2024 Graduates of Leadership Lackawanna Executive Program Leadership Lackawanna is proud to announce the 2024 graduates of its Executive Program. Leadership Lackawanna’s six-week Executive Program, sponsored by Comcast Business, deeply engages high-level professionals in the greater Scranton region, broadens their social network, and increases their overall knowledge of the community. It accepts applications from professionals in an executive-level (director or higher) position with extensive industry experience and demonstrated career progression. “Our mission at Leadership Lackawanna is to enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of our participants,” said Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna. “I’m confident the 16 individuals in this year’s Executive Level Program gained valuable insight into our mission and that they forged lasting connections that will strengthen them, both personally and professionally. It is my sincere hope that they will take these benefits and use them to positively impact the community!” This year, participants meet key business and community leaders as they receive an overview of Lackawanna County’s history and culture, economic and political structures, community events, civic groups, recreational activities, and nonprofit organizations. Sessions were held one evening per week for six consecutive weeks at various locations in the greater Scranton community, including cocktails and dinner. The 2024 Executive Program graduates include: Jen Azarowicz, Plaskolite Dana Bilotta, Tobyhanna Army Depot Bonnie Carone, Geisinger Community Medical Center Nick Coleman, Geisinger Health Sarah Effertz, Blu Elefante Events Kyle Gattuso, PNC Bank Maggie Hawk, Hawk Family Foundation Doug Hein, Scranton Counseling Center Kristin Hudspeth, PeoplePro Advisors Alexandra Kusoffsky, Alleima Maggie Martinelli, Scranton Area Community Foundation Al O’Donnell, Scranton School District Adam Ropati, The Dime Bank Frank K. Sweeney, Scranton Rent All Corp Ruth Turkington, Fidelity Bank Aimee Wechsler, The Wright Center for Community Health
2024–25 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class Announced The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the 2024–25 class of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT)—a transformative program that prepares high school juniors for leadership roles in their communities. 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. “This year, we are proud to welcome these 67 remarkable teens into the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program. We’re hopeful they’ll use the skills and knowledge they gain over the next seven months to positively impact their schools and communities as confident and capable young leaders,” shared Jen Strzelec, program coordinator for Leadership Lackawanna. The TLT program provides these young leaders with unique opportunities to develop critical leadership, interpersonal, and managerial skills. Throughout the program, students will engage 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: Addison Daiute Aidan Tinney Andrew McDonald Anthony Betti Audrey Agnello Ava Roberto Ava Strzelec Ava Wisnosky Benjamin Reese Benjamin Kulikowski Brendan Korty Charlie Stampien Emily Atonal Emily Grover Emily Loomis Emma Guse Emmelia Rucks Gabriella Dennis Gabrielle Jordan Gavin Roberts Gianna Vachino Grace Bennett Isabelle O’Brien Jaiden Trunzo James Prislupski Joseph Griffin Joshua Cuck Julia Noto Kate Peters Kathryn Apolinario Kathryn O’Hora Katie Gutekunst Kaylyn Davis Kelsey Smith Kevin Vincent Khloe Mistishin Kiera Crowell Kiley Williams Krithika Krishnan Lauren Bartell Lindsey Bartell Luke Warring Madeleine Mackarey Madelyn Battaglia Madison Hallock Madison Smith Maryn Kukuchka Matther Kirchner Mia Peregrim Molly Carter Molly Banik Mya Cesarini Natalia Ghirelli Natalie Talluto Natalie Puckett Nathan Beecham Nmesoma Udoye Nora Crambo Olive O’Rourke Olivia Lawler Olivia Lach Raphael Thomas Ryan DeMarco Sona Hanumali Timmy Fogley William Murphy Wyatt Barucky
Leadership Lackawanna Announces 2024–25 Core Program Class The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2024–25 met on Thursday, September 12, for their first session, which included an orientation and an introduction to leadership basics held at PLASKOLITE in Scranton. Leadership Lackawanna strives to enhance emerging and established leaders’ skills, connections, and knowledge, strengthening our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Core Program Class participants: Amy Fotta, Marywood University Anne Cherundolo, Tobyhanna Army Depot Anne Marie Matles, Maximus Federal Services Belsy Gutierrez, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Brian Kasperowski, Nunzi’s Advertising Chrissy Grunza, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA Christa DeSanto, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Inc. Colleen Burns, NEPA Alliance Corey Walsh, Penn East Federal Credit Union Danelle McClanahan, Lackawanna College Jordan Fritz, Johnson College Danithza Farrell, FNCB Bank, a Division of Peoples Security Bank & Trust Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton Eric Montella, Fidelity Bank Erin Nissley, The Wright Center for Community Health & Graduate Medical Education Holly Warren, Izzy’s Pizzeria Jackie Caraballo, SCHOTT North America, Inc. Jennifer Mylott, ESSA Bank & Trust Jennifer Nagy, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Jesse Tutino, Tobyhanna Army Depot Jessie Magnot, Commonwealth Charter Academy John Kasaczun, Tobyhanna Army Depot Jordan McAndrew, Montage Mountain Resorts Kaitlyn Charles, NBT Bank Kathiannie Tavera, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Kelly