Second Cohort Begins Nonprofit Leadership Program

A ceremony at The University of Scranton celebrated the first cohort to complete its Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and the incoming second cohort of the new program that seeks to develop future executives to serve area nonprofit institutions.

Launched in 2017, the certificate program combines a rigorous academic component taught by Kania School of Management faculty with expertise in nonprofit organizations, a mentorship and experiential learning. The program includes capstone project that requires participants to form a comprehensive plan to solve a current issue faced by the nonprofit organization they represent.

According to Patrick Quinn, director of residential and adult services, ARC of NEPA, who spoke at the ceremony as a member of the first cohort, the program helped him to “refine knowledge and define direction” for his career and for the nonprofit organization he serves. The program also provided him with the opportunity to collaborate with representatives of other area nonprofits.

 “The program provided the tools necessary to be a better leader by combining the strength of your nonprofit organization with the strength of the infrastructure of nonprofits in the region,” said Quinn.

Also speaking at the ceremony were Douglas Boyle, D.B.A., director of the Nonprofit Leadership Program, director Doctor of Business Administration Program and associate professor and chair of the Accounting Department at Scranton; and Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program faculty members Kurt Bauman, executive director, Northeast Pennsylvania Nonprofit Community Assistance Center; Jesse Ergott, president and CEO, NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Robert Kelly, Jr. Esquire, partner, Myerys, Brier & Kelly.

In addition to Quinn, other members of the University’s first cohort to earn the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate and the organizations they represent are:

Linda Armstrong, founder and executive director, Dress for Success;

Angel Atell, director community youth, United Neighborhood Centers;

George Brown, executive director, Highlights Foundation;

Travis Davis, director of business development, Allied Services;

Gus Fahey, director of community education and revitalization, United Neighborhood Centers;

Michael Ferguson, assistant vice president of risk management/finance, Allied Services;

Dorothy Grill, lecturer, Marywood University and Lackawanna College;

Mary Ann Iezzi, executive director, Dress for Success;

Ryanne Jennings, executive director, The Cooperage Project;

Kristen Kosin, executive director, Meals on Wheels;

Maureen Maher-Gray, acting executive director, NEPA Youth Shelter;

Michele Minor Wolf, executive director, Victims’ Intervention Program;

Daniel Nowakowski, campaign manager, United Way/Lackawanna/Wayne;

Janet Sweeney, vice president, Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

Incoming members of the second cohort and the organizations they represent are:

Athena Aardweg, community services specialist, NEPA Alliance;

Angeline Abraham, assistant director, Employment Opportunity Center;

Eloise Butovich, leadership gift officer, University of Scranton;

Diane Dutko, chief operations officer, The Luzerne Foundation;

David Falchek, executive director, American Wine Society;

Kristen N. Follert, director of quality assurance, NEPA Community Health Care;

Katlyn J. Gardner, development and human resource director, NEPA Community Health Care;

Shannon Hayward, director WIC administration, Maternal and Family Health Services, Inc.;

Elizabeth Hughes, director of communications, Earth Conservancy;

Gretchen Hunt Greaves, director, nutrition programs and resource development, Commission on Economic Opportunity;

April Kemp, program director, Marley's Mission;

Teddy Michel, regional director, Ignatian Volunteer Corps of NEPA;

Lauren Pluskey McLain, director of development, The Kirby Center;

Todd Pousley, community revitalization manager, NeighborWorks NEPA;

Joseph Salva, president/founder, Individual Abilities in Motion;

Janine Tomaszewski, associate vice president of college relations, Johnson College;

Tonyehn Verkitus, executive director, Luzerne and Lackawanna Medical Societies;

Alison Woody, director of competitive grants/donor stewardship, Geisinger Health Foundation.

Local organizations sponsoring the program are: AllOne Foundation and Charities, Geisinger Health System Foundation, The Luzerne Foundation, Moses Taylor Foundation, The University of Scranton and the Weinberg Foundation.

For additional information visit the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program webpage or call 570-941-4047.

Several members of the first cohort to earn the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate at The University of Scranton helped orient new students entering the program at a recent ceremony on campus. From left: George Brown, Highlights Foundation; Ryanne Jennings, The Cooperage Project; Travis Davis, Allied Services; Michael Ferguson, Allied Services; and Patrick Quinn, ARC of NEPA.