Leadership Lackawanna Recognizes 2026 Core Program Graduates at Celebration of Leadership

Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, hosted its 2026 Celebration of Leadership event, which honored participants in Leadership Lackawanna’s 10-month Core Program on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The event was held at Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, and included business networking, an end-of-year review and video, and raffles, along with the presentation of certificates to graduates.

Graduates of the program were recognized for their commitment throughout 10 months of leadership development, learning, and participation in one of four class projects. A highlight of the program, class projects in collaboration with Countryside Conservancy, Friendship House, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the Greater Scranton YMCA were commended during the ceremony.

Working with Countryside Conservancy, members of the Core class assisted in renovating part of the conservancy’s outdoor space by building a new bridge, clearing vegetation, installing signage, and creating a picnic area. Another group partnered with Friendship House to renovate a classroom within the Autism Center, repainting and redesigning the space to create a more welcoming environment. Core participants also collaborated with United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania to modernize the organization’s Angel’s Attic facility, which provides food and clothing to neighbors in need. In partnership with the Greater Scranton YMCA, members of the class also helped launch the “Foundations for the Future Project,” an initiative focused on improving the YMCA’s recreational and learning spaces.

Read more about the 2026 Core Program Class Projects.

Leadership Lackawanna extends thanks to the sponsors of the 2026 Core Program including designBLD, Penn East Federal Credit Union, PPL Electric Utilities, Quandel Construction Group, Inc., Maximus Foundation, Geisinger, Times Shamrock Communications, PNC Bank, Center City Print, Friendship House, and Golden Technologies.

Leadership Lackawanna also recognizes the graduates of its 2026 Core Program for their commitment throughout the 10-month leadership experience.

2026 Core Program Graduates

Amanda Friday – Peoples Security Bank & Trust

Amanda Lyn Brown – Penn East Federal Credit Union

Anthony Salva, LCSW – Integrative Mind and Body Services

Brittani Pulse – Nunzi’s Advertising

Christopher M. Pahoski – Benco Dental

Courtney Rittenhouse – Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA

Daneece A. Jones – Greater Scranton YMCA

Deanna Smith – AAA North Penn

Diana Latsko – Maximus Federal Services

Douglas A. Hein – Scranton Counseling Center

Eric Eiden – Lackawanna College

Haley Houck – Fidelity Bank

Jason Carpenter – designBLD

John Conte lll – The Honesdale National Bank

John P Joyce – Lackawanna County

Jose Santiago de los Rios – Tuxedo by Sarno

Joshua Cole Howells – Allied Services

Julianna Cardillo – Penn State (Scranton)

Linda Beck – United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania

Madison Theobald – Penn East Federal Credit Union

Maria Day – Penn State (Scranton)

Mateo Arroyopabon – The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company

Matt Coolbaugh – Quandel Construction Group, Inc.

Pete Gentile – City of Scranton

Sarah Bauman – Montage Mountain Resorts Walter Kosak – Plaskolite