Commonwealth Health Physician Network
William Auriemma, Commonwealth Health (SUBMITTED)
The physician network announced that William Auriemma, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, has joined its provider team and is now accepting new patients in Scranton. Auriemma is also a member of the medical staff at Regional Hospital of Scranton.
A board-certified colorectal and general surgeon, Auriemma provides comprehensive surgical care for a wide range of conditions, including colon and rectal disorders, hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis and more. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal conditions such as colon cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease and hemorrhoids.
Auriemma is experienced in both traditional and minimally invasive surgical techniques and offers advanced robotic-assisted surgery to help improve precision, reduce recovery times and enhance patient outcomes.
Auriemma earned his medical degree from Hahnemann University Medical School. He completed his residency in general surgery at Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia and a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown. He is board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
Jacobi Capital Management
The registered investment adviser announced that Christine Cognetti McCasland has joined the firm as a wealth adviser. McCasland brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services, including 20 years at Morgan Stanley, where she led executive services strategy, sales and implementation teams, partnering closely with legal counsel and senior executives at leading globalcompanies.
In her new role, McCasland will bring that same depth of experience directly to individuals, families and business owners, helping clients simplify complexity, thoughtfully steward wealth, and make informed decisions aligned with their long-term goals and values.
McCasland has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, has spoken at industry conferences and has served as a panelist for the Women on Wall Street program at Georgetown University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and an MBA in finance and management from New York University.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Thurber, Janney Montgomery Scott (SUBMITTED)
Santaniello, Janney Montgomery Scott (SUBMITTED)
Thomas Thurber joined the company’s Wilson Wealth Advisory Group.
As a private client associate for Wilson Wealth Advisory Group, Thurber works alongside financial advisers Ryan Wilson, managing director, and Mark Santaniello, as well as account executive Alex Pucilowski, during clients’ financial planning process and the execution of investment plans for clients.
Additionally, Thurber is learning all facets of the business working with each team member.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from Monmouth University and a minor in information technology, where he graduated magna cum laude. During his time in college, Thurber served as president of the Pi Iota Chapter of the Order of Omega National Honor Society. In addition, as part of Hawk Capital (award-winning student-managed fund), Thurber conducted detailed stock and bond valuations for a $1.1 million portfolio and strategically allocated funds.
Mark Santaniello, financial adviser in the company’s Scranton office, has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation. This certification signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and is the culmination of intense coursework and exams focusing on the ability to implement portfolio strategies that meet a defined standard of care. Only those financial planners who demonstrate the requisite experience, education and ethical standards are awarded the AIF designation.
In addition, he recently earned the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designation from the College for Financial Planning. The program provides advanced education in wealth management strategies, including investment management, retirement planning, tax considerations, estate planning and risk management to help advisers address the complex financial needs of individuals and families, including helping clients navigate investment, retirement and legacy-planning decisions.
Santaniello is a member of the Wilson Wealth Advisory Group.
Leadership Northeast
Olszewski Conrad, Leadership Northeast (SUBMITTED)
Hoyes, Leadership Northeast (SUBMITTED)
Neher, Leadership Northeast (SUBMITTED)
The organization welcomed three community leaders to its 2026/2027 board of directors: Rachel Olszewski Conrad, Johnyne Hoyes and Robert Neher.
Olszewski Conrad is the principal of Fear Less Publicity and the communications and marketing manager for the PA Harness Horsemen’s Association. Outside of her multiple day jobs, she enjoys serving the NEPA community. A graduate of both the Leadership Northeast Core (2012) and Amplify (2023) programs, she works with organizations such as the Wyoming Valley YMCA and the Osterhout Library, and has volunteered tirelessly for Leadership Northeast in many capacities, including serving as the Virtual Auction committee chair for five years.
Olszewski Conrad holds an M.S. in organizational development from Penn State University and a B.A. in communications with a double minor in English and political science from the University of Dayton.
Hoyes serves as director of marketing at Comcast, where she leads strategic marketing initiatives that drive brand growth, customer engagement and business performance. With more than 17 years at Comcast and nearly three decades in telecommunications and marketing, she brings deep expertise spanning product marketing, operations, sales strategy and multichannel campaign execution.
A graduate of Leadership Northeast’s Core Class of 2023, Hoyes has experienced firsthand the organization’s impact in cultivating informed, engaged leaders.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Misericordia University and an associate degree in applied science in hotel and restaurant management from Luzerne County Community College. She resides in Dallas.
