2012 Women Making a Difference

Pennsylvania Business Central is proud to present our second annual Women Making a Difference. Nominations were sent in from all over our 20-county coverage area. Our 20 finalists were selected by a six-person committee from St. Francis University. Congratulations to all the hard-working women who made our list!

Kelly L. Blake

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Kelly L. BlakeCambria CountySelect Specialty HospitalChief Executive Officer

Kelly Blake is the CEO of Select Specialty Hospital of Johnstown. She began her career as a nurse and made her way to the top of the administrative side of the business.Although she said she misses working one on one with patients, she is motivated by the thought that the work she is doing as CEO is helping thousands of patients at a time. “The patients are the best part of my job. When the patients have wonderful outcomes, I know I’ve helped make a difference in their lives,” she said.Blake is always thinking about the next step, how to drive forward and how to achieve the next goal. Blake is constantly looking for new ways to improve the hospital, her community and herself. She is currently enrolled in the Pittsburgh School of Nursing DPN Program.“It is great that I am able to apply what I am learning in class directly to the work that I do every day,” she said.Besides working fulltime and going to school, Blake is has a passion for volunteering and is very active in her community. She volunteers her time teaching CPR, running with two ambulance services, is an instructor of ACLS & PALS, guest lectures at different colleges, assists at her church and most importantly, is a dedicated wife and proud mother of two. A humble Blake attributes much of her success to a special doctor and mentor that has been an inspiration to her throughout her career, and to her family and to the staff at Select Medical.

Pamela Brennan Burns

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Pamela Brennan BurnsNorthumberland CountyFirst National Bank of PennsylvaniaBranch Manager

For Pamela Brennan Burns, her father’s advice to “always give 110 percent to everything you do,” has been the driving force behind her success.As branch manager for the Shamokin branch of First National Bank of Pennsylvania, Burns carries out her duties with the customer always first in mind.“I love my job because I learn something new every day and I love working with and helping people,” she said.A newspaper editor and reporter for nearly 18 years, Burns describes herself as a very persistent and determined person who works best under pressure. Part of Burns’ drive comes from her husband’s ongoing battle with Leukemia.“Knowing that I am the only member of the household bringing in money makes it that much more important to work hard and be successful,” she said.Besides fulfilling her duties as branch manager and loyal wife, Burns is extremely active in her community.She serves as secretary of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and was Member of the Year for 2011-12. She is also a committee member of the Brush Valley Membership Committee and co-chair and committee member of the Junior Achievement’s Young Women’s Futures Symposium. She has also been heavily involved in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Rotary Club and the Downtown Lewisburg Club.Most recently, Burns has been helping to organize a bone marrow drive for the Be The Match registry and several fundraisers to benefit her husband’s Bone Marrow Transplant Fund. Burns’ passion for volunteering and her expertise in marketing and public relations has helped many non-profits in her community.

Janet Chambers

Janet ChambersHuntingdon CountyBeacon Marketing SolutionsPresident, Owner

As president and owner of Beacon Marketing Solutions, a full-service marketing and communications firm, Janet Chambers has been instrumental in helping other businesses learn how to market more effectively.When she first moved to Huntingdon County, she immediately got involved in the Chamber of Commerce, sharing her ideas on how to be more profitable and how to extend more benefits to members. And for the past five years, she has been a key player in the development and marketing of the extremely successful Huntingdon County Home and Outdoor Show.Chambers remains active in her community, serving as secretary and member of the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce, member of the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County and secretary and treasurer of the Huntingdon Area School District Educational Foundation. About three years ago, the HASDEF was a dormant organization but with Chambers’ help, the foundation has been revitalized and recently raised $23,000, through the EITC program, for the school district in three months. But what Chamber’s is most proud of is her work mentoring college students and recent graduates with marketing-related degrees to land their first jobs.“I was lucky enough to have great mentors when I started my career and this is my way to give back,” she said.Chambers has seen her mentees go on to work for local Huntingdon companies, as well as for international organizations.