McLaud, Penn East Federal Credit Union Kyle Linko, CTCLC Lisa Valentine, The Honesdale National Bank Mallory Coyne, United Concordia Mariam Abugri, P&G Marla Gambucci, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Matthew Lukeski, Tobyhanna Army Depot Matthew Pelucacci, Tobyhanna Army Depot Meghan Pace, Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Pennsylvania Michael Kohut, Benco Dental Morgan Sewack, Penn State Scranton Paul Dumas, Times-Shamrock Communications Raelynn McCafferty, The Wright Center for Community Health Renee Stella, Greater Scranton YMCA Sidney Johnson, Tobyhanna Army Depot Tracey Scott, Tobyhanna Army Depot Zachary Boniello, Cornerstone Building Solutions Nicole A. Morristell, executive director, shares, “I’m excited for the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. This year’s participants have accomplished great things in their past and I look forward to seeing how they will utilize the leadership skills they acquire over the next ten months.” In Leadership Lackawanna’s 10-month Core Program, participants gain direct and indirect leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills, as well as an enhanced understanding of the issues relevant to the Greater Scranton region, through monthly sessions. Areas of focus can include community development, economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, history and media, with sessions featuring widely recognized specialists. Members of the class also devote a large portion of their time to develop and implement community projects, hence enhancing their leadership abilities, fostering teamwork and benefiting local nonprofit organizations. Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program accepts applications from candidates who live, work or play in Lackawanna County. ATTACHED PHOTO: FRONT Jackie Caraballo, SCHOTT North America, Inc.; Amy Fotta, Marywood University; Holly Warren, Izzy’s Pizzeria; Belsy Gutierrez, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; Jennifer Mylott, ESSA Bank & Trust; Lisa Valentine, The Honesdale National Bank; Renee Stella, Greater Scranton YMCA; Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton; Anne Cherundolo, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Sidney Johnson, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Brian Kasperowski, Nunzi’s Advertising; Chrissy Grunza, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA; Danithza Farrell, FNCB Bank, a division of Peoples Security Bank & Trust; Raelynn McCafferty, The Wright Center for Community Health; Kelly McLaud, Penn East Federal Credit Union MIDDLE Morgan Sewack, Penn State Scranton; Meghan Pace, Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Pennsylvania; Colleen Burns, NEPA Alliance; Jessie Magnot, Commonwealth Charter Academy; Kathiannie Tavera, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania; Anne Marie Matles, Maximus Federal Services; Jennifer Nagy, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education; Corey Walsh, Penn East Federal Credit Union; John Kasaczun, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Marla Gambucci, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Christa DeSanto, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Inc.; Tracey Scott, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Kaitlyn Charles, NBT Bank BACK Danelle McClanahan, Lackawanna College; Jordan Fritz, Johnson College; Kyle Linko, CTCLC; Jordan McAndrew, Montage Mountain Resorts; Mallory Coyne, United Concordia; Erin Nissley, The Wright Center for Community Health & Graduate Medical Education; Zachary Boniello, Cornerstone Building Solutions; Eric Montella, Fidelity Bank; Paul Dumas, Times-Shamrock Communications; Jesse Tutino, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Michael Kohut, Benco Dental; Matthew Lukeski, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Mariam Abugri, P&G; Matthew Pelucacci, Tobyhanna Army Depot
Leadership Lackawanna Hosts Second Annual “Howl At The Moon” Dueling Piano Fundraiser Leadership Lackawanna, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce community leadership and professional development affiliate will host “Howl At The Moon” Dueling Pianos Fundraiser on Friday, October 18, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station in downtown Scranton. The event will occur outside under the heated trainshed and feature live entertainment, courtesy of the national “Howl At The Moon” dueling pianos group. Attendees are invited to sing, dance, and howl as versatile and talented musicians perform their favorite songs from 80’s rock, 90’s pop, and today’s dance hits on pianos and more in a high-energy show! The event will also feature basket raffles, a selfie station, games, food, fun, and more. Lauren Rusen, board member and events committee chair, shares, “For the second year, we will hold this event at the Radisson because it allows more people to enjoy this fantastic night of dancing, singing, and supporting a great cause! The space is perfect for this kind of event. Guests can come for the music, stay for the opportunity to win amazing prizes, and dance the night away.” All proceeds from the event will support Leadership Lackawanna’s mission of enhancing the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders in northeastern Pennsylvania—as well as supporting community service projects conducted by Leadership Lackawanna participants. Tickets are available online at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com and at the door. To learn more about Leadership Lackawanna, please visit www.LeadershipLackawanna.com.
