Geisinger Names Ilene Wolf Moore New Chief Legal Officer Geisinger today announced the hiring of Ilene Wolf Moore as executive vice president, chief legal officer, bringing to the health system’s executive leadership team a trusted legal advisor with more than 20 years’ experience across a range of healthcare organizations and government roles. Moore has overseen corporate governance, financing, mergers and acquisitions, complex litigation, contracts, payor relations, labor and employment, regulatory compliance and revenue operations for privately held, publicly traded and nonprofit organizations. “Ilene has a deep understanding of the complex business and legal aspects of healthcare, and she will provide the perfect blend of hands-on experience and critical strategic thinking to her role at Geisinger,” said Terry Gilliland, M.D., Geisinger’s president and chief executive officer. “She is the latest addition to our executive leadership team that, combined with our established leaders, positions Geisinger for sustained success and innovation.” Moore most recently served as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Envision Healthcare, where she directed legal strategy and operations across diverse healthcare delivery platforms. Her responsibilities encompassed comprehensive legal leadership for both the organization’s multidisciplinary medical group and its network of ambulatory surgery centers, supporting clinical teams across multiple care settings. Over the last decade, she has held similar leadership roles at Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and DaVita Medical Group. “I have been fortunate to spend the majority of my career working for the betterment of healthcare and with great teams striving to innovate, advance access and support the delivery of high-quality healthcare,” said Moore. “Joining Geisinger at this exciting time in its growth allows me to continue doing what I love most in my professional roles: interacting across the organization to help people succeed and grow while contributing to Geisinger’s continued evolution as a leader in value-based care delivery.” Prior to joining DaVita Medical Group, Moore spent 6 years with Kaiser Permanente, first as general counsel of the more than 1,000 physician multidisciplinary Colorado Permanente Medical Group. She subsequently became general counsel of The Permanente Federation, the national organization that represents all Permanente Medical Groups and collaborates with Kaiser Health Plan and Hospitals to advance integrated care delivery. Earlier in her career, Moore spent 8 years with the Office of the Colorado Attorney General focused on healthcare matters while representing various agencies and regulatory authorities. Moore’s extensive governmental experience provides her with unique insights into healthcare regulations and policy development that will enable Geisinger to effectively navigate the evolving regulatory landscape while maintaining its focus on patient-centered care delivery. Moore earned her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law.
Geisinger Hospital Earns National Ranking from Money Magazine Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital ranked in Money magazine’s Best Hospitals for Pediatric Care list Money magazine recently recognized Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital as one of the 2025 Best Hospitals for Pediatric Care. Money’s 2025 list focuses on hospitals that deliver safe, high-quality care with experienced pediatricians and providers who are excellent communicators. A high priority also goes to facilities that are well-equipped to deal with pediatric emergencies. Money ranks the top 75 children’s hospitals that provide excellence in value-based care, patient experience, and price transparency. Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital ranks 32nd out of 75 hospitals making the list and is listed in the top 10 in patient experience. “This is a tremendous acknowledgement of our pediatric staff, who are deeply committed to providing pediatric access with exceptional care,” said Frank Maffei, M.D., Geisinger’s chair of pediatrics. “Our children’s hospital delivers outstanding value of care by keeping our children safe, adhering to the best practice standards and treating our children and families with kindness and authentic compassion. We greatly appreciate the recognition and are dedicated to upholding this distinction in pediatric care.”