Neher is a business executive and trusted adviser with nearly three decades of leadership experience in banking, business strategy and organizational growth. After beginning his career with Luzerne Bank in 1998, he advanced through a variety of leadership positions before serving as president and chief executive officer.
Today, as principal of Fieldcraft Advisory LLC, he works with privately held businesses to drive strategic growth, improve operations and pursue acquisition opportunities.
A 2008 graduate of Leadership Northeast’s Core Program, Neher has remained committed to serving the community through leadership and board service with organizations including the Luzerne Foundation, Scouting America, North Branch Land Trust and now Leadership Northeast.
Conrad, Hoyes and Neher join the following individuals on the Leadership Northeast board of directors: Phillip Amend, H.R. Solutions by OneSource; John Augustine III, Penn’s Northeast; Robert Belza, Wilkes University; Eric Bleiler, CPA, Eric J. Bleiler, CPA & Co. LLC; Christie Bonnice, CLU ChFC RICP, State Farm; Jim Brogna, Allied Services; Donald Brominski, UGI Utilities Inc., chairman; Rebecca Brominski, community volunteer; Chris Caleb, Benco Dental; Kieran Casey, Esq., Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald LLP; Gerard Champi, Peoples Security Bank; Bob Chepalonis, Martz Trailways; Cassandra Coleman, America250PA; Lindsay Griffin-Boylan, Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce; Jack Jones, First Keystone Community Bank; Jackie Kendzor, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Co.; Stacey Kile, Geisinger; Dan Kimbrough, Park Multimedia; Dan Landesberg, Geisinger, vice chairman; James Martin, Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame; Terri Morgan, M&T Bank; David Pedri, Esq., the Luzerne Foundation; Brian Stahl, Esq., NorthPoint Development; Jennifer Stull, Esq., PNC Private Bank; Rachel Wiernusz, Community Bank NA; Carl Witkowski III, Presidio Insurance; Melissa Wolf, CPA, Baker Tilly US, LLP, treasurer; and Jess Yurek, Diamond Trail Realty.
Maternal and Family Health Services
Zaino-Hallock, Maternal and Family Health Services (SUBMITTED)
The nonprofit health and human service organization announced that Angela Zaino-Hallock, BSDH, Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner, has been selected to serve a two-year term on the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Oral Health Plan Advisory Group.
Zaino-Hallock was chosen to represent the community support sector and will serve from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
The Oral Health Plan Advisory Group is charged with providing recommendations to the state Department of Health’s Oral Health Program regarding implementation priorities outlined in the Pennsylvania Oral Health Plan 2020–2030. Members also help champion initiatives that advance the plan’s goals and improve oral health outcomes for residents across the state.
The Oral Health Plan Advisory Group is facilitated by the state Department of Health’s public health dental director with support from Oral Health Program staff.
As a Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner, Zaino-Hallock works to expand access to preventive oral health services, education and resources for underserved and vulnerable populations throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. Her experience in community-based care and public health outreach aligns closely with the advisory group’s mission to support implementation of the state’s oral health priorities.
MMI Preparatory School
Drobnock, MMI Preparatory School (SUBMITTED)
Lani Drobnock has been promoted to the position of director of admissions and parent engagement, effective July 1.
Drobnock has been a valued member of the MMI community since joining the school in 2016 as the coordinator of parent programs. Throughout her tenure, she has played an instrumental role in strengthening relationships between the school and its families, leading the MMI Parents Association, recruiting and engaging volunteers, supporting school events and developing meaningful parent education opportunities.
In her most recent role as business and operations coordinator, Drobnock provided additional support across multiple offices, including the main office, business office, advancement office, and admissions and enrollment office. She also serves as adviser to MMI’s Interact Club, the school’s student service organization.
Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance
Paranich, NEPA Alliance (SUBMITTED)
Morgan, NEPA Alliance (SUBMITTED)
The agency announced the hiring of Michael Paranich as the information technology manager.
In his new role, Paranich will oversee and enhance the agency’s technology infrastructure, ensuring the reliability, security and scalability of the organization’s network, telecommunications systems and office technology. He will lead NEPA’s cybersecurity strategy, including threat prevention and incident response, while providing exceptional technical support to staff and implementing technology solutions that strengthen the organization’s operations and long-term success.
Paranich earned a Bachelor of Science in information technology from Southern New Hampshire University. He resides in Dunmore.
