Back Mountain Chamber
Kim Scranta, Back Mountain Chamber (SUBMITTED)
Kim Scranta, a Shavertown resident, has been hired as the chamber’s business development manager, effective Oct. 13. She will work closely with the existing staff and board of directors to provide relevant programs and services to existing members and will help the chamber grow membership.
The chamber seeks to promote economic growth by enhancing and advancing business through networking, education and social experiences. It strives to improve its local community, augment its culture, and cultivate a balance of business growth with a relaxed and enjoyable quality of life. The chamber is known as the “Little Chamber with a Big Heart.” At each major event it selects a non-profit member to benefit from a fundraiser.
For information about the chamber and future events, visit www.backmountainchamber.net.
Camelback Resort
Jason Bays, Camelback Resort (SUBMITTED)
With a focus on elevating the guest experience, optimizing operational execution and continuing its strong commitment to safety and management, the resort, a year-round recreational destination in the Pocono Mountains, has announced a new leadership team —Jason Bays, vice president and general manager, and Olivier Marc Glattfelder, resort manager.
Bays will provide overall strategic direction for the resort, guiding operations and long-term business objectives. He will position the resort as an employer of choice, bolstering team engagement and success. Glattfelder will oversee all day-to-day and front and back of the house operations.
With an extensive hospitality background and a strong operational record overseeing activities at destination properties, Bays was general manager of Great Wolf Resorts — overseeing properties in Naples, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Sandusky, Ohio; and the Poconos — leading complex resort functions across hotels, water parks, golf, retail, food and beverage, and more. A native of the Poconos region, he was previously with the resort as director of aquatics/risk management and began his career as director of operations for Jay Peak Resort in Vermont. He holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
With over 30 years of industry experience in the United States and Switzerland, Glattfelder was most recently director of hotel operations for the Marriott Austin South. He was opening general manager of the Equestrian in Ocala, Florida — a five-star luxury property — general manager of the Hotel Granduca Austin, director of housekeeping for Miraval Austin Resort & Spa and opening general manager of the Porches Inn in North Adams, Massachusetts. He spent a decade with Omni Hotels and Resorts serving as director of rooms at Omni Austin Downtown and director of rooms and activities at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa. A native of Glattfelden, Zurich, he studied at hotel schools in Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland, earning a degree in hospitality. He is fluent in English, French, German and Spanish.
With its new team in place, the resort is poised to continue building on its legacy as one of the Northeast’s premier mountain destinations. The resort continues to invest in innovative guest experiences, operational excellence and year-round recreation, with winter upgrades on the horizon to include expanded snowmaking capabilities, upgraded lifts, and new and expanded dining and entertainment.
Maternal and Family Health Services
Maria Montoro Edwards, Maternal Family Health Services (SUBMITTED)
The nonprofit health and human service organization announced that Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards, president and chief executive officer, has been recognized by City & State Pennsylvania as one of the 2025 Fifty Over 50 honorees. This annual list highlights trailblazers, visionaries and changemakers over the age of 50 who continue to shape the commonwealth’s future through decades of leadership and impact.
The Fifty Over 50 list honors Pennsylvanians who have demonstrated sustained commitment to public service, innovation and community advancement. Edwards joins an esteemed group of leaders across the government, nonprofit and civic sectors who serve as role models and advocates for their communities.
Edwards has served as president and CEO for MFHS since 2020, overseeing the expansion and enhancement of essential health care and nutrition programs that reach over 100,000 women, men and children annually across 17 Pennsylvania counties.
Moses Taylor Foundation
Will Craven, Moses Taylor Foundation (SUBMITTED)
Will Craven has joined the private foundation with a mission to improve the health of people in Northeast Pennsylvania, as its operations and grants officer. In this role, he will support the foundation’s grant management system, lead internal operations, and coordinate organizational initiatives and events.
Craven previously served as manager of community impact funding at United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, where he oversaw the review of nonprofit grant applications and supported programs that strengthened communities across the region. He also brings experience from his time as business division chair and faculty member at Lackawanna College, where he led academic initiatives and taught a wide range of topics. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the outdoors of Northeast Pennsylvania.
Craven holds a master’s degree in public administration from Marywood University and a bachelor’s degree in community health education from the University of Scranton. He also holds an associate degree in accounting from Lackawanna College.
Northwest Bank
Mike Kashnicki, Northwest Bank (SUBMITTED)
The full-service financial institution, offering a complete line of business and personal banking solutions, announced Michael Kashnicki has been named commercial banking market executive for the bank.
In this role, Kashnicki will lead a team of relationship managers, with a focus on growing commercial and investment banking relationships specifically in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Carbon, Lehigh and Schuylkill counties — an area where Northwest recently added eight financial centers following the acquisition of Penns Woods Bancorp Inc., and its Luzerne Bank and Jersey Shore State Bank branches in July 2025.
Kashnicki formerly served as vice president and was a top-performing middle market relationship manager at First National Bank of Pennsylvania. In that role, he managed a portfolio of more than $350 million in aggregated loans and deposits.
Kashnicki earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wilkes University. He also holds a Certificate of Commercial Lending from Bucknell University through the Professional Bankers Association.
In his community, Kashnicki served as chairman of the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania and as a board member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Swift Kennedy
Daniel Liuzzo, Swift Kennedy (SUBMITTED)
Tyler Edmiston, Swift Kennedy (SUBMITTED)
Leland Calistri, Swift Kennedy (SUBMITTED)
Scott Sieron, Swift Kennedy (SUBMITTED)
Ruthie C. Somers, Swift Kennedy (SUBMITTED)
Trevor Nahodil, Swift Kennedy SUBMITTED)
Michael Hudowalski, Swift Kennedy (SUBMITTED)
The agency announced the addition of several talented professionals across its four offices in Dubois, State College, Williamsport and Scranton, as well as its Medicare Center in Bellefonte: Daniel Liuzzo, benefits consultant; Tyler Edmiston, account manager–group benefits and sales; Leland Calistri, strategic partnerships manager; Scott Sieron, self-funded data analytics, reporting and program support; Ruthie C. Somers, voluntary benefits adviser; Trevor Nahodil, Medicare specialist; and Michael Hudowalski, Medicare specialist.
The employee benefits business demands a team of dedicated professionals to market, sell and service employers in today’s competitive environment. At the agency, product knowledge, clear communication and a client-first mindset are at the heart of everything they do.
Health insurance premiums remain one of the largest expenses for employers. Combined with the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining talent, the need for innovative and cost-effective benefits strategies has never been greater. The company continues to lead the way with alternative funding arrangements that offer flexibility and control, advanced technology that gives clients a competitive edge, comprehensive compliance solutions for peace of mind, and a dedicated service team that supports employers, employees and their families.