University Of Scranton Nonprofit Leadership Program Accepting Applications For The 2026-27 Term

The University of Scranton is accepting applications for Cohort 6 of its Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program (NLCP), which will run from January 2027 through January 2028. The deadline to apply is June 12, 2026.

Applications can be submitted by visiting the Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center (NCAC) website at nepa-alliance.org/nlcp/.

The NLCP, housed in the Kania School of Management, is designed to be broad-based, hands-on and practitioner-focused to help high-potential nonprofit leaders tackle the pressing leadership challenges in organizations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Since the program’s inception in 2016, 87 nonprofit professionals from 65 regional organizations have graduated from the program. Cohort 5 included 19 community leaders who completed the program. The NLCP has created a network of high-performing individuals serving at nonprofit institutions, in addition to building an informal regional network of mentors and coaches for emerging nonprofit leaders.

Douglas Boyle, DBA’88, CPA, CMA, Accounting Department chair and founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program, noted the program fulfills a critical need in the region.

“The NLCP creates an ecosystem for new and emerging leaders to collaborate on solving an organizational challenge and strengthening their leadership skills,” Dr. Boyle said. “The cohort-based approach assures that by building strong relationships, each participant gains a network of peers with specialized skills that they can gain insights from long after graduation. The program assists the organizations with succession planning, nurtures future collaborations with the nonprofit sector and most importantly yields strong and resilient leaders.”

Sessions are led in-person by Kania School of Management faculty and peer group coaches with deep expertise in nonprofit management and practical leadership tools. The program includes work towards specific organizational and personal goals, peer group work, mentorship, and academic leadership components.

For additional information, visit the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program webpage or contact one of the NLCP co-directors: Kurt Bauman at kbauman@nepa-alliance.org; Jesse Ergott at jesse.ergott@scranton.edu.

Lackawanna County launches Broadband Internet Survey and Speed Test

Lackawanna County is taking steps to ensure that all residents and businesses in the county can connect to high-speed and reliable internet.

This initiative is part of the Lackawanna County Broadband Assessment Plan study, which is being conducted by the engineering firm HRG. The study is a multi-faceted project that will collect data and feedback over the course of several months to identify broadband service needs and focus future efforts on expanding internet service. A final study and report will outline the findings and proposed next steps with the long-term goal of ensuring reliable high-speed internet is available to everyone in the county.

As part of this effort, Lackawanna County is pleased to announce the launch of the Broadband Internet Survey and Speed Test, which will be administered by HRG. Participation in the survey is crucial to gain a better understanding of the user’s experience with internet service. All residents and businesses play a key part in the survey, as the data collected helps bridge the gap in broadband coverage and informs the county of potential broadband service needs.

What do residents and businesses need to do? Take the survey from your home or business using a wired or Wi-Fi connection that services your home or business. It’s important not to use your mobile phone data plan, as that will not measure your home broadband speed. At the end of the survey, a speed test will gather results on connectivity speeds. Once the speed test and survey are complete, simply click submit.

Starting on Monday, April 13, the survey and speed test will be available online at https://hrggis.github.io/LackawannaBroadband/ and also on the county website at www.lackawannacounty.org

Residents without internet access, or anyone unable to complete the online survey, can download a printable version from the county website or pick up a copy at their local library or municipal building.

The survey will take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete and will be open through July 13, 2026. For questions or comments, or to request a hardcopy by mail or email, contact internetsurvey@lackawannacounty.org.

Geisinger Doctor Named EMS Physician Of The Year

Geisinger’s Chris Berry, M.D., has been named the 2026 EMS Physician of
the Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Emergency Health
Services Council, an independent advisory committee to EMS agencies across the state.


Dr. Berry has been a physician in Geisinger Medical Center’s emergency room since 2024 and
is the associate medical director for Geisinger EMS. He personally responds to emergencies
using the Geisinger Physician Response Vehicle, working alongside EMS crews when not in the
emergency room, and is the medical director for multiple central Pennsylvania EMS agencies
and fire departments.


