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Tag: CEO

Keystone Human Services announces new CEO

Charles S. Sweeder
Charles S. Sweeder. PHOTO/PROVIDED

Harrisburg-based Keystone Human Services has named Charles S. Sweeder as the third president and CEO in the company’s history, succeeding Charles J. Hooker III, who retired Jan. 24.

KHS is a multi-national human services organization that operates in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, India and the Republic of Moldova, providing advocacy; services; and supports in early childhood education and family support, mental health, autism and intellectual, developmental, cognitive and physical disability.

“We build communities where everyone can thrive, direct their own lives, establish homes, find meaningful work, pursue education alongside their peers, and fill valued roles in the community,” a release said.

“I have worked with Chuck for two decades, and I am excited that he is the next president and CEO of KHS,” Hooker said. “The future of KHS is bright with his continued dedication to those we support, their families and our employees.”

Sweeder began with Keystone Human Services in 2003 as controller and continued his leadership within KHS as chief financial officer, vice president of finance and executive vice president. He served as president-elect for the majority of 2022.

“I am honored to be the next president and CEO of KHS,” Sweeder added. “I am grateful to Charlie and the KHS Board for their confidence and support during this transition,” said Chuck Sweeder. “KHS is a global leader because of our collective commitment to inclusion and supporting people to live full lives within the community.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

A Conversation With Conrad Celestial Jr., President and chief executive officer, Unalakleet Investments LLC

Tell us a little about Unalakleet Investments LLC and what the company does. 

Unalakleet Investments LLC is an Alaska Native Corporation owned, SBA 8(a) Certified Small Disadvantaged Business that provides a spectrum of capabilities for the federal government. Our operational offices are based in the lower 48, in this case, Chambersburg. The company has a broad depth of competency areas, with matching depth of experience.  As an Alaskan Native Corporation, Unalakleet Investments can receive sole source awards of any size that cannot be protested due its status as an ANC-owned company. Unalakleet Investments’ core competencies include construction, security services, leasing and facility management, services and technology, and supply chain management. To achieve success Unalakleet has partnered with trusted companies with established relationships in the federal space. 

What are some projects coming up in 2023 that you’re excited about, particularly in central Pa.? 

As a diverse company, we continue to support the National Park Service in the restoration of our national landmarks, including recently in Gettysburg. We are also supporting IT for the Treasury Department. We look to help with a solution for immigration processing with federal Department of Homeland Security. In central Pennsylvania, UI is positioned to support naval facilities in Philadelphia and the Defense Logistics Agency in New Cumberland, and to add value as a mission support partner to Letterkenny Army Depot. 

What are some general trends you see coming in 2023 that will affect multiple businesses or fields?  

In my field, one of the aspects that I am most proud of is leveraging local business to support federal opportunities within the state. The growth of the organization over the last four years has led to starting new subsidiaries for our holding company, Unalakleet Native Corp., to capture and build upon capabilities such as construction, supply chain and property management. In the federal contractor industry, initiatives and opportunities are based on the administration in office. As a result, UI and the subsidiaries will continue to build upon the current performance and the commitment to leveraging local business as teammates to support the federal mission. 

What are you hoping to see or visit in 2023? 

As a student of history, I hope to mix business with pleasure by taking my family to Atlanta to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. birth home, which is run by the National Park Service, as well as other landmarks. And with four children, I have an opportunity to work with my two young sons in the area of 3D printing and really enhance their love of flight with a trip to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and Annex in Washington, D.C. 

Jennifer Botchie Deinlein 

About Conrad Celestial 

Conrad Celestial Jr. has been president and chief executive officer of Unalakleet Investments LLC, based in Chambersburg, since 2017. With the company serving the federal government, he draws from his experience in both the military, having served in the U.S. Army, and in defense contracting. Before joining Unalakleet, he was director of operations and contracts for DDC-ITS and director of contracts and procurement for NOVA Corporation, both subsidiaries of Dine Development Corp. 

Celestial earned a bachelor’s degree in business and finance from Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md., and did further study at Frederick Community College and Hood College in Maryland, as well as obtaining several certifications in his field. 

He lives in Greene Township, Franklin County, and is married with four children. 