The agency also announced the promotion of Bob Morgan to government procurement program manager.
Morgan will be responsible for providing technical assistance to clients and informational assistance to businesses regarding government contracting opportunities. In addition to helping these companies with their expansion and/or entry into contracting with federal, state and local governments, he will be leading the administration of the APEX program.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from King’s College. He resides in Mountain Top.
Scranton Area Community Foundation
Williams, Scranton Area Community Foundation (SUBMITTED)
The foundation announced that Vivian Williams, vice president of strategy, has been appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro to serve on the newly established Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities.
Created through Executive Order 2026-02, the commission was established to advise the governor and state agencies on policies affecting Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Commissioners will help identify barriers, recommend policy improvements, strengthen collaboration across all levels of government, and promote greater access to programs and resources that support individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the state.
Williams joins 27 other commissioners from across Pennsylvania who represent a broad range of lived experiences and professional expertise related to intellectual, developmental, physical, sensory and other disabilities. She will serve a two-year term representing Lackawanna County.
As vice president of strategy, Williams leads initiatives that strengthen community partnerships, advance equitable opportunities and help guide the foundation’s efforts to address the region’s most pressing needs. Her appointment reflects both her long-standing commitment to disability advocacy and her dedication to fostering communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike
Drapek, United Way (SUBMITTED)
Kolsovsky, United Way (SUBMITTED)
The organization announced that retired United Way President and CEO Gary Drapek and retired banking executive Deb Kolsovsky will serve as co-chairs of the organization’s 2026 Community Campaign.
Together, Drapek and Kolsovsky will lead this year’s fundraising efforts, working alongside volunteers, businesses, community partners and donors to support programs that improve lives throughout Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike counties. The annual campaign funds local initiatives focused on education, financial stability, health and basic needs, helping thousands of individuals and families across the region each year.
Drapek brings more than three decades of United Way leadership and nonprofit experience to the campaign. After first joining the organization in 1987, he served in executive leadership before becoming president and CEO in 2002, a role he held until his retirement in 2025. Throughout his career, he earned national recognition for excellence in communications and nonprofit leadership while helping strengthen United Way’s impact throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.
Kolsovsky recently retired following a distinguished 35-year career with PNC Bank, where she served as executive vice president and managing director of institutional asset management for the Northeast Region. Kolsovsky currently serves as chair of the United Way board of directors and has held leadership positions with numerous regional organizations, including the Wright Center for Community Health, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Johnson College.
The 2026 Community Campaign will launch this fall and will bring together businesses, organizations, volunteers and individual donors in support of local programs that address the community’s most pressing needs.
University of Scranton
Stampone, University of Scranton (SUBMITTED)
Ashley L. Stampone, Ph.D. ’10, G’11, Ph.D ’23, assistant professor of accounting, is currently serving as a vice president on the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants board of directors. She previously served a one-year term as a vice president and is now in her second year of a two-year, at-large term that will extend her service through April 2027.
Stampone was formally sworn in at PICPA’s annual meeting, held May 5 at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort and Spa in Bedford County.
The PICPA board of directors oversees the organization’s property and affairs. It includes officers and directors who advance the organization’s mission of serving, supporting and advocating for the profession while serving as a valuable resource to its nearly 18,000 members.
Stampone, who joined the university in 2016, is a five-time recipient of the Kania School of Management’s Teacher of the Year award, presented by KSOM students. She has received numerous state and national awards and professional honors, including PICPA’s Young Leaders Award in 2021.
Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers
Plonska-Brown, Wayne Memorial (SUBMITTED)
The health centers announced that Renata Plonska-Brown, LCSW, has joined its Integrated Behavioral Health Services team and is currently seeing patients at both the Sterling Pediatric Center in Lake Ariel and the Women’s Health Center in Honesdale.
Through its Integration of Care model, WMCHC uses a collaborative approach to treatment by embedding behavioral health clinicians within primary care office settings.
Plonska-Brown has been a clinical social worker for nearly 15 years. Her extensive experience spans across hospital, community, outpatient mental health and private-practice psychotherapy settings. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders and relationship conflict. She is skilled in crisis intervention and evidence-based treatment such as acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness approaches.
Prior to joining WMCHC, Plonska-Brown was employed by the Jacobi Medical Center in Bronx, N.Y., for 13 years. She served as a clinical social worker through the center’s Psychiatric Emergency Program for nine years before taking on the role of clinical social work supervisor, a position she held for the past four years.