The Wright Center: Hepatitis C, A Dangerous but Highly Treatable Disease By Dr. Jignesh Y. Sheth I’m here today to talk about a disease of grave seriousness — hepatitis. In recent years, the medical community has made significant strides in combating this global scourge. Still, much work remains, so I’m happy there are awareness events like World Hepatitis Day, which is celebrated on July 28. The day brings attention to viral hepatitis, which each year claims more than a million lives. Put simply, hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. There are five main types of hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. The one that gets the most attention is hepatitis C, an especially pernicious form of the disease that is contracted through the blood of an infected person. More than 4 million people in the U.S. have hepatitis C, with half of those cases undiagnosed. Hepatitis C can be contracted in several ways, including through sharing needles, equipment used for preparing or injecting drugs, sex, sharing personal items, or unregulated tattoos or piercings. A small percentage of infants are infected through their mothers. Most people with hepatitis C are saddled with a lifelong infection, which left untreated can cause severe health problems including chronic liver disease, liver failure, liver cancer and, in the worst cases, death. The trick is catching it in time, which can be difficult, since the disease tends to develop almost imperceptibly at first. When symptoms do take hold, they include jaundice, lack of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, dark urine, light-colored stool, joint pain, and fatigue. They usually appear within two to 12 weeks, but can take up to six months to develop. Given the severity of the disease, all adults ages 18 and older should be screened for hepatitis C at least once in their lives through a simple and easily available blood test. Among those at elevated risk who should be screened are baby boomers; people who had blood transfusions before 1992; people who have undergone long-term dialysis treatments; people who have used illicit drugs; people living with HIV; babies born to mothers diagnosed with hepatitis C; and sexual partners of anyone diagnosed with the disease. I want to emphasize that hepatitis C is a very treatable — even curable — disease, and I’m proud to say that we at The Wright Center are one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s leaders in treatment. People who test positive for the disease are treated with oral medications that help clear the virus from the bloodstream. About 90% of patients are cured after eight to 12 weeks of treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And there are many healthy habits patients can adopt to mitigate the disease’s progression, including reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, being careful with over-the-counter medications, and receiving regular medical care that includes monitoring for liver cancer. Besides incorporating testing, prevention, care, and treatment into our patient-centered medical home model approach, we also provide essential services like outreach, patient education, case management, and care coordination as a means of improving the health outcomes for patients living with the disease. Even if you don’t think you have hepatitis C, please make it a point to get tested sometime in the near future. Be proactive — it really can make all the difference. Jignesh Y. Sheth, M.D., FACP, MPH, is senior vice president and enterprise chief operations and strategy officer at the Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. He is dually board-certified in internal medicine and addiction medicine.
Geisinger to Launch State-of-the-Art Disinfection Devices in Hospitals Geisinger is deploying advanced ultraviolet (UV) disinfection devices across its hospital campuses, enhancing infection prevention efforts in patient care areas. These cutting-edge devices use UV light to eliminate harmful pathogens. They improve safety by disinfecting patient rooms following manual cleaning, specifically if the room was occupied by someone with an illness that can be spread. “Bringing UV disinfection technology into our hospitals is a powerful step forward in protecting our patients,” said Mark Shelly, M.D., medical director of infection prevention. “It’s not just about adding new tools. It’s about strengthening our commitment to safety and quality and doing everything we can to prevent hospital-acquired infections. A visibly clean surface is just the beginning. Because germs are invisible, they’re