2024–25 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Graduation The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the graduation of the 2024–25 class of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT)—a transformative program that prepares high school juniors for leadership roles in their communities. The ceremony took place at the Green Ridge Club in Scranton. Sponsored by NBT Bank, the TLT program spans seven months, immersing students in hands-on experiences across essential sectors, including healthcare, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and community service. Program Coordinator, Jen Strzelec states:“We are proud to congratulate the 67 remarkable teens of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program. We’re confident they’ll use the skills and knowledge they gained over the last seven months to positively impact their schools and communities as confident and capable young leaders”. The TLT program provides these young leaders with unique opportunities to develop critical leadership, interpersonal, and managerial skills. Throughout the program, students engaged in workshops, field visits, and interactive discussions led by regional experts and industry leaders, preparing them for the real-world challenges and opportunities that await them. The class participants are: Audrey Agnello, Western Wayne High School Kathryn Apolinario, Holy Cross High School Emily Atonal, Scranton High School Molly Banik, Mid Valley Secondary Center Lauren Bartell, Abington Heights High School Lindsey Bartell, Abington Heights High School Wyatt Barucky, Forest City Regional High School Madelyn Battaglia, Riverside Jr/Sr High School Nathan Beecham, Riverside Jr/Sr High School Grace Bennett, Abington Heights High School Anthony Betti, Mid Valley Secondary Center Molly Carter, Valley View High SchoolMya Cesarini, Valley View High School Nora Crambo, Lakeland Jr/Sr High SchoolKiera Crowell, Abington Heights High School Joshua Cuck, Scranton Preparatory School Addison Daiute, Valley View High SchoolKaylyn Davis, Lakeland Jr/Sr High School Ryan DeMarco, Old Forge High School Gabriella Dennis, Scranton Preparatory School Timothy Fogley, Abington Heights High School Natalia Ghirelli, Lakeland Jr/Sr High SchoolJoseph Griffin, Commonwealth Charter Academy Emily Grover, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School Emma Guse, North Pocono High SchoolKatie Gutekunst, North Pocono High School Madison Hallock, Valley View High School Sona Hanumali, Abington Heights High School Gabrielle Jordan, Riverside Jr/ Sr High School Matthew Kirchner, Dunmore Jr/Sr High SchoolBrendan Korty, Forest City Regional High School Krithika Krishnan, Dunmore Jr/Sr High School Maryn Kukuchka, Tunkhannock Area High School Benjamin Kulikowski, Riverside Jr/Sr High SchoolOlivia Lach, Lakeland Jr/Sr High SchoolOlivia Lawler, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School Emily Loomis, Valley View High SchoolMadeleine Mackarey, Scranton Preparatory School Andrew McDonald, Abington Heights High School Khloe Mistishin, Western Wayne High School William Murphy, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School Julia Noto, Dunmore Jr/Sr High SchoolIsabelle O’Brien, Scranton High School Kathryn O’Hora, Riverside Jr/ Sr High School Olive O’Rourke, Abington Heights High School Mia Peregrim, Old Forge High SchoolKate Peters, Abington Heights High School James Prislupski, Holy Cross High School Natalie Puckett, Triboro Christian Academy Benjamin Reese, Abington Heights High School Ava Roberto, Scranton High SchoolGavin Roberts, Lakeland Jr/Sr High School Emmelia Rucks, Commonwealth Charter Academy Madison Smith, Abington Heights High School Kelsey Smith, North Pocono High SchoolCharlie Stampien, Abington Heights High School Ava Strzelec, North Pocono High SchoolNatalie Talluto, Mid Valley Secondary Center Raphael Thomas, Scranton Preparatory School Aidan Tinney, Mid Valley Secondary CenterJaiden Trunzo, Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr High School Nmesoma Udoye, Scranton High SchoolGianna Vachino, Abington Heights High School Kevin Vincent Jr., Holy Cross High School Luke Warring, Scranton High SchoolKiley Williams, Riverside Jr/ Sr High School Ava Wisnosky, Tunkhannock Area High School
Geisinger Cancer Institute receives transportation grant Grant to benefit patients in need of transportation Cancer care will be more accessible to patients now that the Geisinger Cancer Institute has received a yearly grant from the American Cancer Society (ACS). The grant offsets the cost of transportation for patients traveling to and from radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Patient transportation grant funds are awarded to health systems and health system foundations to help patients get to and from cancer-related treatment appointments. The grants are awarded through an application process that focuses on addressing unmet transportation needs of the health system’s patients. “In partnership with the ACS, we are able to help our patients during some of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Lisa Keifer, senior director of radiation oncology at Geisinger. “This grant will allow our patients to stay closer to home to receive the lifesaving treatments and care they need. With this grant, we have been able to provide over 1,623 one-way rides since initiating this program.” Funds are provided to patients on a case-by-case basis. The grant can be used to purchase gas gift cards, cab ride vouchers, parking passes and non-emergency medical transport. To learn more about cancer care at Geisinger, visit geisinger.org/cancerinstitute.
