2024 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient Announced The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Deborah Kolsovsky, executive vice president and regional director for PNC Institutional Asset Management®, as the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. The ATHENA Award, sponsored locally by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants, honors an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals, and leadership skills. Kolsovsky embodies these characteristics wholeheartedly. For 34 years, Kolsovsky has made significant strides as a leader, mentor, and strategic partner at PNC and in the greater Scranton community. As the Northeast regional director, Kolsovsky leads teams in Boston, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Pennsylvania; one-third of PNC’s Institutional business revenue is generated under her direction. She provided the solution to build out PNC’s Outsourced Chief Investment Officer. A champion for women in the workplace, she has hired and mentored several who now hold leadership positions throughout the financial institution. “I can think of no more deserving recipient of this prestigious award than Debbie Kolsovsky,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “Her accomplishments in the professional arena are only matched by her long and rich history of community service throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Congratulations Debbie!” In the community, Kolsovsky is the immediate past chair of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the executive and DEI committees. She is the senior vice chair of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Counites; a vice chair for The Wright Center for Community Health; a board member for Johnson College and Geisinger Northeast; and a Circle 200 member. Kolsovsky is active with the Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA, taking opportunities to turn girls into young women. The ATHENA Award will be presented to Kolsovsky at The Chamber’s International Women’s Day Breakfast on Friday, March 8. This event is sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank and will be in partnership with Dress for Success Lackawanna. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ScrantonChamber.com. The ATHENA Award was first presented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan, and has grown to include presentations to more than 5,000 individuals in hundreds of cities in the United States as well as in Canada, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The award takes the form of a hand-cast bronze sculpture, symbolizing the strength, courage, and wisdom of the recipient. The ATHENA Award® Program is nationally underwritten by General Motors and National City Bank. PHOTO: Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Donna Barbetti; Deborah Kolsovsky, ATHENA Award recipient; Mari Potis, director of membership and events, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Kristine Augustine, Vice President of Membership and Marketing, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.
New High Touch Service Hotel Opens in Pocono Mountains Service is about to take on a whole new meaning in the Pocono Mountains. The Swiftwater broke ground on January 5th, 2023, and began site work in August of 2022 with the promise of bringing an unfulfilled desire for a contemporary high touch hotel to the Poconos. The Trapasso family has owned and operated Desaki restaurant in the Pocono Mountains since 2008. Over the years they saw the need for a new type of hotel in the Poconos which included concierge service and a boutique experience. Years in the planning, The Swiftwater, will be the culmination of research, experience, and a passion for hospitality. The new hotel experience will include: Swiftwater Signature Service A Concierge Level Contemporary Yet Authentic Design 6 Plunge Pool Suites Breakfast & Cocktail Lounge Indoor/Outdoor Heated Pool Executive Meeting Room Private Garden Patio Rooms will be thoughtfully appointed with: Frette Linens 65-inch smart TVs Lightning-Fast Wi-Fi Double Bathroom Vanities Extra Sound Proofing High-Pressure Showers This level of luxury will be new to the Pocono Mountains and the Trapasso family is eager to share their expertise in hospitality with the surrounding areas. “We want our guests to feel that their every need is being met when they stay at The Swiftwater”, says owner Dante Trapasso, “our commitment to exceptional service will be a cornerstone of the hotel.” Sharing the local businesses that make the Pocono Mountains special is an area they plan to focus on. “We live in a beautiful area with amazing natural amenities and great activities. We plan to help curate experiences for our leisure guests and corporate retreats that highlight our community partners and bring awareness to the beautiful area we call home; the Pocono Mountains” shared Dante. The hotel is accepting bookings for May 1st and beyond. For more information or to book your stay check out TheSwiftwater.com.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Names Supervisor of the Quarter Since joining Team Tobyhanna, Paula Mesaris has worked in multiple positions and pursued continuous learning opportunities whenever possible. Due to her effective leadership skills and strong body of work, she has been honored as Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) latest Supervisor of the Quarter. Mesaris came to TYAD in 2006 following a job as a postal worker. She began her depot career working in what was then a combined safety and environmental office. After 10 years in that position, she was named Chief of what is now the Environmental Branch in November of 2016. Mesaris and her team manage all of the environmental compliance programs for TYAD while also focusing on sustainability and conservation. They strive to ensure the depot remains in compliance with federal, state, and U.S. Army regulations in regard to cultural resources, hazardous waste, natural resources, pollution prevention, energy, pest management and solid waste/recycling programs. Under Mesaris’ leadership, the environmental team earned the 2023 Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for water resiliency through wastewater treatment technology. This award comes in addition to the Secretary of the Army Energy and Water Management Award for Exceptional Achievement in Water Efficiency the depot received in February 2023. Additionally, she oversaw TYAD’s participation as an