The Chamber Welcomes New Employees: Day and Gambucci The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the hire of Maria Day as the new IGNITE Program Manager. IGNITE is the entrepreneurship program of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce As the IGNITE Program Manager, Day will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Lackawanna County. Her primary responsibility will include orchestrating strategic vision through innovative education, counseling, influential networking, and mentorship support. “The Chamber is thrilled to welcome Maria as the new IGNITE Program Manager,” shared Aaron Whitney, director of facilities and asset management. “With her understanding of entrepreneurship, she will propel the program to new heights, significantly contributing to the growth of businesses and job opportunities within our community.” Day holds a master’s degree in public administration from Marywood University. Prior to joining The Chamber, she worked as the Senior Undergraduate Admissions Counselor at Marywood University. She brings expertise and passion for fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems to her new role. Day shares, “I am very excited to be joining the Chamber! I am eager to work with The Chamber and IGNITE Program to expand local entrepreneurship and business opportunities.” Under Day’s leadership, the IGNITE program aims to provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs and startups in the greater Scranton area, accomplishing The Chamber’s mission of attracting, sustaining, and growing businesses in northeastern PA. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hire of Marla Gambucci as the new Communications Manager. In this role, Gambucci will serve as the primary graphic designer for The Chamber and its affiliate organizations, oversee content creation and management of social media accounts, maintain and update Chamber and affiliates’ websites, and provide invaluable support to Chamber events and programming. An alumna of Marywood University, Gambucci holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. “We are excited to welcome Marla to our Chamber team where she brings a fresh perspective to the every changing communications work space,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. Gambucci is a dance instructor and choreographer outside the Chamber at Carmel Ardito School of Dance. With Stephanie Ventura-Juarez’s departure, Gambucci assumes the role of communications manager. “The Chamber has allowed me to create art that makes a difference. I am excited to utilize my skills to impact the community, promote important values of business development, and help more people learn about The Chamber,” shared Marla Gambucci. Gambucci officially assumed her role as Communications Manager on February 26, 2024.
New Hires and Promotions at Scranton Counseling Center Promotions Melanie is the coordinator of intake and emergency services. She has been employed at Scranton Counseling Center since 2014. Prior to her position, Melanie worked as a case manager, and was part of Lackawanna County’s Mental Health Court Program. Additionally, she served as a crisis worker with the focus of helping those in urgent need throughout the area. Melanie believes in the leadership and the mission of Scranton Counseling Center to continue providing the utmost quality and compassionate care. Katlyn graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work from Bloomsburg University in 2020. She has been employed at the center since 2020 in the crisis and intake department. Currently, Katlyn is the coordinator of crisis services. She is passionate about helping individuals maintain their independence and get connected to needed services. New Hires Connie comes to Scranton Counseling Center as Controller of Finance. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting from King’s College and brings with her over 14 years of experience which includes a combination of public and private industry accounting. Doug has over 20 years of municipal and non-profit accounting and grant writing experience. He is responsible for grant writing, fund raising and community outreach for Scranton Counseling Center. Doug believes in building strong community partnerships and will work to promote the Center in Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties as well as the surrounding areas. He holds a BS in Accounting and a MBA in Business Management, both from Bloomsburg University. Tammy serves as the Program Coordinator of Katie’s Place Clubhouse through Scranton Counseling Center. She has a strong background working within the mental health field, community support, and other social service organizations throughout the community. She is passionate about serving youth and adults in their pursuit of wellness and independence. Ashley has worked in the mental health field for 20 years with adults, adolescents and children across inpatient, outpatient and residential settings. She has training in trauma-informed care and utilizes a collaborative and compassionate approach to counseling in an effort to foster hope, healing and resilience. Ashley is passionate and committed to providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment; one that fosters growth, healing and connection in the lives of the individuals we serve.
