{"id":263996,"date":"2026-08-12T15:32:30","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T15:32:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/263996\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T15:32:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T15:32:30","slug":"personnel-file-august-12-2026-scranton-times-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/263996\/","title":{"rendered":"Personnel File, August 12, 2026 \u2013 Scranton Times-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Deloitte LLP<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Gutowski, Deloitte LLP (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"372\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0726-01.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1865900\" \/>Gutowski, Deloitte LLP (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n<p>Mike Gutowski, a resident of West Avoca, has been promoted to specialist, risk and compliance services.<\/p>\n<p>The company is the largest professional services network in the world by revenue and one of the Big Four firms.<\/p>\n<p>This marks Gutowski\u2019s second promotion since joining the firm. In his new role, he will analyze financial and employment relationships to ensure compliance with regulatory independence rules.A 2015 graduate of Pittston Area High School, Gutowski earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance summa cum laude from Temple University\u2019s Fox School of Business in 2019.<\/p>\n<p>Dime Bank<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Serafin, Dime Bank (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"1942\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0705-01.jpeg\" data-attachment-id=\"1846136\" \/>Serafin, Dime Bank (SUBMITTED)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Van Acker, Dime Bank (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"1942\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0705-01_f2940b.jpeg\" data-attachment-id=\"1846137\" \/>Van Acker, Dime Bank (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n<p>The bank announced the addition of two experienced professionals, John J. Serafin and Anna Van Acker, to its commercial lending team, further strengthening the bank\u2019s commitment to supporting local businesses and economic growth throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n<p>As commercial lenders at a community bank, Serafin and Van Acker will work closely with business customers to provide financing solutions, treasury services and strategic guidance to help businesses start, grow and thrive. Community bank commercial lenders play a vital role in local economies by evaluating credit needs, structuring loans and building long-term relationships that contribute to the success of businesses and communities alike.<\/p>\n<p>Serafin joined the bank on March 23 as vice president, commercial lending officer III. In this role, he is responsible for developing new commercial lending relationships, growing deposits and delivering a full range of financial solutions to business customers. Serafin has more than 35 years of commercial banking experience across Northeast Pennsylvania, offering deep industry knowledge and a proven track record of building lasting client relationships. Serafin is actively engaged in the community and currently serves as a board member and finance committee chair of the FM Kirby Center for the Performing Arts and is a West Pittston American Legion member. He is the immediate past board chair of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce and a former board member of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he serves as treasurer for the Corpus Christi Knights of Columbus and is a member of the parish finance committee. Serafin holds an MBA in management and a bachelor\u2019s degree in accounting with a minor in finance from Wilkes University and is an Army veteran.<\/p>\n<p>Van Acker joined the bank on May 1 as vice president, commercial loan officer II. In her role, she helps businesses secure financing for growth, operations and real estate needs by evaluating financial statements, structuring loans and fostering long-term client relationships. Van Acker has eight years of banking experience, having progressed through a variety of roles, including management trainee, commercial loan specialist, portfolio manager and commercial loan officer, and has gained expertise in underwriting, credit analysis and relationship management. A dedicated community leader, Van Acker serves as a NEPA Alliance board member, Human Resources Center board secretary and member of the PA Bankers Young Professionals Committee. She is also actively involved locally as treasurer of the Honesdale Area Jaycees, board secretary for PAWS of NEPA and publicity chair for Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County. Her contributions have earned her recognition as Jaycee of the Year, a National Outstanding Local Member, and recipient of the PA Bankers Women in Banking \u201cTomorrow\u2019s Promise\u201d Award. Van Acker holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Scranton and continues her professional development through the PA Bankers Advanced School of Banking and specialized lending programs.<\/p>\n<p>Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Talacka, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"1814\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0726-01_b71bf1.