Chris Gildea

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Chris GildeaHuntingdon CountyJ.C. Blair Memorial HospitalDirector of Marketing and Public Relations

In a rural community, access to affordable healthcare is a critical component for the economic health of the community. Chris Gildea, director of marketing and public relations for J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon, works hard to communicate the programs and offerings available through the hospital to the general public. Gildea was born in J.C. Blair Hospital and raised in Huntingdon. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Penn State and a master’s degree from Syracuse, Gildea and her husband returned to the area, where she has been committed to making it a better place for her family, the community and for the hospital where she works. Going above and beyond her job description, Gildea serves on numerous boards and committees. She serves as chairwoman of the Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee and is a member of the Partnership for Economic Progress Marketing Committee.Her marketing and public relations talents have helped various businesses within the community. Gildea was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Huntingdon County Healthy Communities PartnerSHIP. The PartnerSHIP began in 1999 with the purpose of bringing different people together to talk about health issues in Huntingdon County. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the organization has taken on new meaning as all hospitals are now required to complete an assessment every three years.“This kicked up opportunities for us,” she said. “Our goal is to identify the most important community health needs so that we can focus on fixing them.”The progress that has been made by this organization is what Gildea is most proud of.

Kelley Kroecker

Kelley KroeckerHuntingdon CountyHuntingdon County Historical SocietyExecutive Director

After graduating from Penn State Altoona in 2008 with a Master of Liberal Arts degree in history and a minor in women’s studies, Kelley Kroecker proved the naysayers wrong and got a job doing exactly what she wanted to be doing, working for a historical society.Kroecker moved quickly up the ladder, being promoted from intern directly to executive director of the Huntingdon County Historical Society. She is the youngest director in the history of the organization. Her passion and love for history and for her community are very evident as she works hard to move the society forward, increasing collaboration between the individual historical societies and increasing outreach to all communities within Huntingdon County. Much of Kroecker’s efforts are geared toward developing curriculum for local schools on various aspects of the area’s history and delivering guest speeches and lectures.“If we don’t know where we came from, how do we know where we’re going?” Kroecker asked.She believes that knowing where you came from makes a community stronger. “I love my small, tight-knit community where everybody is like family. I want to take that example of how a community should be and transcend it across the county,” she said.Kroecker said that the secret to her success is simply her love for her job. She also credits her success to her volunteers, the other historical society directors, her family and her sons.

Kellie Goodman Shaffer

Kellie Goodman ShafferBedford CountyBedford County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

As executive director of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, Kellie Goodman Shaffer strives every day to make the region be the best it can be. “A strong and healthy business community breeds a strong and healthy community at large,” Goodman Shaffer said. Since she joined the Bedford Chamber of Commerce in 2010, Goodman Shaffer has significantly increased the visibility of the organization while increasing membership. She has a knack for recognizing needs in the community that the Chamber of Commerce can fill and her creative vision has brought to the county the likes of “Ladies Only Monday Night Football,” and “Tech the Halls Technology Show and Seminars.” Goodman Shaffer is most proud of her efforts to restart the county’s Agri-Business Committee, which works year-around to promote the importance of agriculture in Bedford County’s history, economy and future. Through her marketing and event planning expertise, Goodman Shaffer has been able to reach out to farmers and to businesses that work with farmers to increase their connectivity and visibility in the community. “Businesses do not exist in a vacuum,” she said. “Businesses benefit from the community and the community benefits from the businesses.” Goodman Shaffer believes it is important to empower young people and to help them become leaders in the community. She is proud of the Chamber’s efforts to offer 501(c)(3) scholarships for Youth Leadership Bedford County and for BASICS, to help to create future leaders who are not just managers but servant leaders. “I truly believe in Bedford County and I want our region to be the best it can be,” she said. “I want our people to be successful, I want to be able to improve our parks and roads and to make life the best it can be for the people who live here.”  

