Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is proudly recognizing five ascending leaders who have graduated from Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program.

Since its founding in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna, which is an affiliate of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has trained more than 2,400 leaders and completed over 150 community projects. Core Program participants step up to transform public spaces and serve local nonprofit needs. The 2024–2025 class is no exception as they have delivered innovative, hands-on solutions across Lackawanna County, learning lessons they’ll apply to their positions at Tobyhanna Army Depot

This year’s esteemed TYAD graduates are Management Analyst Anne Cherundolo, Electronics Mechanic Leader John Kasaczun, General Equipment Mechanic Leader Matthew Lukeski, Management Assistant Tracey Scott, and Electronics Mechanic Supervisor Jesse Tutino.

Over the course of ten months, participants met monthly to dive into hands-on leadership training, learning from an array of regional experts and professionals. Beyond the classroom, they rolled up their sleeves to plan and execute community service projects—directly supporting the missions of local nonprofit organizations.

Tutino said he was grateful for the opportunity TYAD provided him to develop a deeper understanding of the community he calls home.

“Being a part of Leadership Lackawanna gave me the amazing opportunity to build relationships within my local community. The experience gave me an understanding of the professional network within NEPA, the good nature of local businesses, and helped me to learn and grow as a leader,” said Tutino. “I am privileged that Tobyhanna afforded me the opportunity to participate in such a great program!”

The 2024-2025 Core Program participants tackled five ambitious community service projects aimed at enhancing local nonprofit spaces across Lackawanna County. From renovating the lobby of Griffin Pond Animal Shelter to upgrading the outdoor play area at United Neighborhood Centers’ Bellevue Child Care Center, each effort addressed real needs with lasting impact.

Other initiatives included converting an unused backstage area at IMAGINE NEPA into a functional space for performers, restoring the deteriorating train platform at Carbondale’s historic station, and designing peaceful meditation rooms at the Scranton Counseling Center (SCC). Together, these projects reflect the program’s mission to build leadership through service and strengthen the communities of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Scott served on the SCC Team that took two empty storage rooms and created two separate therapy/mediation rooms, one for adults and one for children and teens. She said she found the experience to be rewarding and helped her meet new, like-minded passionate individuals.

“My Leadership Lackawanna experience was deeply gratifying. I not only connected with 42 amazing new friends but also found a community passionately working to uplift neighborhoods, improve lives, and ensure homeless cats find loving homes,” said Scott. “Hearing that the clients of the SCC thrive in the new spaces we created made all the effort truly worthwhile.”

Cherundolo and Lukeski worked on the project team supporting United Neighborhood Centers’ Bellevue Child Care Center. They helped successfully raise approximately $15,000 through monetary and in-kind donations.

Cherundolo shared how the project positively impacted local youth and said the experience was deeply rewarding, noting that the team’s efforts truly paid off.

“The funding allowed us to renovate the outdoor play area for the children, add new musical toys, balance toys, chalkboards, and sandboxes, along with a privacy fence to enhance safety,” said Cherundolo. “Although the project required significant time and effort, seeing the children enjoy their improved play area made it all worthwhile.”

Reflecting on the experience, Lukeski emphasized the personal and professional growth he gained throughout the program.

“My time in Leadership Lackawanna forced us to rely on each other and build teamwork abilities. It became critical to treat it just as my position here at work, giving it the same time and care to get the most out of it while delivering the best possible outcome,” said Lukeski. “The project was challenging but very rewarding and it connected us to the local community. The 10 months of classes gave me new skills and ideas to utilize, as well as sharpen the ones I already had which I hope improves the performance of my teams and I here at Tobyhanna.”

Kasaczun echoed similar sentiments, highlighting both the professional development and sense of purpose he found through the program.

“The opportunity taught me valuable leadership skills and gave me a meaningful way to give back to my community,” said Kasaczun. “Overall, it was a rewarding and memorable experience.”

Kasaczun added that plans to bring the skills he honed through Leadership Lackawanna—such as empathy, compassion, mindfulness, and active listening—back to his role at TYAD. He aims to strengthen teamwork and foster a deeper sense of community within his team. Kasaczun also recognizes the value in knowing when to lead with words and when to lead by example, an approach he believes will help drive mission success.

With new skills, stronger networks, and a shared sense of purpose, these five professionals are well on their way to shaping a brighter future for both TYAD and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Image Descriptions:

Leadership Graduates: Tobyhanna Army Depot is proudly recognizing five ascending leaders who have graduated from Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program. Since its founding in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has trained more than 2,400 leaders and completed over 150 community projects.

Leadership Photo #1: Anne Cherundolo and Matthew Lukeski worked on the project team supporting United Neighborhood Centers’ Bellevue Child Care Center. They helped successfully raise approximately $15,000 through monetary and in-kind donations.

Leadership Photo #2: Tracey Scott served on the Scranton Counseling Center Team that took two empty storage rooms and created two separate therapy/mediation rooms, one for adults and one for children and teens.

Leadership Photo #3: John Kasaczun added that plans to bring the skills he honed through Leadership Lackawanna—such as empathy, compassion, mindfulness, and active listening—back to his role at Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Leadership Photo #4: Jesse Tutino said he was grateful for the opportunity TYAD provided him to develop a deeper understanding of the community he calls home.