“I’m deeply grateful to receive this award from a community that means so much to me,” said
Dr. Berry. “EMS professionals provide lifesaving care and are a cornerstone of our community,
and it’s a real honor to be recognized by my colleagues in this way.”


The EMS Physician of the Year award is chosen through peer nomination and an EMS voting
committee. After reviewing nominations from across the state, the committee makes their final
choice based on the nominee’s contributions to the delivery of EMS, clinical leadership and
mentorship of EMS providers.


Mark Bertollo, emergency medicine services coordinator and award nominator, says, “Chris is
very good at what he does and is very involved — he does trainings and education, he will work
with EMS on his day off and he often invites hospital residents to join him to further their
education.”


Dr. Berry was honored at a ceremony at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville on May 5 and will
also be recognized at the Pennsylvania State Capitol building in Harrisburg during EMS Week,
May 17 to 23.


This year’s award is in honor of Deno Gualtieri, D.O., a Pennsylvania EMS physician, agency
medical director and emergency department director who passed away earlier this year.

Marywood University To Host Third Annual Veterans And Community Partners Wellness Summit

The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Veterans & Community Partners, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), and the Scranton Vet Center are presenting the Third Annual Veterans and Community Partners Wellness Summit at Marywood University on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at Nazareth Student Center.

This free, one-day conference will provide opportunities for continuing education and networking for healthcare professionals, community leaders, veterans, family members, and nonprofit organizations working directly with veterans in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Participants will connect, learn, and recharge through interactive wellness breakout sessions, supportive talks, and valuable networking opportunities. A light breakfast and a lunch will be provided.

Junior Achievement Of Northeastern Pennsylvania To Host Celebration Happy Hour

Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania had a successful year, impacting more than 13,000 students throughout the region. To celebrate another outstanding year of service and achievement, JA will host a Happy Hour Celebration on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Jonathan’s Deck Bar.

The cost to attend is $20 with pre-registration or $25 at the door. The evening will feature live music, appetizers, a cash bar, door prizes, raffles, and networking opportunities. Guests are encouraged to attend and celebrate JA’s continued impact on students across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

NEPIRC Announces Leadership Appointments And Promotions

NEPIRC, a not-for-profit technical assistance firm serving manufacturers across an 11-county region, has named Marla Hager Evans as its new President and CEO.

Hager Evans formally assumed her responsibilities in December 2025 after spending the past decade with the organization. She joined NEPIRC in 2016 as the Business Advisor for northern Luzerne County and has since taken on expanded leadership responsibilities in business development, strategic sales and marketing initiatives, and organizational growth. As President and CEO, she will continue overseeing and coaching NEPIRC’s Business Advisor team while guiding the organization through its next phase of transformation and long-term sustainability.

NEPIRC also announced the promotion of Leo Gilroy to Senior Director of Training and Consulting Services. Gilroy brings more than 40 years of experience in the manufacturing and Department of Defense sectors, with expertise spanning engineering, product and business development, marketing, and sales. Throughout his career, he has helped more than 3,500 professionals strengthen leadership and project management skills through relationship building, emotional intelligence, and performance coaching.

Additionally, Charles Wallinger joined NEPIRC as Controller in December 2025. Wallinger brings more than 35 years of experience in finance and accounting within governmental, grant-funded, and nonprofit organizations. His background includes working closely with boards of directors and executive leadership teams to strengthen financial management and organizational accountability.

“Leo and Charles are both seasoned, experienced leaders who have already brought so much value to our organization,” said Hager Evans. “They are aligned with NEPIRC’s mission and are in tune with the evolving needs of our clients, funders, and partners. We are thrilled to recognize Leo with this well-deserved promotion and look forward to the positive impact Charles will make on NEPIRC in the months and years ahead.”

The Wright Center Names New Vice President, Enterprise Chief Operating Officer

An experienced health care executive with deep ties to Northeast Pennsylvania has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education as its vice president and enterprise chief operating officer.

David Hall will oversee all business operations within The Wright Center, working closely with clinical and administrative leadership. He will play a key role in developing and implementing enhanced clinical delivery models supporting innovative care redesign in the communities served by The Wright Center.