Lynne Faint

Lynne FaintSomerset CountyPrinciple Diversified Business Group, Inc; Principle Court ReportingPresident

Lynne Faint works fulltime as a business developer for USSCO Federal Credit Union, while owing two successful businesses, Principle Diversified Business Group, Inc., and Principle Court Reporting, Inc., and is a partner in Loving Perpetual Care. Faint grew up in Cambria County and has lived most of her life in the region.“I would have never accomplished what I have accomplished without our community,” she said. “I truly believe in empowering people and giving back.” To Faint, the work she does at the credit union is more than just a job. She works directly with new and developing business owners to help them start or grow their business.“I know where these business owners are coming from because I was once in their shoes. I have a clear picture of what they need to do and where they need to go and I can really help them. I love it,” she said. “With my job at the credit union, I want to thank people for staying and doing business in the area because I want their business to expand and to grow because it gives our kids a choice to stay and work locally.”Along with her friend, Faint co-founded the Women Business Owners Alliance, which serves as a resource for women business owners to better understand who they are, to connect with other business owners and to spread awareness of their business. Faint is also a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, a prime contractor for the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice, a Pennsylvania notary and a Reiki master. She employs and manages more than 60 employees and independent contractors. Faint also provides medical and legal consulting. In addition to being a busy entrepreneur, Faint is also a very active volunteer and is involved in many community organizations, including Windber Hospice and the Goodwill Mentoring Program. She serves on the Hiram G. Andrews Advisory Board, the Beginnings Board of Directors and the Mount Aloysius Presidential Advisory Board. Faint is a member of the Johnstown Garden Club and the Organization of Professional Referrals, is an active member in her church and a dedicated wife and mother.

Maria Pettinger

Maria PettingerHuntingdon CountyJ.C. Blair Memorial HospitalMedical Director, Department of Radiology

Dr. Maria Pettinger is president of Raystown Imaging, Inc. and has served as the medical director of the Department of Radiology at J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital since 2005. Pettinger also serves on the Board of Directors for the hospital. In her role as medical director, Pettinger interprets imaging studies and oversees the quality and the safety of the department for patents and employees. As part of her duties, Pettinger serves as the radiation safety officer of hospital. Pettinger was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Huntingdon County Healthy Communities PartnerSHIP. The program addresses health priorities including the Women’s Heart Health Initiative and the Alliance for Breast Care, both of which provide free or low cost screening and detection services for hundreds of women in the community. Over the past several years, Pettinger has devoted her time and resources to help offer screening and preventive services for under- and uninsured members of the Huntingdon community. She has strong connections to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and has been instrumental in helping the hospital win grants to provide breast cancer screening services. She has voluntarily offered mammography and prostrate screenings. Pettinger also dedicates her time to delivering lectures on wellness, cancer and heart health awareness to different groups across the community. “For somebody like Dr. Pettinger, who holds a high, responsible position in the medical field, to provide her services freely and to commit so much time to the community, is really exceptional,” said Joseph Peluso, former president/CEO of J.C. Blair Health System. An active member in her community, Pettinger also works with a cancer survivors group and serves on the boards of the United Way and the Huntingdon County Arts Council.

TyJuan Hartman

TyJuan HartmanHuntingdon CountyHuntingdon County Career & Technology CenterNurse Aide Coordinator

TyJuan Hartman is a devoted teacher and HCCTC Nurse Aide Coordinator who helps provide student nurses with the education they need to achieve jobs within the nursing community. What sets Hartman apart is her ability to remain accessible to her colleagues and her willingness to share her expertise and to help others develop their full potential in advancing their nursing careers. Hartman also serves as a patient advocate for those who are disenfranchised, caught-in-the-system, or who feel invisible. Hartman possesses a knack to see beyond one’s outer surface to establish a level of trust and cooperation that facilitates improved outcomes.Hartman’s dedication and commitment to patient advocacy serves as reminder that patient care is truly about the patient and their family. In her 36 years as an LPN, Hartman has been a role model not only for her students but also for experienced nurses. In addition, Hartman serves on the Occupational Advisory Committee, volunteers in her community and oversees the PA Annual Review for the Nurse Aid course.