RailRiders Announce Promotions and New Hires The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are excited to announce key promotions and additions to their front office staff. Opening Day is March 31 and the team is gearing up for the new campaign with several promotions and hires across multiple departments. “The 2023 season will be here before we know it and we are thrilled to promote several staff members while also adding talent to our staff,” said Katie Beekman, General Manager of the RailRiders. “Any new season in Minor League Baseball always brings some change in every front office. We believe these promotions will put our staff in a tremendous place to succeed. Our new hires are primarily focused on expanding our ticket and premium sales departments to improve customer service and make it easier for fans to enjoy a game at PNC Field.” In December, Matt Hamilton was promoted to the role of Assistant General Manager. Kristina Knight was promoted to Senior Director, Partnership Management & Marketing. Ryan Long has been promoted to Senior Director of Stadium Operations and Dustin Spiegel is now the team’s Manager of Field Operations. Hamilton joined the RailRiders staff before the 2022 season as the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. He graduated from West Texas A&M University in 2010 and spent seven years as a news reporter and anchor before a transition to media sales. He joined the Amarillo Sod Poodles in 2018. In three seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks Double-A affiliate, Hamilton advanced from serving as a corporate partnerships executive to leading the department. In his new role with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Hamilton’s responsibilities will include overseeing corporate partnerships, premium sales, group sales and ticketing. Knight joined the RailRiders front office team in January 2006 as a Ticket Account Executive. After the announcement of the New York Yankees affiliation, she was promoted to Group Sales Manager. After one year in Group Sales, she was named Sponsor Service Manager. She was then promoted to the position of Senior Sponsor Service Manager. In addition to handling sponsorship accounts and activations, she will oversee the RailRiders Marketing and Game Day Entertainment. She is a 2001 graduate of Riverside Jr./Sr. High School and in 2005 earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Bloomsburg University. Long joined the RailRiders staff in January 2021 as Director of Ballpark Operations. He attended Lackawanna College, graduating with an Associate Degree in Sports Administration. He then went on to Misericordia, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Management. Long has over 15 years of experience, serving in buildings such as Comerica Park in Detroit, the American Airlines Center in Dallas and the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Spiegel has been with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since the 2019 season as the Assistant Groundskeeper. Before joining the RailRiders, he spent three years in the same role for the Lexington Legends in the South Atlantic League. Spiegel is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Turfgrass Management. In addition to these promotions, the RailRiders have added seven staff members to the front office over the last few months. Patrick Cawley has rejoined the RailRiders front office as the Director of Finance. He is a 2002 graduate of Pittston Area High School and a graduate of Misericordia University. During his time at Misericordia University, he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2007 and went on to complete his MBA in 2010. Cawley worked for SWB as their Senior Accountant from October 2020 through December 2021. Mark Ambrose joined the RailRiders in December as an Account Executive in Season Ticket Sales. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Recreation Management in 2021 and will finish his masters in Business Administration in 2023, earning both degrees from Keystone College. Ambrose, a Honesdale, PA, native was a member of the men’s basketball team as a walk-on from 2018 through 2021. Colby Emma has been hired as a Group Sales Executive. He grew up in Scituate, Rhode Island. He attended Clarkson University, where he received his bachelor’s degree, as well as attending Northeastern University, where he received his master’s degree in Sports Leadership. Spencer Barberree joins the staff as an Account Executive in Premium Sales. He is from Carlsbad, California, and after high school attended Texas A&M at Galveston, graduating in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies. During the 2022 season or shortly after, Anthony Daniel, Krista Lutzick and Dan Ross were added to the front-office roster in full-time positions. Daniel joined the RailRiders last summer as Account Executive in the Season Ticket Sales department. A native of Easton, PA, he attended East Stroudsburg University and majored in Sports Management. After graduating in 2021, he went on to work for Kevin Garnett’s Big Ticket Sports as their event operations intern. Lutzick was a Community Relations Intern at the beginning of the 2022 season and was hired as the Community Relations Manager in August. Originally from Northeast Pennsylvania, she moved to Nashville in 2013 to attend Belmont University to study the music business. She graduated from Belmont University in 2016 and worked in the music industry for seven years. Lutzick will graduate with her Master of Science in Sport Management from Liberty University this spring. Ross joined the franchise’s front office in January 2022 after serving as a sales intern for the 2021 season. In October, he was hired full-time as the Ticket Operations Manager. He is a native of Stroudsburg and attended East Stroudsburg University. Ross graduated from ESU in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Business Management. For more information on these personnel moves or the upcoming season, please contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-2255 or visit swbrailriders.com.