Army Pilot site for a cooperative program centered on Environmental Justice which included representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force. Mesaris has also spearheaded multiple depot clean-up events, to include the 2023 Earth Day clean up event. During this event, 110 members of Team Tobyhanna collected 142 bags of trash with other debris such as metal, wood, plastic, rubber, etc. Mesaris said when she got the news about receiving the award, it came as a big surprise. “It is such an honor. I was very surprised. It was very unexpected,” said Mesaris” “You kind of just go about your job and then when something like this happens it is nice that somebody notices that your team is performing well.” Mesaris thanked her team above all, saying that no supervisor can earn such an award without a strong group of people around them. “When you look back, you don’t remember the tasks you did over the years, you remember the people you worked with. I don’t think anybody can win this award without a really awesome team and I’m very blessed to have one,” said Mesaris. We have a lot of new team members that are very gung-ho and are very environmentally conscious. They are about their job and about serving the depot and it is just a great pleasure to have a team like that. They make it pleasant to come into work because I have people that care.” Environmental Engineer Amalia Thomas praised Mesaris for her strong leadership skills and people-first mentality. “Paula is a fantastic and dedicated supervisor. She always has a happy face on and is always willing to help you out,” said Thomas. “She strives for growth of her employees and has the utmost respect for her colleagues. Paula is there when you need her.” Mesaris said she has always been a strong proponent for pursuing learning opportunities. Throughout her career, she has been involved with the Combined Federal Campaign, COVID Trace Team, TOBY2035 Line-of-Effort teams, the Peer-to-Peer program and more in addition to her typical duties in the spirit of learning as much as she can. She is actively in the process of earning her master’s degree from Marywood University to go alongside her bachelors degree from the same school. Mesaris credited the strong leadership she has received throughout her career as her reason for trying new things. “I have always had really great support from my leadership teams,” said Mesaris. “I’ve always received encouragement to take a leap and pursue something that was out of my comfort zone. Having mentors like that definitely helped and made an impact on me throughout my career.” TYAD’s Chief of Public Works James Wisnewski serves as Mesaris’ supervisor. He lauded her for being incredibly reliable and willing to do what it takes to get the job done. “Paula is an exemplary employee, mission minded, organization focused and willing to go to great efforts to ensure TYAD’s success,” said Wisnewski. She is a well-respected and dependable member of TYAD’s supervisory workforce and is always willing to assist without hesitation.” The Supervisor of the Quarter award – and its companion Employee of the Quarter awards – are TOBY2035 initiatives aligned with the Invest in Our People line of effort. The plan, which has three additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
RailRiders Add Five to Front Office Ahead of 2024 Season The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to announce five additions to the front office staff. The 2024 season begins in March and the club has added new staff members in several key departments leading up to the start of the schedule. “We are excited to add to our front office staff as we approach the new season,” said Katie Beekman, General Manager of the RailRiders. “Each Minor League Baseball season always brings a few new faces to every organization. These individuals will all help us grow our business, expand our reach for new and existing partners and fans, and increase our focus on the ballpark experience and customer service.” Mike Caddell is the team’s new Director of Corporate Partnerships. He graduated with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University as a scholarship athlete with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Political Science with a minor in Business Administration. He was an intern for the Richmond Flying Squirrels in 2012 and spent seven seasons with the San Francisco Giants Double-A affiliate, advancing to the role of Assistant Director of Corporate Partnerships. Caddell left baseball after the 2019 season and is transitioning back into the game after spending three years working for a medical startup company in Michigan. Cynthia Petrucci joins the RailRiders front office as the Director of Marketing. She graduated from Lackawanna College in 2015 with an Associate of Science in Business Administration and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2017. She spent nine years working at Tribal Media, a local digital media agency. Before joining the RailRiders staff, Petrucci spent two years as the Director of Marketing for Matt Burne Honda. Forrest Rosen and PJ Profenno have been added to the staff as Account Executives in the Group Sales department. Rosen graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Rosen, a St. Petersburg, Florida native, was also a member of the men’s lacrosse team from 2017-2019. Prior to his time with the RailRiders, Rosen worked for the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Swarm. Profenno is currently finishing his Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management at Thomas College with a minor in Coaching. While at Thomas, the Windham, Maine native was the Director of Basketball Operations for the men’s basketball team. Profenno spent the last two seasons with the Portland SeaDogs in their ticketing department. Brian Coughlan has joined the team as an Account Executive in the Season Ticket sales department. He is originally from Massapequa Park, New York, and attended SUNY Cortland. Coughlan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and Business Economics. After graduation, he served as a sales and marketing intern for the Elmira Pioneers. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre opens the 2024 season on the road in Buffalo on March 29 and plays its home opener on April 2 against the Syracuse Mets at PNC Field. Season tickets, mini plans and the flex plan are all available now. For more information, contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-BALL or visit swbrailriders.com.
