Northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier community leadership and professional development organization
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About Leadership Lackawanna

About Leadership Lackawanna

 


Our History

Founded on June 22, 1982, Leadership Lackawanna (LL) emerged through the collaborative efforts of public and private sector leaders, including Governor and Mrs. William Scranton, and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Based in northeastern Pennsylvania, the organization serves the interests of Lackawanna County and its citizens as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit dedicated to advancing community leadership and professional development.

Leadership Lackawanna offers six distinct programs—Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Core, Executive, Leadership Collegiate, Leadership Fundamentals, and Welcome Scranton!—each designed to enhance the skills, knowledge, and connections of emerging and established leaders alike. Through experiential learning, networking, and community engagement, participants gain the tools to make a meaningful impact within their workplaces, organizations, and communities.

All Leadership Lackawanna programs are structured in alignment with the curriculum and standards of recognized community leadership programs across the United States, ensuring a consistent and comprehensive approach to leadership development. Since its founding, Leadership Lackawanna has proudly graduated more than 2,700 community leaders, many of whom continue to play pivotal roles in driving progress and fostering collaboration throughout the region.

Our Values

Leadership

We believe that the potential for leadership resides within everyone and that it can grow if continuously nurtured.

Community

We build strong communities by developing and connecting leaders committed to the common good.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We respect, appreciate and engage the unique perspectives and contributions of all members of our community.

Personal and Professional Growth

We are committed to helping participants, alumni, volunteers and staff discover and develop their full potential.

Empowerment

We inspire leaders to develop other leaders.


Staff

Executive Director

Nikki has served as the Executive Director of Leadership Lackawanna since 2008, guiding the organization’s mission to develop informed, engaged, and dedicated community leaders. In this role, she oversees the planning and implementation of the organization’s various leadership programs, partnerships, and alumni initiatives. Under her direction, Leadership Lackawanna has expanded its reach and impact across Northeastern Pennsylvania, fostering collaboration among professionals, students, and community members.

Before assuming this position, Nikki worked for the local Girl Scouts organization, where she held multiple roles over several years. During her tenure, she focused on empowering young women, promoting leadership development, and strengthening community connections—foundations that continue to shape her leadership philosophy today. A 1998 graduate of Tunkhannock Area High School and a 2002 graduate of Elizabethtown College, Nikki also holds certification as a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, enabling her to help individuals and teams identify and maximize their unique talents.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nikki is a devoted mother of two and an active community advocate. She currently serves as a committee member and Pennsylvania State Ambassador for the Association of Leadership Programs (ALP), where she supports professional development opportunities for leadership organizations nationwide. As co-founder of Supporters of Camp Archbald, she plays a key role in preserving one of Pennsylvania’s oldest Girl Scout camps for future generations.

Throughout her career, Nikki has been recognized with numerous awards and distinctions for her outstanding service and leadership, including ALP’s national Volunteer of the Year honor. Her commitment to her community is further reflected in her involvement with the Tunkhannock Intermediate Center PTO, Anthracite Football Club, Tunkhannock Football Junior Tigers, Cub Scouts Pack 175, and Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA—organizations through which she continues to inspire teamwork, growth, and community spirit.

Workforce and Leadership Assistant

Lindsay provides comprehensive administrative and programmatic support to Leadership Lackawanna, ensuring the smooth coordination of events, communications, and participant engagement. She also supports Skills in Scranton, another Chamber of Commerce affiliate, contributing to workforce development initiatives and community partnerships. In addition, Lindsay assists the Chamber with daily operations, office management, and member relations, helping to maintain an efficient and professional environment.

Lindsay brings a strong background in client support, operations, and team leadership to the position. Prior to joining the Chamber, she worked as a Customer Specialist at DealerOn, where she managed high-level customer inquiries, optimized website operations, and built lasting client relationships. Her previous experience at Benco Dental and Uline further strengthened her skills in process management, service delivery, and collaboration across departments.

A graduate of Kutztown University with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Lindsay combines her professional expertise with a commitment to teamwork, organization, and delivering exceptional service to Chamber members and program participants alike.


Board of Directors, 2025

Officers

  • Danielle Weinschenk, Tobyhanna Army Depot - Chair

  • Steve Matthews, Noble BioMaterials - Vice Chair

  • Marie Beggin, Penn East Federal Credit Union - Treasurer

  • Stacy Cognetti, Lackawanna College - Secretary

Directors

  • Angela Mariotti, PNC Bank

  • Jessica Meoni, The Honesdale National Bank

  • Eugene Munley, Empower

  • Erin Nissley, The Wright Center

  • Greg Posly, General Dynamics

  • Susan Reilly, Family Business Alliance

  • Elizabeth Rightor, Jackrabbit Design

  • Lauren Rusen, Benco Dental

  • Anthony Rusnak, Commonwealth Charter Academy

  • Megan Walbeck, Geisinger

  • Jennifer Azarowicz, The AZEK Company

  • Christine Carroll, Golden Technologies

  • Thomas Chairge, Nationwide

  • Terry Deitz, Times Shamrock

  • Candy Frye, L.R. Costanzo Co.

  • Kara Gow, NBT Bank

  • Autumn Granza, Project Management Institute

  • Christopher Howe, Friendship House

  • Missy Howells, Sordoni Construction

  • Dragan Jokic, Fidelity Bank

  • Gretchen Kukuchka, U of S Small Business Development Center