susceptible to UV light. This technology helps us take another meaningful step toward becoming a high-reliability organization, where safety is at the center of everything we do.” How the technology works Fast and effective: Disinfects rooms in just 12 to 30 minutes, depending on room size. Smart technology: Tracks usage and automatically adjusts UV light levels to ensure thorough disinfection, even in shadowed or hard-to-reach areas. Safe and secure: Operated exclusively by trained Environmental Services technicians. Rooms are clearly marked during use to ensure safety. Targeted use: Used in patient rooms previously occupied by someone with an illness that can be spread. Tested, trusted and now everywhere Following successful trials at Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, where the devices were integrated without disrupting patient flow, 16 of the devices are now being introduced systemwide. Stopping germs in their tracks The UV disinfection devices are effective against a wide range of pathogens, including: Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Staphylococcus aureus Pseudomonas aeruginosa Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) Acinetobacter baumannii Klebsiella pneumoniae Influenza A Norovirus
Circle Drive-In Upcoming Movie Showings This week at Circle Drive-In: Thursday, July 3rd Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm Screen One: “Jurassic World: Rebirth” (PG-13 – 2025) at 9:15 pm Screen Two: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm Friday, July 4th & Saturday, July 5th: Double Features Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm Screen One: “Jurassic World: Rebirth” (PG-13 – 2025) at 9:15 pm “M3GAN 2.0” (PG-13 – 2025) at 11:50 pm Screen Two: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm “Lilo & Stitch” (PG – 2025) at 11:30 pm Sunday, July 6th Circle Giant Flea Fair from 6:00 am – 2:00 pm (Vendor Gates at 5:00 am) New vendors are always welcome, no pre-registration required! Come out & sell your crafts, artisan items, homemade products, spring cleaning treasures & more – every Sunday! Learn more at circledrive-in/fleafair24. Sunday Night Movies Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm Screen One: “Jurassic World: Rebirth” (PG-13 – 2025) at 9:15 pm Screen Two: “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG – 2025) at 9:00 pm Our Concession Stand is open during every event! Stop in for your favorite cold drinks, candy, popcorn, freshly made pizza, burgers & more! Movie tickets, upcoming events, & additional information at circledrive-in.com. Other Upcoming Films: Wednesday, July 9th: 150 Years of Dickson City – FREE Community Movie Night featuring “Smokey & the Bandit” (1977 – PG) at 9:00 pm (Gates – 8:00 pm) Wednesday, July 23rd: 150 Years of Dickson City – FREE Community Movie Night featuring “American Graffiti” (1973 – PG) at 9:00 pm (Gates – 8:00 pm) Thursday, July 24th: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Presented by the Lackawanna Historical Society (1989 – PG-13) at 9:00 pm (Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm) Thursday, July 31st: “Dirty Dancing” Presented by the Lackawanna Historical Society (1987 – PG-13) at 9:00 pm (Gates & Box Office 8:00 pm)
Marywood University Adds Four New Members to Board of Trustees Lisa A. Lori, J.D., Marywood University President, recently announced that four people have been elected to Marywood’s Board of Trustees, including one trustee who previously served on the board. New members include Jill Dougherty, Washington, D.C.; Teresa Gavigan, J.D., Philadelphia, Pa.; Debbie Kuo, New York, N.Y., and Sister Karen Steinberg, IHM, Scranton. Trustees are elected for a three-year term, 2025-2028. Jill Dougherty, Washington, D.C. Ms. Dougherty is an expert on Russia. Currently an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University’s Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies, and a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., she also is a member of the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute Advisory Council. Ms. Dougherty served as CNN correspondent for three decades, including as CNN’s Moscow Bureau Chief for almost a decade. Her other postings included: White House correspondent; Foreign Affairs Correspondent covering U.S. State Department; U.S. Affairs Editor; and Managing Editor CNN International, Asia-Pacific, based in Hong Kong. She has pursued research on Russia and the media as a fellow at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, at the Wilson Center, and at the International Centre for Defence and