Georgia Abbey

Georgia AbbeyCentre CountyLeadership Centre CountyExecutive Director

For over a decade, Georgia Abbey has been instrumental in developing community leaders in Centre County. Over those 10 years, the active involvement of the alumni base has increased from 135 to well over 600. Her dedication and commitment to her job as executive director of Leadership Centre County produces 30-40 enthusiastic and well-educated leaders for nonprofits, government agencies, churches and other community organizations, each year.With the help of volunteers, Abbey develops the nine-month LCC program, identify class members, implement programs and prepare leaders to take on new roles. Thanks to her work, these new leaders are brought together for networking, receive exposure to community issues, opportunities and needs, and are encouraged to lead in civic service. In her role as executive director, Abbey has developed new program initiatives, such as the Youth Program, Meet Centre County and the Transformational Leaders Series. Abbey also works with others to plan ongoing educational programs for LCC alumni and other nonprofit organizations to provide information that enables nonprofit board members and others to serve their constituents in new and enhanced ways. She attributes her success to the hard work of the leaders in the program but there is no doubt that Abbey’s commitment to the program has helped to make the Centre County community better and stronger. Abbey is also a principal of Abbey Associates, a marketing and consulting practice that focuses on strategic planning and organizational interventions for a variety of businesses, nonprofit organizations and higher education.

Tamar London

Tamar LondonCentre CountyLondon Wolfe PhotographyOwner

Leading her business to being named Kodak’s 2010 Photographers to Watch, Tamar London not only has the skills to successfully run London Wolfe Photography, but she does all she can to give back to her community.

This past April, London played a large role in bringing a film featured by the 2011 Sundance Film Festival to the State Theatre. She was the predominant sponsor and facilitator that brought “Miss Representation” to State College, which turned out to be a huge success for the community.

London is also actively involved in WiNGs, a Women’s Networking Group that celebrates women entrepreneurs in all phases of their work. London has been involved with the group since 2006 and in 2011 she volunteered to be president during a very challenging time for WiNGs.

A fellow businesswoman who nominated London for this award said that London is a woman she’s “always admired and looked up to.” In regards to London’s involvement with WiNGs, she said, “she handles each [challenge] with compassion, a sense of humor and a get it done attitude. We need more like her.”

Amanda Misner

Amanda MisnerBlair CountySheetzAssistant Store Manager

Amanda Misner has two full time jobs: Sheetz assistant store manager and single mother of three children at home.

In March 2012, Misner was honored with the Patriot Award from the U.S. Department of Defense because of her support of her National Guard or Reserve employees. The support she gives her service men and women can add a great deal of stress to Misner’s work load and sometimes takes her away from her family, but she puts in the extra hours regardless, even on short notice.

“They do a great service for our country and have my upmost respect for what they do,” said Misner. “If I can help them figure out a schedule that works for them or somehow make their transition in coming back or being deployed easier… It makes me happy to have given them some kind of peace of mind.”

Misner said the key to dealing with two full time jobs is being able to separate her work life from her home life, although it’s not always that easy. She focuses on what means the most to her, and that’s her family. The support she receives from her children and boyfriend allow her to have the strength and determination to succeed.

“I love just being able to spend time with my family and just seeing the expression and reactions the kids have to different things. It completely makes you melt and your heart smile,” she said.

Maureen Mulvihill

Maureen MulvihillCentre CountyActuated Medical, Inc.President & CEO

Maureen Mulvihill has been recognized time and time again for her entrepreneurial skills and is once again being honored for making a difference in her community.In 2006, Mulvihill co-founded Actuated Medical, Inc., a company dedicated to both designing new medical equipment and finding ways to improve already existing devices. Recently, Actuated Medical has received clearance for a new product that clears nasogastric feeding and decompression tubes. The product is to be both nationally and international distributed, creating jobs locally and uplifting the economy.According to her nominator, Mulvihill believes that the real impact is on patients and healthcare facilities. Not only do her company’s products simplify processes, they save facilities money and put more focus on patient care. “Her mission is to support both our community and the healthcare arena,” her nominator said.Not only does Mulvihill make a difference in the world of healthcare, she is also active politically, constantly advocating science funding.Mulvihill has been recognized in the past for her efforts by being a 2010 and 2011 Finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in three different regions, and was named one of the top 100 business people by Pennsylvania Business Central in the years 2008 through 2011.