 

New CEO tapped for Hershey Trust Co.

Leslie Lenzo.

Hershey Trust Co. has named Leslie Lenzo as CEO and chief investment officer, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

She will succeed Janice Bratton, who is retiring after a 33-year career with Hershey Trust.

Founded in 1905 by Milton S. Hershey, Hershey Trust is a Pennsylvania-chartered trust company that serves as trustee of, and investment adviser to, the Milton Hershey School Trust, The M.S. Hershey Foundation and the Hershey Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust.

Lenzo comes to Hershey Trust from Downers Grove, Illinois-based Advocate Aurora Health, where she was senior vice president and chief investment officer. She built an investment and operations team at Advocate Aurora Health over nearly a decade, and was responsible for over $14 billion of investment assets across multiple pools of capital.

“We are pleased to welcome Leslie to Hershey Trust Co. and are extremely confident in her ability to lead the organization and our investment program, building upon our already strong foundation,” M. Diane Koken, chair of the board of Hershey Trust, said in a release. “She is a proven leader and investor who possesses the experience and expertise to deliver the investment performance required to support our mission and the legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey.”

Lenzo added: “It is an honor to join such a prestigious investment organization and help support the legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey. I look forward to working with the board, the HTC team, and the leadership of the Milton Hershey School, The M.S. Hershey Foundation and the Hershey Cemetery to provide excellent investment management and client service in support of their critical missions. My husband, four sons and I are excited to become part of the Hershey community.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Leather goods manufacturer Sustainable Composites taps new CEO

Sustainable Composites, a Lancaster-based company that upcycles scrap leather into Enspire Leather, a material that can be utilized as new leather, announced the appointment of Donald G. Morrison as CEO.

Morrison’s extensive business development experience includes a tenure as CEO of American Eagle Outfitters, which expanded from one store to 165 locations under his leadership.

In addition to being instrumental in the growth of several other startups, he has led multiple turnarounds. While a senior executive at Woolrich, he was responsible for repositioning the company from low-margin sporting goods to the higher-margin specialty retail market.

Morrison currently serves on the board of directors of Pittsburgh’s Green Building Alliance, reflecting his strong interest in sustainability.

Sustainable Composites cofounders Frank Fox and Tom Tymon will remain with the company – Fox as chairman and Tymon as chief technology officer.

“Don’s skillsets, industry connections and commitment to sustainability will be invaluable assets to the company as we continue to grow the business,” Fox said in a release. “He is as committed as we are to making Enspire Leather the preeminent brand in the recycled/upcycled leather industry.”

Morrison added: “Sustainable Composites’ technology can not only help customers in multiple industries achieve their sustainability goals but also play a role in alleviating the environmental crisis caused by the 3.5 billion pounds of leather waste scrap generated each year. We’re here to solve this problem and provide companies with the circularity they are seeking in their supply chains.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic to have new CEO in 2023

Bob Grubic. PHOTO/PROVIDED

Bob Grubic announced that he is retiring as CEO of Harrisburg-based engineering firm Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc. at the end of this year, after 49 years with the company.

He will continue as chairman of the board of directors. Jason Fralick, president since 2019, will take over as CEO.

Over Grubic’s nearly half-century tenure with Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, it grew into a nationally recognized, full-service firm with 290 employees offering civil engineering and related services from locations across Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, a release noted.

The 60-year-old company is now employee owned as well.

Grubic has also served leadership roles with Mid Penn Bank; the State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts; United Way of the Capital Region; and Villanova University’s College of Engineering, among others.

“HRG is stronger and more cohesive than ever, making this an opportune time for me to transition from company operations and focus on promoting HRG through business development and community involvement,” he said in the release. “Through the collaborative efforts of our exceptional management team and employee owners, HRG is well-positioned to flourish for years to come.”

Fralick added: “Bob has been instrumental to HRG’s long-term vision and strategic growth for more than four decades. He has served as an exceptional advisor to the leadership team: providing guidance, supporting business development initiatives, and engaging in client and community relations.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Cornwall Manor names new president and CEO

Lee A. Stickler has retired as president and CEO of Cornwall Manor and Harry A. McConnell, has been appointed as his successor. PHOTO/PROVIDED

With the retirement of Lee A. Strickler, Harry A. McConnell took over those leadership roles effective Oct. 3.