Security in Tallinn, Estonia. Ms. Dougherty is a CNN on-air Contributor, commenting on Russia-related issues. Her articles, book reviews, and commentary have appeared in many national news and other publications. She hosts a blog on Russia issues sponsored by the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute, and she is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the World Affairs Council. Ms. Dougherty holds an MLS degree in International Relations from Georgetown University and a certificate of study from Leningrad State University, as well as Bachelor of Arts degree in Slavic Languages and Literatures from the University of Michigan. Teresa Gavigan, J.D., Philadelphia, Pa. Atty. Gavigan, Philadelphia, Pa., is an accomplished attorney and executive, as well as a nonprofit board leader, with expertise as a labor and employment attorney and managing human resources programs within Fortune 100 enterprises. She has served in executive leadership positions for human resource programs at corporations and nonprofit entities, including Sunoco, LP; Mercer; School District of Philadelphia; and as general counsel for Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. Atty. Gavigan has extensive board service and leadership experience, including, most recently, serving as Chair of the Board for Western National Parks Association, Grand Canyon Conservancy and Philadelphia Academies, Inc. as well as serving on the boards of Leadership Philadelphia, and Historical Society of Pennsylvania, among many others. She earned her Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in Taxation (L.L.M.) from Temple University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comprehensive Social Sciences and Librarianship from Marywood University. Debbie Kuo, New York, N.Y. Ms. Kuo, whose previous service was 1999-2008, rejoins the board. She is an experienced business, finance, and operations administrator with a demonstrated history of working in the fine art industry, including museums, auction houses, galleries, private and corporate collections. Ms. Kuo has worked at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, N.Y., for more than 23 years, and she presently serves as Senior Manager, Administration and Operations, Department of Greek and Roman Art. Additionally, she is the Owner/Designer of Kuo Ting Jewelry. Prior to her long career at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she worked at Sotheby’s coordinating major sales of Chinese works of art. Ms. Kuo, who is fluent in Chinese (Mandarin dialect), holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, Business Administration, and English from Marywood and acquired further education in Jewelry and Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology and in the Executive Development Program at Columbia Business School. Sister Karen Steinberg, IHM, Scranton, Pa. Sister Karen is an early childhood educator and summer camp director, who currently serves as the Student Teacher and Field Experience Supervisor and Summer Camp Director at St. Clare/St. Paul Elementary School in Scranton, a school at which she has served in various capacities for more than a decade. Certified in Montessori teaching, she also is skilled in parent communication and team development. She also taught at Sacred Heart Elementary School, Carbondale, Pa, and served as principal at Saint Rose Elementary School/Sacred Heart Elementary School, Carbondale, Pa. Additionally, Sister Karen taught at Our Lady of Grace Montessori School, Manhassett, Long Island, N.Y., and Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, Staten Island, N.Y. She holds a Certificate in Montessori Teaching from the Center for Montessori Training, College of New Rochelle, and a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration from Marywood University.
Marywood University, Area Residents Earn Commencement Medals Several recent Marywood graduates, who are area residents or natives of the region, earned Commencement medals from Marywood University at the May 2025 Commencement ceremony, including Katelyn Ainey, Jessup; Cassidy Asinski, Waymart; Ryan Coleman, Archbald; Megan Wolff Galko, Roaring Brook Twp.; Natasya Handijaya, Scranton; Olivia Kaschak, Archbald; Celeste Orchard, Lake Ariel; Elyse Rehder, Clarks Summit; Riley Skelton, Honesdale; Alexandra Taffera, Moscow; Anthony Viscomi, Scranton; Elizabeth Vito, Dupont, and Zachary Witte, Lakeville. Kaitlin Ainey, Jessup, was awarded the Medal for Excellence in Psychology, founded by the Psychology Club in honor of Sister M. St. Mary Orr, IHM, and Sister M. Bernardina