Geisinger Wyoming Valley ER Entry Changed Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center continues construction work to expand and modernize the hospital campus and provide more health care services and resources for the northeastern Pennsylvania community. Beginning Monday, April 28, patients seeking care at the emergency room (ER) on Geisinger Wyoming Valley’s east campus will have a new entry point. To accommodate the extension of underground utility lines across the east campus and keep patients, visitors and staff safe, the patient entry path will begin farther away from the ER and be protected by a covered walkway. Geisinger staff will be present at the new entrance to assist patients. ER parking and valet service will also have a new entry point marked with signage on the east campus road. Geisinger has provided a campus map to help patients visualize the new areas of parking and entry. The east campus road between the Richard and Marion Pearsall Heart Hospital and the tower construction site will be reduced to one-way traffic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, through September. A flagging crew stationed on campus will help drivers navigate the one-way stretch. Visitors should allow extra time when traveling to the hospital in case of delays, and drivers should be alert for new traffic patterns throughout the project. To arrive on time for outpatient appointments at the hospital’s Medical Office Building or the Pearsall Heart Hospital, follow these tips: Use Geisinger Wyoming Valley’s east entrance from East Mountain Boulevard. Campus entrances are labeled on roadside signage. Plan to arrive on the east campus 30 minutes before your appointment, especially if you’re not familiar with the current state of campus. Look for campus signs directing you to park in the most appropriate place for your destination. Consider bringing a companion if you have limited vision or mobility. Your companion can help you read signs or offer support as you go to your destination. The Medical Office Building has a dedicated parking garage, and the Medical Office Building, Pearsall Heart Hospital and emergency room provide free valet service to all patients, so the need to walk should be minimal. For anyone who parks farther away, free campus shuttles make regular trips to patient parking areas and these facilities.
Geisinger Career Program Expands to Include Respiratory Therapy Geisinger’s Nursing and Health Sciences Scholars Program aims to fill critical nursing and health sciences roles while providing more career opportunities to Geisinger employees Geisinger is helping more employees follow their calling to care for others by adding a respiratory therapy pathway to Geisinger’s Nursing and Health Sciences Scholars Program. Previously called Geisinger’s Nursing Scholars Program, this career development program financially and professionally supports employees pursuing a career in nursing or select health sciences. “We’re very excited to add respiratory therapy to our Nursing and Health Sciences Scholars Program,” said Wayne Williams, clinical manager of respiratory services at Geisinger Community Medical Center. “This is a big step for our team and profession. It shows the significant role our respiratory therapists play in the care of our patients and our commitment to working across different disciplines to improve outcomes. This change reflects our dedication to building a skilled workforce ready to take on the evolving needs of our patients.” According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than average over the next decade. The aging baby boom generation is leading to an older population that tends to have the most respiratory conditions, including pneumonia, COPD or other diseases commonly associated with aging. How the program works Open to employees starting day one of employment, the Nursing and Health Sciences Scholars Program covers part of the cost of pursuing any of the following careers in return for committing to work at Geisinger: Registered nurse (RN) – $40,000 in financial assistance with a three-year work commitment as an inpatient RN Respiratory therapist – $30,000 in financial assistance with a three-year work commitment Surgical technologist – $22,500 in financial assistance with a two-and-a-half-year work commitment Licensed practical nurse (LPN) – $20,000 in financial assistance with a two-year work commitment as an inpatient LPN Certified medical assistant (CMA) – $7,000 in financial assistance with a two-year work commitment as an outpatient CMA While supporting employee career and professional goals, the program also mitigates a shortage of nurses and critical health sciences team members across Geisinger. Since its launch in 2021, the program has helped more than 400 employees further their career journeys. To set the nursing scholars up for success, the program offers guidance in choosing a school and type of degree. Geisinger nurses and leaders also offer mentorship support. “Many of our employees are eager to pursue nursing or other health careers, but need additional support to do so,” said Janet Tomcavage, RN, executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Geisinger. “Changing careers is a major decision and studying while working is a huge undertaking — not to mention the cost of it all. The Nursing and Health Sciences Program has been a difference-maker for so many of our employees by providing the financial, professional and well-being support they need to succeed. I’m incredibly proud of our scholars and I’m grateful to Geisinger for investing in our employees and their futures.” The Geisinger program serves as an entry point into the health care profession for high school students or anyone considering a career in nursing or health sciences. Applications to the program are accepted throughout the year. Geisinger employees who are already in school to pursue one of the career pathways included in the program can apply up to 12 months before their anticipated graduation date. All Geisinger School of Nursing students can take advantage of the program, regardless of employment status, if they commit to work at Geisinger upon graduation. Community members who are not Geisinger employees can apply for available positions at Geisinger and qualify for the program starting on employment. Visit geisinger.org/nursingscholars for details on Geisinger’s Nursing and Health Sciences Scholars Program.
