Business podcast featuring area executives launched by PNC, WITF

PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executives, is a podcast series launched by WITF and PNC Bank featuring conversations on leadership and life. 

“At WITF, part of our mission is to provide opportunities for lifelong learning,” said Ron Hetrick, President & CEO of WITF. “Whether in a living room or board room, WITF believes in the power of shared experience to inspire change and connect the community. We’re thrilled to partner with PNC Bank to provide a platform for the innovators and business leaders of Central Pennsylvania to share their thought leadership. We can’t wait to see what else we may discover.”  

The podcast will be hosted by Nell McCormack Abom and Jim Hoehn. Abom previously served for 12 years as host of WITF’s Smart Talk, Central Pennsylvania’s prime-time, award-winning public affairs program. She was honored with an Emmy as Outstanding Program Host/Moderator by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She currently owns an award-winning media and public relations firm in the Harrisburg area. 

Hoehn, the Regional President of Central Pennsylvania for PNC Bank, works with nonprofit, corporate, and civic leaders in the region. 

“Central Pennsylvania is home to many iconic companies and institutions led by amazing individuals, who have succeeded and grown their organizations, strengthening the local economy along the way,” he said. “PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executives gives us insight into their approach, thought processes and leadership style, sometimes in the face of real challenges and adversity.” 

Hoehn added that he has long been passionate about expanding on thought leadership in the region and that PNC C-Speak is a natural next step for that. 

Local and regional C-level executives will speak with Abom and Hoehn on each episode of business topics both relevant and timely. Each episode features local and regional C-level executives discussing business topics that are relevant and timely. The podcast is designed to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, with insights provided on forward-thinking business approaches. The aim is to encourage business leaders to think differently and disrupt the status quo. 

“The lineup of guests for this season of PNC C-Speak is outstanding,” said Abom. “These six leaders reflect the diversity of industries thriving in Central PA, as well as their individual and collective breadth of expertise, and their willingness to share candid conversations about C-Suite dynamics. The PNC C-Speak podcast is a rare platform that offers listeners behind-the-scenes insights into the decision-making, risk-taking, management styles and strategic thinking of leaders at some of the area’s most iconic and successful companies and institutions.” 

PNC C-Speak guests include the following area leaders, listed in order of appearance: 

• Oct. 20 – Bob Ortenzio, Executive Chairman and Co-founder, Select Medical
• Oct. 27 – Pedro Rivera, President, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
• Nov. 3 – Dr. Roxanna Gapstur, President and CEO, WellSpan Health
• Nov. 10 – Shaun Clair, VP of Sales, Clair Global
• Nov. 17 – Bob Scaer, Chairman and CEO, Gannett Fleming
• Dec. 1 – Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, President, Penn State University

“These leaders are accomplished and insightful,” said Hoehn. “They are helming world class institutions based right here in Central Pennsylvania, and it is a privilege to have them on our podcast. This season, we focus on showcasing a group that spans different industries and geographies within our region. When you think about the scope and scale these companies represent, it’s remarkable. I am grateful to these individuals for imparting their incredible wisdom on us, and I look forward to sharing our conversations with the broader Central Pa. community.” 

For additional information, visit witf.org/c-speak.