Leadership Lackawanna Announces 2025–26 Core Program Class Chamber News October 29, 2025 Leadership Lackawanna, the region’s premier community leadership and professional development organization, proudly announces the members of its 2025–26 Core Program class. For over 40 years, Leadership Lackawanna has been cultivating dedicated, informed, and engaged leaders committed to improving the quality of life and future of northeastern Pennsylvania. The Core Program, Leadership Lackawanna’s flagship initiative, provides participants with an immersive experience designed to enhance personal leadership skills, expand professional networks, and deepen understanding of the issues, opportunities, and challenges facing Lackawanna County. Through interactive sessions, site visits, and community-focused projects, participants gain firsthand experience of how collaborative leadership works. “I’m so excited to kick off this year’s Core Program with such a passionate and talented group of professionals,” said Nikki Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna. “The class is eager to learn, ready to lead, and truly committed to making a difference in our community. It’s going to be an incredible year!” This year’s class represents a wide range of industries and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity and talent of Lackawanna County’s workforce. Over the next 10 months, participants will engage in sessions on government, economic development, healthcare, education, and more, while collaborating on a hands-on community service project that directly benefits a local nonprofit. The 2025-2026 Core Class includes: Mateo Arroyopabon, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company Linda Beck, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania Amanda Brown, Penn East Federal Credit Union Julianna Cardillo, Penn State Scranton Jason Carpenter, designBLD John Conte III, The Honesdale National Bank Matthew Coolbaugh, Quandel Construction Group, Inc. Maria Day, Penn State Scranton Jose Santiago de los Rios, Tuxedo by Sarno Eric Eiden, Lackawanna College Amanda Friday, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Peter Gentile, City of Scranton Douglas Hein, Scranton Counseling Center Haley Houck, Fidelity Bank Joshua Howells, Allied Services Daneece Jones, Greater Scranton YMCA John Joyce, Lackawanna County Walter Kosak, Plaskolite Pennsylvania Diana Latsko, Maximus Federal Services Chris Pahoski, Benco Dental Brittani Pulse, Nunzi’s Advertising, Inc. Courtney Rittenhouse, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Anthony Salva, Integrative Mind and Body Services Deanna Smith, AAA North Penn Madison Theobald, Penn East Federal Credit Union Sarah Weisenfluh, Montage Mountain Resorts Now in its 43rd year, Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program continues its legacy of developing leaders who are not only successful in their professional lives but also deeply committed to civic engagement. Alumni of the program can be found in leadership positions across business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about Leadership Lackawanna and the Core Program, visit leadershiplackawanna.com.