Esther Myers

Esther Myers Blair CountyChris’s Hallmark Manager

With over 43 years experience in the retail industry, Esther Myers excels in her position as manager of Chris’s Hallmark in Altoona. With previous experience in numerous other gift and card shops, Myers has held a position with Hallmark for the past 32 years.According to her nominators, Myers is a friendly woman by nature who is energetic and enthusiastic about everything she does. She is a great leader who is able to encourage her staff to develop the skills to successfully aide customers in finding the perfect gifts. “My favorite part of all my jobs has been the satisfaction of hiring, training and promoting promising individuals in our corporation and meeting our customers every day,” said Myers.Myers has had the privilege to work with numerous charities throughout her career but her relationship with the American Cancer Society has given her the most satisfaction. She works with the society as a volunteer, fundraiser and board member.Myers also is active in her local church, which has been able to teach her things relating to her work.“It has taught me to value all co-workers at every level of employment, encouraging respect and understanding among fellow workers and our valued customers,” she said.Not only does Myers manage the Altoona Hallmark store, she also oversees the store in Chambersburg by ordering merchandise and setting up products.

 

Andrée P. Phillips

Andrée P. PhillipsLycoming CountyRadiant Steel Products CompanyPresident/CEO

President and CEO of Radiant Steel Products Co. Andrée Phillips isn’t simply a strong business executive, but she also plays a large role in education and theatre in the Williamsport area.Phillips was once a chair of the board of Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and still serves as a member of the board and executive committee. She shows her love of young people by being the chamber’s expert in education, leading to strong relationships with every school district in the county where she has aided in the establishment of curriculum standards. Every year, Phillips organizes the Chamber’s Education Celebration, where the school districts, two colleges and the Chamber of Commerce come together to recognize the accomplishments of students, alumni, faculty and businesses.Phillips is also a co-founder of the Community Theatre League where she has served as president for most of its 35 years. She is extremely dedicated to the organization and has dipped her toes into every aspect of the theatre ranging from ushering and handing out programs to acting as the lead role on stage.Establishing the Ray of Light Awards, named after Phillips’ late husband Dr. Raymond Phillips, is one of her greatest legacies. The awards combine the Community Theatre League’s mission with Phillips’ education and entertainment passions by honoring area high schools for excellence in the theatre.

Helen Pyzowski

Helen PyzowskiHuntingdon CountyHuntingdon County Career LinkBusiness Services Coordinator

Creativity, innovation and motivation are three words used to describe Helen Pyzowski’s leadership skills as her primary job as well as in many other local organizations.The business service coordinator at the Huntingdon County Career Link, Pyzowski is a woman who leads with professionalism and expertise. According to her nominators, she doesn’t simply speak of leading; her actions mirror the things she says.Pyzowski’s emphasis on employee training has and continues to make profound differences on local businesses. Her job is to develop and deliver services to local employers by improving the skills of current and future employees.Other organizations that have benefitted from Pyzowski’s leadership include the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce, the Huntingdon County Business Industry Board of Directors, where she serves as secretary and the Huntingdon County Foundation Board of Trustees.Pyzowski is a member of the Rapid Response Team, an advocate for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves and is a part of the Business Services Technical Workgroup is Harrisburg.Pyzowski has also presented at the National Workforce Development Conference in Reno, Nev., on business services and building sustainable partnerships.

Sandy Spencer

Sandy SpencerLycoming CountyPatterson & Wilder Construction Co., Inc.Business Development Specialist

Since being hired in March 2011 at Patterson & Wilder Construction Co., Inc., Sandy Spencer has helped the company become recognized in the Marcellus Shale natural gas pipeline area.Up until Spencer was hired, Patterson & Wilder had never recognized Pennsylvania as a good place for work. Thanks to contacts Spencer has made, the company has completed and is still bidding work for several companies in the area. Today, Spencer can be seen representing Patterson & Wilder at industry related events and public outreach.Having a strong passion for children, Spencer has gotten involved in several organizations that help her reach her goal of “helping [children] to be safe, loved and happy.” She serves on the PA CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Board and has represented several children since 2004. Spencer is also a member of the Rotary Club of Montoursville and serves as the event chair for the club’s annual “Balloonfest, Air Show and So Much More.” This exciting event includes exactly what the name entails as well as BMX and ATV drag races.Additionally, Spencer is co-chair of the Membership Development and Retention Committee with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Leadership Lycoming, a training program to help people understand the needs of the communities they serve.Spencer also is involved in her local church and volunteers with Lycoming County United Way, an organization focused on mobilizing communities to build a better region and improve lives.“I feel I am so blessed,” said Spencer. “I am thankful to work for a company that allows me freedom to also do so many things that are an important part of me. I value that.”

