Chamber Staff Member, Emily Pettinato, Completes National Fellowship for Talent Development The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce congratulates Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, who has been recognized among 18 chamber professionals nationwide for successfully completing the 2025–2026 Fellowship for Talent Development through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation. The six-month fellowship equips chamber leaders with tools to address workforce challenges and strengthen regional talent pipelines. Participants gain a deeper understanding of their regional talent ecosystem and develop actionable solutions to support economic growth. “We are proud to recognize this exceptional group of chamber leaders for completing the Fellowship for Talent Development,” said ACCE President & CEO, Sheree Anne Kelly. “Through their work, they have moved beyond learning to action, developing strategies that address workforce challenges, strengthen regional talent pipelines, and drive long-term economic prosperity in their communities.” As part of the program, Pettinato developed a regional action plan focused on tackling critical workforce issues. Fellowship projects emphasized strengthening talent pipelines through improved systems alignment, increasing employer engagement, and building skills-based career pathways. “This experience gave me a stronger understanding of our community by developing a regional action plan focused on identifying workforce gaps and opportunities,” said Pettinato. “It also helped inspire new ideas to expand workforce programming and strengthen connections between businesses and education partners.” “As part of the Fellowship with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Emily has demonstrated strong leadership in turning workforce development strategy into action,” stated Amy Luyster, vice president, business and workforce development for The Chamber. “Her work directly advances The Scranton Plan 3.0 initiative by strengthening the alignment between employers, education partners, and workforce partners. This recognition reflects her commitment to building a more connected, skills-driven talent pipeline that supports long-term regional growth and opportunity.”
Emily Pettinato Selected for ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, has been selected for the 2025–2026 Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Fellowship for Talent Development, a prestigious six-month program that empowers chamber professionals to strengthen their communities’ workforce pipelines. The fellowship, hosted by ACCE, brings together chamber leaders from across the country to address pressing workforce challenges. Over the six months, fellows engage in monthly webinars, participate in an in-person convening, and collaborate with national peers to design a regional action plan. The program blends national best practices with local strategies to help chambers connect businesses, educators, and job seekers, ensuring long-term economic growth. Emily Pettinato expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity: “The 2025–2026 ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development will provide strategies to strengthen The Chamber’s work in connecting businesses, educators, and job seekers while supporting talent pipeline development.” As part of her role, Pettinato develops and manages workforce development initiatives that strengthen business education partnerships and promote career pathway awareness. She leads key programs such as Educator in the Workplace, Career Pathways Resources, the annual Workforce Summit, and the Small Business Internship Fund, which connect educators, employers, and students to enhance career readiness and regional talent pipeline development. Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development, emphasized the significance of Pettinato’s selection: “Being selected for the Fellowship is a recognition of Emily’s leadership and commitment to workforce development. The skills and insights she gains will directly enhance Skills in Scranton programming and our work to support employers, strengthen partnerships, and prepare students and job seekers for long-term success in our region.” The ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development is a nationally recognized initiative that equips chamber professionals with innovative approaches to workforce development. More details about the program can be found on ACCE’s website: ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development