The seventh president and CEO of the 585-resident faith-based not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, which is in Cornwall borough, McConnell was most recently executive director of Normandy Farm Estates, a faith-based not-for-profit retirement community in Blue Bell. He also spent 25 years with Peter Becker Community in Harleysville, where he was promoted up to chief operating officer.

In addition, McConnell has been an adjunct professor at Gwynedd-Mercy College since 2004. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA, and is a licensed nursing home administrator.

“We are confident with the appointment of Harry McConnell as Lee Stickler’s successor,” Timothy D. Sheffey, chairperson of Cornwall Manor’s board of trustees, said in a release. “Harry has a proven track record of strong leadership and effective management skills, has great energy and outstanding operational results which will be critical strengths as he leads the community in the years to come.”

He continued: “Since we opened our doors 73 years ago, Cornwall Manor has been recognized for providing high-quality care and services to more than 2,500 residents. Lee has done a fantastic job helping create our strategic growth as well as spearheading many financial and operational successes, including the most challenging years we have experienced to date due to the COVID pandemic.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Emerald Asset Management names new CEO

Scott L. Rehr
Scott L. Rehr

Leola-based Emerald Asset Management announced that Scott L. Rehr has been appointed the new CEO, succeeding Emerald’s founder Joseph E. Besecker, who will assume the new role of nonexecutive chairman.

David A. Volpe was named the company’s new president, and Mark F. Schlegel takes over as chief marketing officer. Rounding out the senior leadership team at Emerald are Chief Investment Officer Kenneth G. Mertz II and Chief Operating Officer Richard Juliano.

“As Emerald approaches its 30th anniversary managing client funds, I’m proud of our team and of these longtime leaders moving into these new roles,” Besecker said in a release.

Rehr co-founded Emerald Advisers in 1991. He served as chief operating officer of Emerald since 2012, where he has been responsible for all noninvestment-related functions.

“We’re excited to continue to bring ‘The Emerald Advantage’ to our clients in the years to come, working to provide an exemplary client experience and grow Emerald in a strategic fashion,” Rehr added. “We’re thankful for the path Joe has led us on and will continue to rely on his guidance and experience.”

Emerald Asset Management PA LLC is a diversified investment management holding company that operates through subsidiaries Emerald Advisers LLC, Emerald Mutual Fund Advisers Trust, Emerald Separate Account Management LLC and EmStone Advisers LLC. Assets managed by these companies totaled approximately $3.9 billion as of June 30. Beyond the Leola global headquarters, Emerald and its subsidiaries maintain offices in King of Prussia, Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Former DEP chief McDonnell to lead PennFuture

Patrick McDonald. PHOTO/PROVIDED

PennFuture, a statewide environmental advocacy organization, named Patrick McDonnell, former secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, as its new president and CEO, effective Oct. 15.

Founded in 1998, Harrisburg-based PennFuture aims to protect public health, restore and safeguard natural resources, and move the commonwealth toward a clean energy. It litigates cases before regulatory bodies and in local, state and federal courts; advances legislative action on a state and federal level; educates the public; and assists citizens in public advocacy.

“We set out to find a dynamic leader who was dedicated to the environmental movement with extensive policy experience,” Scott Tobe, PennFuture board chair, said in a release. “We found that and more in Patrick and are so excited for him to lead PennFuture into its next phase of growth.”

As secretary of DEP and a cabinet official in the Wolf administration, McDonnell was responsible for state environmental and energy policy. He oversaw efforts to mitigate climate change, led Pennsylvania’s entry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, developed strategies to adapt to increased flooding, and focused on environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities and diversity within the department, according to the release.

Before becoming secretary of the department, he was its director of policy.

McDonnell added: “I am absolutely humbled and thrilled to be joining Pennsylvania’s premier environmental organization. In my role at DEP, I gained an appreciation for the important work PennFuture does across the state, whether in its largest cities or its smallest communities. The challenges we face have never been greater – from climate change and polluted streams to the very real historical impacts of contamination in disadvantaged communities across the state.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer