The Wright Center for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education receives Gold Advocacy Center of Excellence Designation

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) has recognized The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education as a Gold Advocacy Center of Excellence (ACE) – the first community health center in Pennsylvania to achieve the gold standard.

The ACE designation from the national body shows The Wright Center is dedicated to advocating for and supporting community health centers that provide comprehensive primary and preventive health services to medically underserved populations in rural and urban areas.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by NACHC with the Gold ACE designation,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “Our advocacy efforts extend throughout our organization, as our 625 dedicated employees live and deliver our shared mission to improve the health and welfare of the communities we are privileged to serve. I am very proud of their collective service efforts to ensure high-quality primary and preventative care are available for all of our patients.”

An ACE is a community health center that creates a culture of advocacy to ensure that policymakers at all levels of government commit to investing in affordable, equitable and innovative care that health centers provide. ACE levels recognize consistent engagement, success and demonstrated ongoing commitment to making advocacy an organization priority. ACEs are actively engaged with NACHC and forums addressing federal policy issues, as well as their state primary care association and platforms to address key state and local-level policy issues that impact community health centers and their patients. NACHC awards three levels of ACEs: bronze, silver and gold. Each designation is valid for two years.

In order to earn ACE status, a community health center must complete a checklist of activities and accomplishments as outlined by NACHC. Wright Center employees, for example, develop and write guest editorials that raise awareness and address important public health issues that affect community health centers and patients. An in-house advocacy committee offers training, while the organization also hosts elected officials at its regional primary care practices. The executive leadership team participates in important meetings at the local, state and national levels that promote responsive solutions to important health care delivery issues and health outcomes.

For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org

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Marywood University Names New Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services

Robert C. Piurowski

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University, Scranton, Pa., recently appointed Robert C. Piurowski, Delhi, N.Y., to the position of vice president of enrollment management and student services. He succeeds Ann Boland-Chase, Dunmore, Pa., who recently retired from that position after many years of service to the University.

“Rob resonates with our mission, is passionate about education, and shares our belief that education empowers people,” stated Sister Mary Persico when she announced Mr. Piurowski’s appointment. As an officer of the university, he will serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet and oversee Marywood’s admissions/enrollment and student service areas.

Mr. Piurowski comes to Marywood University from the State University of New York College of Technology at Delhi (Delhi, N.Y.), where he served as director of admissions and enrollment management. He has devoted his professional career to various facets of enrollment management and student services in higher education, serving in roles from admissions counselor to director of admissions and recruitment at several institutions, including Bernard M. Baruch College, City University of New York (New York City, N.Y.); Concordia College (Bronxville, N.Y.); Binghamton University (Binghamton, N.Y.); and State University of New York College at Potsdam (Potsdam, N.Y.).

Wherever he has served, Mr. Piurowski has consistently achieved an increase in student enrollment with initiatives for recruiting students from both inside and outside of the United States, and particularly from China, India, and Germany. In addition, his expertise encompasses student services, student advising, technology and data analytics, communications, service to the campus community, coaching, equity and inclusion work, and the Middle States accreditation process.

He has given numerous professional presentations, such as best practices for student access, opportunity, and success; admissions marketing/recruitment; the changing landscape in college admissions; leadership topics; and other relevant issues about the college process, including learning differences.

Throughout his career, Mr. Piurowski has demonstrated a strong record of college and university service, serving on a broad range of search committees, advisory boards, and councils, as well as in mentorship roles. His professional affiliations include the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling, National Association for College Admission Counseling, State University of New York College Admissions Professionals, and American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, among others.

Mr. Piurowski holds a master of science degree in education from Bernard M. Baruch College (New York City, N.Y.) and an advanced certificate in Project Management from Empire State College (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.), as well as a bachelor of business administration from the State University of New York College of Technology at Delhi (Delhi, N.Y.). He is currently a doctoral student at Binghamton University, State University of New York (Binghamton, N.Y.).

