Employee of the Quarter awards and other employee recognition programs align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Investing in our People line of effort. The effort has four strategic focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications and aims to posture the organization for future success.
The Wright Center, June ‘Walk With a Doc’ Events In Jermyn and Scranton The Wright Center for Community Health invites the community to take a step toward improving their health by joining monthly Walk with a Doc events. This physician-led initiative brings health care providers and community members together for an invigorating walk with doctors and other health care professionals. Participants will have the opportunity to exercise, engage with health care professionals, and connect with new people. The June Walk with a Doc event in Jermyn will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 9 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. The monthly community Walk with a Doc event in Scranton is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at 9 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Olive Street entrance. The walks are free and open to the community, accommodating people of all ages and fitness levels. No pre-registration is necessary. Walk with a Doc is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring communities through movement and conversation. According to the American Heart Association, walking for just 30 minutes a day can improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, help maintain a healthy body weight, reduce the risk of obesity, enhance mental well-being, and lower the risk of osteoporosis. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health’s Walk with a Doc program, contact Melissa Germano-Ryczak at germanom@TheWrightCenter.org.