Nearly 900 Attend EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience Nearly 900 women from northeastern Pennsylvania gathered for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, a premier women’s leadership event hosted by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and presented by Geisinger. The day-long program at Kalahari Convention Centers and Resort brought together professionals, students, and changemakers for inspiration, connection, and growth. This year’s event featured two keynote speakers, 44 regional leaders, and 90 high school students—making it one of the most impactful EMPOWER programs. The day started with a breakfast keynote speaker, Christina Butler, an executive communication coach, whose presentation was sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust. Butler energized the crowd with a session focused on clear, concise, and confident communication. She encouraged attendees to eliminate filler phrases and distractions from their language and instead focus on their “why” and “how” to deliver messages that resonate with purpose and poise. Dominique Dawes, Olympic gold medalist and trailblazing gymnast, headlined the afternoon session as the lunch keynote speaker, with support from PNC Bank. Dawes inspired the audience with stories from her athletic and professional journey, emphasizing the importance of teamwork over ego. “Leave your ego at the door,” she urged attendees. “Greatness is not achieved alone—it’s about what we accomplish together.” In addition to the powerful keynotes, the event included breakout sessions led by 44 regional speakers representing healthcare, education, finance, media, and entrepreneurship. The sessions covered topics from leadership strategies and mental wellness to business innovation. “The energy in the room was electric,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “EMPOWER continues to grow in reach and impact every year, and this event truly highlighted the strength and potential of women leaders in our region.” EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, is part of The Chamber’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful programming that supports women in leadership and professional development across northeastern Pennsylvania.
Geisinger to Host Sip and Self-Care Breast Bash Free event features breast care information, spa treatments and refreshments Join Geisinger’s breast health team for the Sip and Self-Care Breast Bash on Wednesday, May 14 from 4 – 8 p.m. The free evening of information and personal pampering will be held in the main lobby of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center at 1000 E. Mountain Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre. Attendees will learn about the comprehensive breast services offered at Geisinger and will connect with members of the breast care team who will discuss the latest in breast health, screenings and genetics. Presentations will happen every hour with the last presentation taking place at 7:15 p.m. There will also be mini-facials and chair massages, available on a first come, first served basis, a sound bath demonstration by The Cancer Wellness center of NEPA, refreshments and mocktails. Limited spaces are available. Register now at geisinger.org/selfcarebash
Geisinger Medical Center Makes Newsweek’s List Geisinger Medical Center has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2025. The list of 444 leading hospitals was determined through a rigorous evaluation process, which used a nationwide online survey of health care professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about maternity processes, results from patient experience surveys and hospital quality metrics from several sources with a focus on indicators relevant to maternity care. Geisinger Medical Center was one of 182 hospitals to receive five ribbons in the list, which means it received greater than 84% in quality metrics and patient experience scores and greater than 71% in its reputation score. In 2024, 1,850 babies were born at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. “Geisinger Medical Center’s recognition for maternity care is a tribute to our dedicated staff of physicians and caregivers who are working to make our hospital the best,” said Sandra Culbertson, MD, chair of the Geisinger Women and Children’s Institute. “Our maternity teams are committed to delivering the highest quality maternity care every day, and we look forward to continuing to provide this excellent care.”
Geisinger Raises Awareness with Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, which raises awareness of child abuse and neglect, staff members from the Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Sunbury planted blue mylar pinwheels at the entrance of Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The pinwheels represent playfulness, joy and a carefree childhood and serve as a reminder to protect and nurture our children. Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign for child abuse prevention. This year the CAC team wore special T-shirts to commemorate the awareness month. The shirts were created by Chelsea Whispell, the daughter of Trisha Whispell, social work educator at the CAC. Chelsea had the idea of creating and selling T-shirts to raise funds for the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA). The fundraiser will help Chelsea earn her Silver Torch in working toward her Girl Scout Cadettes Award. “Chelsea set a goal of raising $1,000 for PFSA, which is equal to selling 200 shirts,” Trisha Whispell said. PFSA works with local community organizations around child abuse prevention efforts and has partnered with local schools and organizations on a statewide art project called Painting for Prevention. Artwork created for the project is displayed in many community organizations all month long, including Geisinger pediatric and family practice clinics. Many members of the CAC staff took part in the pinwheel planting on Monday, including (from left) Paul Bellino, M.D., clinical director of the Geisinger Division of Child Protection and Advocacy; Cameran Gardner, victim advocate; Alaina Johnson, licensed clinical social worker; Hailey Welker, forensic interviewer; Alexis Smith, CAC program manager with Ollie, CAC’s certified therapy dog; Chelsea Whispell, Girl Scout; Melissa Wagner, director of the Geisinger Division of Child Protection and Advocacy; Cheryl Moroz, forensic interviewer and Trisha Whispell, social worker educator.