Scranton Area Community Foundation Co-Hosting Child Care Presentation

Women in Philanthropy (the initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation focused on serving women, girls, and their families in Northeastern PA) and The Agency for Community Empowerment (ACE) are hosting a presentation on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. regarding a recent regional study on the obstacles women and families face today regarding attaining quality affordable childcare, conducted in collaboration with Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC). This event will be held in-person and virtually and will share the study’s findings while inviting a discussion on opportunities for community-based solutions that minimize the barriers to quality affordable childcare.

In-person attendance is limited but there is no cap on the number of attendees participating virtually.

What: Child Care Needs and Barriers to Access Report/Presentation
Date: Thursday, March 24, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: University of Scranton, Brennan Hall, PNC Bank Board Room (320 Madison Ave., Scranton, PA 18510)

Attendees can register to attend here: https://scranton.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=2221

Women in Philanthropy and the Scranton Area Community Foundation are interested in addressing the challenges families face in obtaining quality affordable childcare across the Lackawanna County region.

Nominate Local Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leaders

For Diversity month, our chamber, in partnership with our regional chambers, are highlighting leaders locally who are involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion causes and initiatives in our community.

We are currently accepting nominations for individuals to be a part of this campaign, which will include a blog post highlighting the individual, as well as a graphic piece of the individual to be shared across our social media platforms throughout the month of April.

This campaign will begin on April 4th and run M-F until April 31st.

Nominations will be open until March 29th. 

Peoples Financial Services Corp. Announces New Board Member

Peoples Financial Services Corp., the holding company for Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Elisa (Lisa) Zúñiga Ramirez to its Board of Directors. As a result of Ms. Ramirez’s appointment, the Board of Directors was increased from seven members to eight members. 

Ms. Ramirez brings more than 30 years of executive-level experience in institutional investing and capital markets with a proven track record of value creation. Until her retirement in 2020, she was Senior Portfolio Manager and Principal at Segal Bryant and Hamill, an employee-owned money manager with more than $25 billion in assets under management. Prior to this, she was Senior Portfolio Manager and Partner at Denver Investments LLC, which was acquired by Segal Bryant and Hamill in 2018. Currently, Ms. Ramirez is the President of Éxito Consulting, LLC, which advises boards, companies and individuals on corporate strategy, ESG and financial matters.

Lisa is currently a corporate director for Bow River Capital, a $1.6 billion private equity firm and the Denver Employees Retirement Plan, a $2.7 billion public retirement system serving the city of Denver employees and retirees. She is also a director on these non-profits: National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Colorado Chapter; The Denver Foundation; Vuela for Health; and Latinas First Foundation, a scholarship and mentorship program supportive of Colorado Latinas.

Ms. Ramirez earned her BSBA from the University of Colorado at Denver and an MBA from Regis University, Denver, CO. She’s a 2021 graduate of Boardbound by Women’s Leadership Foundation, a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds the SASB FSA credential. She’s also an avid supporter of organizations that empower women and stimulate equality and representation in the workplace, as well as foster professional leadership development, including: The Athena Alliance; Latino Corporate Directors Association; Women Corporate Directors; NACD; and Extraordinary Women on Boards (EWOB).

Ms. Ramirez commented, “I am excited to be joining the board of such a strong and well-run bank, and look forward to bringing a unique outside perspective to drive stakeholder value. I’m impressed by our bank, our leadership and I feel there is an incredible story to tell. I look forward to bringing my 30 years of investment experience to the table and collaborating with our other impressive and experienced board members.”

Regarding Ms. Ramirez’s appointment, William Aubrey, Chairman of Peoples Financial Services Corp.’s board stated, “We are excited to have a person of Lisa’s qualifications and experience join our board. Her capital market experience in analyzing hundreds of small cap companies allows her to bring a long history of value creation to our board. I look forward to working with her to improve shareholder’s value.”

Lisa resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband, Ron, and their twin boys, Román and Mason.