Settlers Hospitality Announces New Talent Settlers Hospitality recently announced the hiring of personnel for two key roles. James Kelly came on board as Corporate Executive Chef and Hannah Stachlewitz will serve as Executive Pastry Chef. Since he launched his culinary career 15 years ago at The Settlers Inn, James Kelly’s position as Corporate Executive Chef is a homecoming of sorts. He credits the experience with not only developing a passion for creating and executing high quality meals, but also for teaching and mentoring young cooks. He honed his skills in State College and Pittsburgh before taking a position at the acclaimed New York City restaurant, Babbo. There he helped the team reclaim their reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in the country, even earning a Michelin Star. Kelly’s love for Italian cuisine grew with chef positions at In Vino and Danny Meyer’s Maialino. That work laid the foundation for his success as Executive Chef at Babbo’s sister restaurant, Lupa Osteria Romana. Under his tenure, Lupa became a mainstay for pasta-focused Roman food, and was recognized by the New York Post and Eater. His renown even gained the attention of the Food Network, which provided the opportunity for Kelly to compete on the popular series, “Chopped.” In his role as Corporate Executive Chef, Kelly will lead a team of executive chefs to craft menus and oversee operations at all Settlers Hospitality restaurants and special events. Hannah Stachlewitz joins the Settlers Hospitality team after working in some of the finest restaurants and bakeries in the Pacific Northwest. Most recently she served as Pastry Chef for Kingtide Fish and Shell in Portland. Stachlewitz hails from Ann Arbor Michigan and earned a Certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts from Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. As Executive Pastry Chef, Hannah will create desserts, pastries, and breads for all the restaurants within the collection of Settlers Hospitality properties as well as custom order celebration and wedding cakes. “We are thrilled to add this depth and breadth of talent to our team at Settlers Hospitality,” explained CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. “In their respective roles James and Hannah will carry on the tradition of high quality and elevated cuisine people expect from us, while adding their own unique flavor. We’re excited about what they’ll bring to the table.”
Swift Kennedy Welcomes Administrative Assistant Casey Welby has been hired as an Administrative Assistant at the Scranton branch of Swift Kennedy & Associates, an insurance brokerage firm specializing in group employee benefits and senior insurance plans. Ms. Welby’s previous work experience includes serving as the Lead Training Manager at Precision Software Innovations and working as a cosmetologist at All That Pizazz. Ms. Welby graduated from Empire Beauty School in Moosic in 2002 and from Lackawanna Trail Junior-Senior High School in Factoryville in 2000. Swift Kennedy helps businesses find affordable employee benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and alternative funding options. This full-service agency works with all health insurance carriers in Pennsylvania and has offices in Scranton, Williamsport, DuBois, State College, Johnstown, and Virginia Beach.
Gunn-Mowery, LLC Hires Two New Employees Gunn-Mowery, LLC is pleased to welcome Samantha Hanlon and Kate Bear to the Gunn-Mowery, LLC team! Samantha joins the Gunn-Mowery team as a Personal Lines Assistant. In her role as a Personal Lines Assistant, Sam uses her skills to analyze the needs of our clients and recommend the best coverage for their specific needs. Sam graduated from Millersville University with a degree in Business Management. Upon joining the Upside she has successfully obtained her Property & Casualty license. Prior to starting her career in Insurance, Sam worked in the service industry for twenty years. Learn more about Samantha Hanlon by visiting her Meet the Team page on our website. Kate joins the Gunn-Mowery team as an Employee Benefits Specialist. As an Employee Benefits Specialist, Kate is responsible for servicing a designated group of customers, providing support to account executives and assisting with implementing and renewing group employee benefit plans. Kate started her career in the insurance industry right after high school where she obtained her Property & Casualty, Life and Health licenses. For the past 6 years, she worked at agencies in Maryland learning the ins and outs of Employee Benefits. Learn more about Kate Bear by visiting her Meet the Team page on our website.