Jeanne Shaffer

Jeanne ShafferNorthumberland CountyNorthumberland County Council for the Arts & HumanitiesDirector

As director of the Northumberland County Council for the Arts & Humanities, Jeanne Shaffer has committed herself to creating programs that involve local people in the community. Shaffer has developed numerous programs such as a Children’s Theatre and a Kid’s Summer Educational Program, which runs six weeks long in the summer. She also played a major role in bringing “The Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts” to Shamokin, which is currently planning its 8th year program. Along with “The Anthracite Heritage Festival,” Shaffer has been instrumental in bringing an annual fall festival as well as a festive “Downtown Christmas” festival to the community.According to her nominators, Shaffer is “really passionate and has a burden for the twin communities of Shamokin & Coal Township, and is willing to step up to the plate to motivate the community to involvement for the future well being of both areas.”Shaffer also serves as the coordinator of the Shamokin Area Meals on Wheels Program, and has been for the past 30 years. She is responsible for the distribution of meals to the area’s elderly population.Shaffer has also been chosen to have a position in a locally published book that includes many “achievers” from the area.

Sherri Stayer

Sherri StayerBlair CountyLung Disease Center of Central Pennsylvania

Practice ManagerAs practice manager at the Lung Disease Center of Central Pennsylvania, Sherri Stayer has spent a lot of the last 13 years making a difference in her work place as well as many organizations outside of the medical field.At work, Stayer’s obligations include general business operations, human resources, financial reporting and HIPAA Policy and Procedure overview. She is the executive director of the Lung Disease Foundation of Central Pa, Inc. In 2012, Stayer was voted into a five-year term with the Blair County Respiratory Society Board of Directors. She is currently a member of Medical Group Management and the American College of Medical Practice Executives, and serves on the Program Advisory Board of YTI Career Institute.Outside of the medical world, Stayer volunteers with the Hollidaysburg Area Youth Football Association as Cheerleading Coach and has for the past four years. She was secretary of the Hollidaysburg Cheerleader Parents’ Organization for two years and received the HAYFA Volunteer Award in 2001.Stayer is active with the American Cancer Society Relay of Life Advocacy Team by serving as the public relations chair from 2008 to 2011 and also served as the 2010 event chair.Stayer also received the 2012 Joseph P. Rosenhammer Blair County Chamber Spirit Award due to her involvement with the Blair County Chamber of Commerce and various other committees.

Erin Threet

Erin Threet, P.E. Union CountyHerbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc.Office Manager & Project Manager

Having previously worked for the company for six years, Erin Threet was promoted to office manager of Herbert, Roland & Grubic, Inc.’s Lewisburg office in March 2012.According to her nominators, Threet’s “exemplary client, community service and strong technical skills” are what took her to a top leadership position within the company. She has overseen high-profile projects and has gathered lots of knowledge in the civil engineering field.In addition to her promotion, Threet is continuing her role as project manager of HRG’s Water & Energy Service Group.Threet is an active member of several industry related organizations. These organizations include the Central Pennsylvania Water Quality Association, the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association, the Society of Women Environmental Professionals and the Water Environment Federation.“What I find fascinating is that [Threet] is younger than me and possesses an uncanny ability to juggle a plethora of tasks, issues and projects all at once,” said Threet’s nominator.She said that during a previous event, a Liverpool Municipal Authority representative approached her to express how impressed he was with Threet’s “detail, knowledge and service.”Threet is expected to continue HRG’s tradition of putting the client’s needs first. Her ability to constantly perform above expectations will aide the company in its continued growth.