Jamie Shnipes Promoted to Branch Supervisor at HNB

Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, has announced Jamie Shnipes has been promoted to Branch Supervisor of HNB’s Eynon Office.

In making the announcement, Sheridan stated, “Jamie began her banking career at HNB with the opening of our Eynon Office.” He continued,  “We are confident that her knowledge of the local community, and dedication to customer service, will insure success in her new position.”

As Branch Supervisor, Shnipes will be responsible for building customer relationships to help customers with their specific banking needs, as well as supporting the everyday operations of the branch.

Shnipes began her career in the financial industry in 2013 as a Part-time Teller/CSR at HNB. In 2018 she accepted a fulltime position at the bank. She will continue growing her Career as Branch Supervisor of our Eynon Office.

In commenting on her time at the bank, Shnipes noted, “I feel like I have the confidence and the support to grow my career with HNB. I met a lot of great people over the years and I enjoy meeting new people and helping them with their banking needs.”

Shnipes resides in Eynon, Pa. and is a graduate of Valley View High School. Outside of the bank, she enjoys being with family, either attending her children’s sports or spending time at their camper.

Dress for Success Lackawanna Women Making an Impact Campaign

Dress for Success Lackawanna is celebrating Women’s History month with the “Your Hour Her Power” Women Making an Impact campaign. This is the inaugural year for the campaign which benefits Dress for Success Lackawanna.

“The Your Hour Her Power campaign is built on lifting women up and recognizing their achievements,” said Mary Ann Iezzi, Executive Director. “Women play an important role in the economy there is a ripple effect that occurs when women are supported and have the ability to become active members of their community.”

The “Your Hour Her Power” campaign continues through the month of March and will close with a special event in April honoring ten remarkable women throughout the organizations six county footprint. 

“We have some extraordinary women in our community and the event gives us the opportunity celebrate all the wonderful things they have accomplished along with the impact they have in their communities,” Iezzi said. 

All proceeds raised go to Dress for Success Lackawanna supporting the agencies programs helping women secure employment and achieve economic independence.

Dress for Success Lackawanna is very grateful for all the community support and would like to acknowledge the sponsors of the campaign:

  • Presenting Sponsor: NBT Bank
  • Sponsors: Bluelefante, The Hawk Family Foundation, Weinberg Foundation, Lackawanna Medical Group, Scranton Area Community Foundation, Women In Philanthropy, Wayne County Community Foundation
  • Honoree Sponsors: NBT Bank, McGrail Merkel Quinn PC, FNCB Bank, LMG Cosmetics, NET Bank, AAA North Penn, Wayne Memorial Health System, The Honesdale National Bank, The University of Scranton, The Wright Center, Friends of Sandra Lamanna
  • Media Sponsors: WNEP, Adams Outdoor, King Outdoor and Lamar Advertising

The Woman Making an Impact Honorees:

  • Amanda Grippo, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner:  LMG Cosmetics                            
  • Bethany Fine, Director of Human Resources:  Wayne Memorial Health System                    
  • Cindy Smaniotto, Chief Human Resources Officer:  NBT Bank                      
  • Dr. Sandra Lamanna: School Psychologist                            
  • Julie Schumacher Cohen, Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement & Government Affairs: The University of Scranton                
  • Kate Bryant, SVP, CFO:  The Honesdale National Bank                    
  • Margaret McCormick, Chief Financial Officer:  AAA North Penn                  
  • Mary Griffin Cummings, Executive Vice President and General Counsel:  FNCB Bank              
  • Mary Rapach, Member Service Center Manager:  NET Credit Union                         
  • Stephanie Mihal, Partner:  McGrail Merkel Quinn, PC      

Event Details: hybrid event (in-person & virtual option)

  • More details on the event can be found at https://IMPACT22.givesmart.com.
  • What: “Women Making an Impact”
  • Location: Hilton Hotel & Conference Center
  • Date:  Wednesday, April 6, 2022
  • Time:  5:30 p.m.– 7:00 p.m.
  • Ticket cost:  $50.00