Peoples Security Bank & Trust Announces New Executive Hires John PaganoThomas Guinan Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company (“PSBT”) is pleased to announce the following executive level appointments to its first business center in the state of New Jersey, which is slated for a public grand opening in October 2021. John J. Pagano, Senior Vice President, New Jersey Market Manager Pagano joins the team with over 27 years of banking experience specifically within the commercial real estate market, including the multifamily sector, MHPs, grocer-anchored retail, credit-anchored retail, self storage, industrial and medical office assets. Along with his proficient management capabilities in leading high-performing teams, Pagano holds designated concentrated experience in portfolio management and client retention. Within his management role, Pagano will be instrumental in cultivating the brand’s outward visible presence in the market. As the designated primary leader, his position will also entail proactively building long-term relationships with business owners and clients throughout the region. Prior to his hiring at Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Pagano served as Vice President/Relationship Manager at Lakeland Bank in Waldwick, NJ, in which he was responsible for originating, structuring, and negotiating commercial real estate loans throughout South Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Northern Delaware. Previously, he was appointed as Vice President at Oritani Bank in Cherry Hill, NJ, where during his tenure he structured and negotiated commercial real estate loans within the same geographic territory. Prior to that, as Vice President of Columbia Bank in Voorhees, NJ, Pagano was tasked with developing commercial real estate and construction loans while simultaneously establishing and overseeing relationships in South Jersey, as well as the Philadelphia Metro region. Pagano also held senior positions related to commercial lending activities at Amboy National Bank in Old Bridge, NJ, as well as the former United Jersey Bank (Summit Bank) in Princeton, NJ. Pagano earned an Associate of Science degree in Law Enforcement from Mercer County Community College, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Rider University. He also received a Certificate in Banking from the American Institute of Banking. A dedicated civic leader and passionate community volunteer, Pagano is a good standing member of the Mortgage Bankers Association. Vice Chairman & Class IV Member of the Florence Township Planning Board, he also holds active memberships with the Florence Township Environmental Commission and Florence Township Mayor’s Task Force on Affordable Housing. He is involved as a subcommittee member for the Former Roebling Steel Site Rezoning Committee, an assistant cubmaster and den leader for Roebling/Florence Pack 3, an assistant scoutmaster for Roebling/Florence Troop 3, and a fundraising chair for the Roebling Pack 3 Committee. Additionally, he is also a BSA-certified Merit Badge Counselor for the Garden State Council. Pagano is a resident of Florence, NJ. Thomas G. Guinan Senior Vice President, Senior Commercial Lender Guinan joins the team with over three decades of experience in managing complex portfolios within the commercial mortgage space, construction sector, and residential loan arena. Throughout the duration of his career, Guinan has excelled in creating precise financial solutions to stimulate substantial portfolio management growth to a wide variety of clientele throughout the Tri-State area, as well as Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. In his new executive management role, Guinan will be responsible for developing new commercial business activity in the form of lending, advisory, and treasury services for the regional market. Prior to his recruitment to Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Guinan was most recently named as Vice President, Relationship Manager at Lakeland Bank in Waldwick, NJ. Previously, he was a Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Office at ConnectOneBank in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. His work experience has also included serving as Executive President, Chief Lending Officer at Oritani Bank in the Township of Washington, NJ, and Senior Vice President – Commercial Lending Officer at Columbia Bank in Fair Lawn, NJ. Guinan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In his spare time, he enjoys serving as a Public Member of the Bergen County Bar Ethics Committee, a Trustee of the Bergen County Bar Foundation, and a Trustee of the Hackensack Golf Club. Guinan is a resident of Wyckoff, NJ. “The extraordinary talent and experience of these two professionals will provide depth and added value to our new and existing customers of Peoples Security Bank & Trust in the New Jersey market,” remarked Neal Koplin, Senior Executive Vice President – Chief Banking Officer. “With the support of a strong leadership team in John and Tom, we look forward to welcoming new customers and providing enhanced services to existing customers across this region in the near future.” For customers wishing to schedule a virtual or in-person meeting with either Mr. Pagano or Mr. Guinan before the business center opens in October 2021, they may email: john.pagano@psbt.com or thomas.guinan@psbt.com.