Hall earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and allied health sciences from Bloomsburg University and a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in health care administration from Eastern University. He has been a certified medical practice executive since 2018.

Before joining The Wright Center, Hall served as the chief executive officer of Hazleton-based DermDox, a division of Seven Isles Capital, and as the chief operating officer of Mission Autism Clinics in Hazleton, also a Seven Isles Capital division. He has also held leadership roles, including associate vice president at Guthrie Medical Group in Sayre, further building his experience in advancing patient-centered care within community-focused, nonprofit systems. He resides in Beach Lake, Wayne County.

The Wright Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1976, The Wright Centers for Community Health, Graduate Medical Education, and Patient & Community Engagement are a physician-led, community-owned nonprofit and a cornerstone of health care in the region. The organization employs more than 677 professionals – including nearly 200 resident and fellow physicians – and trains more than 200 interprofessional health care learners each year.

In fiscal year 2024-25, The Wright Center served about 38,300 unique patients across its growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, as well as its mobile medical and dental unit, Driving Better Health. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike and safety-net provider, The Wright Center serves all patients, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay.

Dave & Buster’s Offering Double Game Play

Dave & Buster’s is helping groups level up the fun this summer with a special limited-time promotion for hosted events.

Groups that host an event by August 31, 2026 will receive double gameplay on every Power Card purchase of $25 or more, in addition to already discounted special event Power Cards. The offer provides added value for team outings, client appreciation events, camp groups, summer socials, and other group gatherings without increasing overall event spending.

Organizations and groups are encouraged to take advantage of the promotion while planning their upcoming summer events and celebrations.

Fidelity Bank, Ruth Turkington Promoted To Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer

Dunmore, PA – May 13, 2026 – Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce that Ruth Turkington has been promoted to Chief Banking Officer.

Turkington joined Fidelity Bank in May 2023 as EVP, Chief Consumer Banking Officer, bringing more than two decades of executive leadership in banking, digital transformation, and client-focused strategy.

In her new role, Turkington will continue to drive Consumer Banking, encompassing Branch, Client Care Center and Digital channels, along with Residential Mortgage and Consumer Lending. She continues to lead Marketing, Retail Learning and Development, along with the oversight of Deposit Operations and Digital Banking, further broadening her influence within the bank. This new title reflects both the pivotal role Turkington plays and her unwavering commitment to shaping Fidelity Bank’s future success.

In making the announcement, Santaniello stated, “Ruth’s strategic approach to innovation, ability to foster strong relationships both internally and externally, unwavering integrity, and proven track record of success make her exceptionally well-suited for this role.” He continued, “We look forward to seeing the many ways Ruth will continue to drive our bank forward.”

A dedicated community leader, Turkington serves on the boards of St. Joseph’s and NEPA Junior Achievement.

SBA Launches $1 Million Patriot Pitch Competition To Showcase Americas Entrepreneurs

U.S. Small Business Administration recently launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national initiative celebrating 250 years of American free enterprise and the small businesses driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth across the country.

The competition features a $1 million cash prize pool funded by Clover Network, Inc. and is open to eligible small businesses that represent American innovation and opportunity while utilizing qualifying SBA capital products.

“The SBA is proud to spotlight the legacy and potential of entrepreneurship through the Patriot Pitch Competition,” said Kelly Loeffler, SBA Administrator. “This nationwide contest will award a total of $1 million in cash prizes to small businesses whose innovation, grit, and leadership are helping build America’s next great era of strength, prosperity, and competitiveness.”

The Patriot Pitch Competition will include four stages of judging, with submissions evaluated on strengthening American competitiveness, innovation and industry impact, delivering economic opportunity and quality jobs, and demonstrating strong business fundamentals and execution readiness.

The competition will culminate in a live finals event in Washington this September, where finalists will present before a panel of judges and a national audience for the opportunity to win a share of the prize pool. The event will also feature speakers from business, government, and industry, along with networking opportunities, supplier matchmaking, and connections with investors and policymakers.

Small business owners interested in participating are encouraged to apply by June 10. Additional information regarding eligibility, competition stages, and event details can be found at SBA Freedom 250