McAndrew, IHM. Cassidy Asinski, Waymart, was awarded the Sister Maria Laurence Maher Medal for Excellence in Biological Studies, founded in memory of Sister Maria Laurence Maher, IHM, by her family. Ryan Coleman, Archbald, who was co-valedictorian of the Class of 2025, was awarded the Kappa Gamma Pi Medal for General Excellence and the Tama Medal for Excellence in Mathematical Studies. The Kappa Gamma Pi Medal was established by the Scranton Chapter of Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society. The Tama Medal was founded by Mrs. Margaret Mary Tama Hovell and Dr. Judith Tama Page, in memory of their parents, John and Margaret Tama. He also received honorable mention for the Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie Medal for Excellence in Secondary Education, founded by Elizabeth Young Arvad, M.D. Megan Wolff Galko, Roaring Brook Twp., was awarded the Walton Medal for Excellence in Public Administration, founded by Dr. Clarence C. and Elizabeth Walton. Nastasya Handijaya, Scranton, was awarded the Philip E. Mulry Medal for Excellence in Chemistry, founded by the Mulry family in memory of Philip E. Mulry, Sr. Olivia Kaschak, Archbald, was awarded the Sister M. Charitas Loftus Medal for Excellence in Poetry, founded by Jemille A. Zaydon and Friends and Alumni. She received honorable mention for the J. Harold Brislin Medal for Distinction in Creative Writing,founded by the late Gene Brislin, in memory of her husband, J. Harold Brislin, a Pulitzer Prize Winner. Celeste Orchard, Lake Ariel, was awarded the Nemotko Medal for Distinction in Nursing, founded by Mrs. Anthony J. Nemotko, in memory of her husband, Anthony J. Nemotko. Elyse Rehder, Clarks Summit, was awarded the Sister Regina Barrett Medal for Excellence in Early Childhood Education, established in honor of Sister Regina Barrett, IHM, by Superintendent Patricia C. Leamy Riley Skelton, Honesdale, was awarded the Shaffer Medal for Nutrition and Dietetics, founded by C. Norman Shaffer, LL.D., in memory of Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart Walsh, IHM, and Sister Margaret Mary Howley, IHM. Alexandra Taffera, Moscow, was awarded the Judith Piznar Medal for Leadership and Service to Youth, founded in memory of Judy Piznar, Class of 1990. She also received the Rosemary Carroll Kazimer Medal for Excellence in Elementary Education, founded by Dr. Mary Louise Keeney in honor of Mrs. Kazimer. Anthony Viscomi, Scranton, was awarded the Sister M. Sylvia Morgan Medal for Pre-Medical Studies, founded by Elizabeth Young Arvad, M.D. Elizabeth Vito, Dupont, was awarded the Mary Grace Loughney Flynn ’39 Medal for Excellence in Music, established by Sister Elizabeth R. Loughney, IHM. Zachary Witte, Lakeville, was awarded the Sister M. Margrete Kelley Medal for Distinction in Service, founded by Anna G. Kirby in memory of her sister, Sister M. Margrete Kelley, IHM. He also received the Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie Medal for Excellence in Secondary Education, founded by Elizabeth Young Arvad, M.D.
Peoples Security Bank and Trust Announces Lancaster County Branch Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company (“PSBT”) is pleased to announce plans to open its first location in Lancaster County. The new full-service branch will be located at 2343 Oregon Pike in Manheim Township, in the Shoppes at Landis Valley, occupying a former bank building. “We’re excited to bring PSBT to Lancaster County,” said Gerard Champi, CEO. “This expansion reflects our commitment to long-term growth and our belief in the strength and potential of this market. We look forward to building strong, lasting relationships with individuals, families, and businesses throughout the region.” This location marks PSBT’s 40th branch and its second in Central Pennsylvania, joining an existing location in Lebanon. The new branch will offer a full range of banking services and will be staffed by a team of six local professionals with more than 100 years of combined banking experience. “The team we’ve assembled brings deep roots and strong relationships in the Lancaster area,” said Jeffrey Drobins, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “We’re proud to offer a seamless banking experience from professionals who live, work and care about the community.” Regulatory approvals for the new branch have been received from both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. The branch is projected to open in the Fall of 2025.
Tobyhanna Employees Strengthen Service Skills through Leadership Lackawanna 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.