Leadership Lackawanna Launches Applications for 2024-25 Executive Program July 29, 2024— Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces applications are open for the Executive Program. The six-week Executive Program deeply engages high-level professionals in the greater Scranton area, broadens their social network, and increases their overall knowledge of the community. Participants meet key business and community leaders as they receive an overview of Lackawanna County’s history and culture, economic and political structures, community events, civic groups, recreational activities, and nonprofit organizations. The Executive Program accepts applications from advanced-level professionals with a tenured career path and extensive leadership experience. Applicants must live, work, or play in Lackawanna County. Sessions are held one evening per week for six consecutive weeks starting Monday, September 23. The sessions are held at various locations and include cocktails and dinner. Applications are now open and will be accepted through August 31. To learn more about the Executive and all other Leadership Lackawanna programs, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrates Leadership Lackawanna Graduates Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is celebrating three new graduates of Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna is an affiliate of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce which aims to cultivate community leadership and professional development for individuals who live or work in Lackawanna County in Pennsylvania. Over a ten-month course, participants in the Core Program gather once a month for leadership development training with a variety of local professionals and specialists. In addition to monthly training, participants spend additional time out of class working on community projects that benefit local non-profit organizations. This year’s TYAD graduates are Electrician Scott Burti, Organizational Development Specialist Tara Floyd, and IT Project Manager Shaun Young. Each graduate expressed gratitude for the opportunity to network with individuals from other organizations and gain a broader perspective on the needs of the local community. Floyd noted that the unique nature of the Core Program led to her sending in her application. “I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from employees on their experience in the program,” Floyd said. “I like that the program combined monthly sessions learning about leadership principles with an applied project in the community.” Burti said the goal of both professional and personal growth are key to the program’s successes. “I met a group of extraordinary individuals whom I might not have crossed paths with otherwise and created lasting relationships,” Burti said. “Professionally, I gained more project management experience, honed my leadership skills, and have an increased confidence in my future impact to TYAD.” Throughout the program, each participant worked with other area professionals on projects across Lackawanna County that positively impacted local groups and organizations. Young and Burti worked in the same project group. The group worked on a renovation project for the Catherine McCauley Center whose mission is to serve those experiencing homelessness with housing programs, case management, and support services. “For this project, we renovated two rooms in the group home to create an inclusive and dignified space for families to remain together during a crisis,” Young said. “This program has made me more aware of the programs and efforts going on in my community, provided the opportunity to meet new members of my community, and contribute to my community.” “The home we undertook was in Scranton and served women and children experiencing homelessness,” Burti said. “We renovated two spaces, one for children and the other for teens. Both rooms are now freshly painted and furnished with new flooring throughout. They’re welcoming spaces where younger residents can find comfort while in transition.” Floyd’s group worked on creating a fitness space for Outreach – Center for Community Resources in Scranton. Outreach offers workforce and family development programs to support individuals and families facing some of life’s challenges. “Our team’s project was to provide a fitness center in their new building for adolescents and young adults to build healthy life frameworks,” Floyd said. “The team raised over $10,000 for the project and was able to purchase premium fitness equipment for the center.” All three participants encourage other members of Team Tobyhanna who may be interested in strengthening their leadership skills, networks, and connections to their community to participate in Leadership Lackawanna. “I highly encourage anyone interested in developing leadership skills and competencies to participate in the Leadership Lackawanna Core Program,” Floyd said. “The program allows for plenty of networking opportunities, learning about the local region and community, and executing a community service project to give back to individuals and support nonprofits in the area.” Young spoke highly of the skills strengthened by the program. “It is an opportunity to be more involved in your community while developing your own personal growth, potentially even becoming an active leader in your community,” Young said. “You will develop leadership, interpersonal, and project management skills that you can use professionally and personally.” Burti echoed the sentiments of both of his TYAD colleagues. “If you’re looking to grow professionally and/or personally, this program is for you,” Burti said. “The program will challenge you to get you outside of your comfort zone where true growth happens. Sign up and don’t look back!”