Broadway in Scranton Supports Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in Upcoming Show Broadway in Scranton and Griffin Pond Animal Shelter are teaming up in celebration of the national touring production of ANNIE, coming to the Scranton Cultural Center February 16 – 18. With every donation to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, patrons can save $10 on select seats to the Friday, February 16 at 7:30pm and Saturday, February 17 at 7:30pm performances of ANNIE. Donations are being accepted at the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office (420 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA, 18503) and Griffin Pond Animal Shelter (967 Griffin Pond Rd, South Abington Township, PA, 18411). Donations are also being accepted at the theatre at each performance of ANNIE. Box Office hours are Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm. Griffin Pond Animal Shelter can accept donations at the shelter Monday – Sunday 9am – 4pm. Ideal donation items include dog and cat food, blankets/towels, and gift cards. A full list of items can be found here. This offer ends February 17 and is valid on select seats. Savings are valid toward each ticket purchased (limit of 4 tickets per donation). Offer is subject to ticket availability and does not apply to previously purchased tickets. Limited inventory is available, and offer is valid while supplies last. An all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award®- winning musical ANNIE comes to Scranton February 16 – 18 (Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm, Sunday at 1pm). Tickets are now on sale at the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office and BroadwayInScranton.com.
Episode Two: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss these Deadlines The Chamber 155th Annual Dinner is on Wednesday, March 27, at the Scranton Cultural Center. Hear a special message from keynote speaker Shawn Kanungo. Mardi Gras Business Card Exchange — Join The Chamber on “Fat Tuesday” and bring a non-perishable food item to donate to benefit the United Neighborhood Center. New Member Welcome Lunch — New Members are invited to attend a free luncheon at The Chamber. Register today! Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE
Byron Transitions to Executive Assistant Position The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Amanda Byron’s transition to Executive Assistant to the President. As the executive assistant, Byron will serve as a liaison to The Chamber and its various affiliate boards and committees. She will also be responsible for board management, communications, and reporting requirements. Byron originally joined The Chamber as the board and office administrator, where she acted as the point of contact between The Chamber and its affiliate organizations, Skills in Scranton and Leadership Lackawanna. Her transition to executive assistant will allow her to use her communicative skills to assist Durkin with the progression of The Chamber’s mission, goals, and strategic plan. “Amanda brings a unique perspective to this important position in Chamber operations. I am looking forward to the changes she will bring based on her background and experience,” says Durkin. Byron graduated from Lackawanna College where she received an associate degree in paralegal studies. She has worked as a customer care office manager, an insurance customer service representative, and as a paralegal for multiple law firms, including her most recent position as a litigation paralegal.
WVIA News Announces the Addition of a Reporter WVIA is thrilled to announce the addition of a new reporter to its growing news team. Sarah Hofius Hall will join the team with a focus on local and regional education stories in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, providing dedicated coverage and transparency on the topics that affect one of the most vulnerable populations in any region; the youth and those that serve them. A trusted subject matter expert, Hall comes to WVIA with a wealth of experience in journalism and education. She was previously employed by The Times-Tribune in Scranton since 2006. For nearly all of that time, she covered education, visiting the region’s classrooms and reporting on issues important to students, teachers, families and taxpayers. Her reporting ranges from covering controversial school closure plans and analyzing test scores, to uncovering wasteful spending and highlighting the inspirational work done by the region’s educators. “We are excited to welcome Sarah to the WVIA News team,” says WVIA News Director Julie Sidoni. “She is an experienced journalist with a deep understanding of the local education system and the issues that matter to our communities. Her talent, dedication, and diverse perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to provide our communities with essential news and information.” Hall’s work has been recognized by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, Society of Professional Journalists and Pennsylvania Women’s Press Association. She received her degree in journalism from Ithaca College and resides in Clarks Summit with her family. “I’m excited to bring my years of experience to a wider audience at WVIA,” said Hall. “I’m encouraged and inspired by the station’s commitment to covering the news important to residents of this region, and I’m honored to have a role in that. As the education reporter, I look forward to visiting classrooms and campuses, telling important stories that can have a significant impact.” Bucking the national trends of shrinking staff and non-local ownership groups, WVIA continues to grow – and is quickly becoming the source for balanced, local news throughout the 22-county region it serves. Founded in 2022, WVIA News now features a team of seven full-time journalists. “One of the core elements of the WVIA mission has always been education. We strive to educate our communities and provide support to our local schools, and we have done so since the 1970s,” stated WVIA President & CEO Carla McCabe. “We are ecstatic that we are able to take that a step further by providing education specific news coverage, ensuring an informed public and accountability on behalf of our educational institutions. When it comes to education, WVIA is an advocate, a resource, and now, a watchdog.” Learn more about WVIA’s News Impact here.
FNCB Bank Pledges $2,500 to United Way of Wyoming Valley FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $2,500 donation to United Way of Wyoming Valley. For over 100 years, the United Way of Wyoming Valley has been helping children and families in the Wyoming Valley. FNCB Bank’s donation will touch the lives of many individuals and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The support of United Way is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