Geisinger Medical School Bestowed AAMC’s ‘Star Award’ The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) announced that Lisa Holtz, MD, the Geisinger School of Medicine’s regional associate dean for the Northeast, was honored as the recipient of its GRMC Shining Star Award for Educational Innovation. GRMC is AAMC’s Group on Regional Medical Campuses. Its purpose is to foster professional growth and development, information sharing, communication, and discussion of key issues among administrators, staff, and faculty of regional medical campuses. GRMC recognizes the increasingly important role regional medical campuses serve in preparing tomorrow’s doctors. Dr. Holtz receive the award on June 2 at the GRMC Regional Conference in Kansas City. GRMC “Star” awards recognize the significant efforts of regional medical campuses to develop programs that help students and strengthen ties with the communities they serve. Dr. Holtz received the Star of Educational Innovation, awarded to a Regional Medical Campus (RMC) which has achieved a sustainable and measurable educational impact. Of particular interest to the GRMC are innovative education models which: provide value-added experiences to complement the medical curriculum and utilize a research methodology to derive evidence-based standards for documenting benefits and impact. The award goes to the recipient who has demonstrated consistent positive impact for their program over time and where there may be reproducibility by other campuses. “I’m proud that Geisinger’s regional campuses have become a model for schools nationwide,” Dr. Holtz said. “The Star award not only recognizes how our regional campuses enhance our Geisinger focus on population health, but it also acknowledges the ways regional campuses add value to the medical student experience. Our medical school has been an innovator in medical education since its founding. It was a true honor to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Geisinger who makes our college such an incredible place to learn.”
The Dime Bank, Dimeco Inc. Declares Cash Dividend The Board of Directors of Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC) declared a dividend of $0.42 per share, payable on July 24, 2025, to shareholders of record July 11, 2025. This dividend is 5.0% increase, or $0.02, over the dividend declared in June 2024. Based on the closing stock price of $36.56, this represents a dividend yield of 4.60%. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “This dividend acknowledges our shareholders’ unwavering support and investment in Dimeco, Inc., underscoring our commitment to them. We are dedicated to sustaining our growth and profitability, and to consistently providing our valued customers with exceptional financial products and services.” Source: Dimeco, Inc. / Contact: Deborah Unflat / June 27, 2025
The Wright Center, Chelsea Chopko Recognized as ‘Rising Star’ In Pennsylvania Chelsea Chopko, chief of administrative support to the president and CEO at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, was one of 40 individuals under the age of 40 in Pennsylvania to be honored as a “Rising Star” by City & State Pennsylvania during a reception in Harrisburg. Each year, the multimedia news organization honors these individuals who work in Pennsylvania government, politics, and advocacy. “Rising Star” members have already distinguished themselves in the eyes of their colleagues and are on their way to amassing many more noteworthy accomplishments. At The Wright Center, Chopko is the operational engine behind the enterprise’s most critical leadership workflows and mission-driven projects. Whether aligning schedules across numerous departments, coordinating sensitive communications, supervising eight administrative assistants, or supporting community outreach, she performs with poise, precision, and a rare blend of warmth and drive. Since joining The Wright Center six years ago, Chopko’s influence has grown in tandem with her title. What began as a role rooted in executive assistance has blossomed into one of trusted partnership and strategic insight. Her work spans the entire enterprise’s more than 677 employees, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every team member – from physicians, clinicians, physician residents and fellows to administrators and front-desk staff – is supported. “Chelsea Chopko is the exemplary of leader every organization hopes to have – thoughtful, brilliant, kind, inspiring, driven, unflinchingly dependable, and deeply mission-aligned,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “Her well-deserved recognition is a reflection not only of her personal excellence, but also of the high standard she sets for all of us at The Wright Center. We are immensely proud of her and most grateful to have Chelsea on our team.” She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Marywood University. Most recently, she completed the University Scranton Kania School of Management’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. Chopko and her husband, Craig, live in Greenfield Township with their children, Roman, 9, and Isabel, 2.