Episode Seventeen: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update The Chamber’s annual membership officially ends on Thursday, May 30. If you know of a business that is not a member of The Chamber, have them head over to www.JoinTheScrantonChamber.com to learn how they can save up to 30% off their first year. Did You Know? As part of your online portal, you can see the number of referrals to your business from The Chamber. Head over to ScrantonChamber.com, and on the top bar, click “Member Login”. Once you are logged in, click on “Additional Resources” and then “Referal Report.” Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Celebrating the Future Leaders of Tomorrow! The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce professional development and community leadership division, Leadership Lackawanna, celebrated 44 high school juniors who graduated from the organization Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) program. Tomorrow’s Leaders Today is sponsored by NBT Bank. Tomorrow’s Leaders Today is a seven-month program that develops the leadership, interpersonal, and managerial skills of high school juniors and provides real-world experiences in financial literacy, health care, STEAM, philanthropy, crime and corrections, nonprofit organizations, and community service. Class of 2024 participants: Dhruv Amin Jacob Antolick Ashley Bossick Giada Costa Joseph DiStasi Chloe Dong Gabriella Estadt Nicholas Giumento Abigail Harshbarger Joseph Healey Matthew Hill Cole Johnston Zachary Kovaleski Kylie Krzak Caroline Luyster Jordan Malar Jack Maloney Mandie Martin Isabelle Maurer Sarah McCullon Roland McLaine Isabella Moher Declan Moran Reese Morgan Clinton Muir Ivy Neureuter Sarah O’Brien Justin Osman Ava Page Dante Pallazari Margaret Pegula Anthony John Piestrak Abygale Plevyak Hope Polishan Gabriella Potis Lily Rozzi Elizabeth Schneider Gia Serge Akhilesh Velaga Ava Wallace Makayla Walton Nico Warhola Elizabeth Washine Faith Wormuth Throughout the program, students were engaged in various sessions facilitated by local organizations serving the greater Scranton area. In addition to invaluable lessons in the program focus areas, students were given the unique opportunity to engage with business leaders and network with students from 16 local schools. Their program culminated with the allocation of $15,000 in grant money from the Scranton Area Community Foundation to five deserving local nonprofits selected by the students. The nonprofits that received the 2024 grants are the Catherine McAuley Center, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, Keystone Mission, Lackawanna County Area Agency of Aging, and the Women’s Resource Center. In addition, each student completed five service hours for a total of 220 hours, dedicated to helping 8 local nonprofit organizations. Leadership Lackawanna’s TLT Program accepts applications from sophomores who attend high school in Lackawanna County and its surrounding areas, as well as all charter and technical schools and homeschool students. Learn more online at www.LeadershipLackawanna.org.
Episode Sixteen: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update The Lender Roundtable is on Thursday, May 16, at The Chamber. This event is ideal for business bankers, commercial loan officers, and economic development professionals. Come and learn how you can grow your small business portfolio. Celebration of Leadership is June 20 at the Scranton Hilton & Conference Center. Grab your tickets and congratulate the 41st class of the Core program. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