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1865901\" \/>Talacka, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n<p>The not-for-profit organization announced the addition of Taryn Talacka as its new director of marketing and communications. In this role, Talacka will be responsible for creating marketing materials and strategies for the Chamber and its divisions, gathering content for Momentum Magazine, and producing All Things Chamber and All Things Members, two of the Chamber\u2019s successful video productions.Before joining the Chamber, Talacka served as the marketing manager for dining services at King\u2019s College, where she created print and digital marketing materials and led student-centered dining events. With a proven track record of social media management, video production and media relations, Talacka brings valuable experience that aligns perfectly with the Chamber\u2019s mission to attract, sustain and grow business throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n<p>King\u2019s College<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Saeed, King's College.jpg (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"1200\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0705-01.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1846138\" \/>Saeed, King\u2019s College.jpg (SUBMITTED)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Psak, King's College (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"350\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0705-01_2c9a67.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1846139\" \/>Psak, King\u2019s College (SUBMITTED)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Piggford, King's College (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"500\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0705-01_9a0038.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1846140\" \/>Piggford, King\u2019s College (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n<p>The college announced that Zubeen Saeed, Paul Psak \u201907 and the Rev. George Piggford, C.S.C., Ph.D., have been elected to its board of directors for three-year terms.Saeed is the founder and chief operating officer of Building Blocks Learning Center, a multisite early childhood education organization serving more than 1,200 families across Luzerne County. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in early childhood education and expanded learning initiatives, she has led efforts focused on educational access, workforce development and community partnerships throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to her professional leadership, Saeed founded the Bridge the Gap Program, an initiative that empowers high school women to pursue higher education and leadership opportunities through mentorship and academic support. She currently serves on several community and nonprofit boards, including the Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Wyoming Valley and Diamond City Partnership.<\/p>\n<p>Psak is the founder and managing partner of Lake Ten Capital Partners, a private investment firm focused on lower-middle-market opportunities in logistics and industrial services. He previously held leadership positions with Ferro Holdings LLC, Vatera Capital Management and Brown Brothers Harriman &amp; Co., where he specialized in finance, operations, investment management and strategic planning.<\/p>\n<p>A 2007 graduate of King\u2019s College, Psak earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting. He is a certified public accountant in New York and has remained actively involved with the college through service on the McGowan School of Business Advisory Council and the King\u2019s College President\u2019s Council. In 2020, he received the Robert J. Ell Alumni Award for Outstanding Service to Alma Mater.Piggford is a professor of English at Stonehill College, where he has taught since 2004 and currently serves as president of the Faculty Senate. A member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, he has held numerous leadership roles at Stonehill, including chair of the English department and director of the Moreau Honors Program.<\/p>\n<p>Piggford earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and philosophy and a Master of Arts in English from Duquesne University, a doctorate in English studies from the University of Montr\u00e9al, and a Master of Divinity from the University of Notre Dame. His scholarship has focused extensively on Catholic literature and theology, and on the works of Flannery O\u2019Connor, and he has presented and published internationally on topics related to faith, literature and culture.<\/p>\n<p>Munley Law<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Munley, Munley Law (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"849\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0712-01_488da0.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1853594\" \/>Munley, Munley Law (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n<p>Truck accident lawyer Marion Munley has been included in the \u201cTop 10\u201d Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list, the \u201cTop 100\u201d and the \u201cTop 50\u201d Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers lists in the 2026 edition of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers.<\/p>\n<p>Only 5% of attorneys in the United States are selected to Super Lawyers. To be included in Super Lawyers, attorneys must be nominated by their peers or identified by the Super Lawyers research department. Lawyers cannot nominate themselves, nor can they pay to be recognized on the list. Nominated attorneys are subjected to a thorough evaluation and selection process. The top 10 are the candidates with the highest total points from this process.<\/p>\n<p>This is the fourth year in a row that Munley has been featured in the Top 10. She is the only female attorney who made the list in 2026. She has been consistently selected to the list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for the past 23 years and has been named to the \u201cTop 100\u201d Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list since 2022. This is her 12th year of being named a \u201cTop 50\u201d Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyer.<\/p>\n<p>Munley is widely recognized as one of the most prominent and respected personal injury lawyers in Pennsylvania. She has won many multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for injury clients throughout the United States, including one of the largest truck accident settlements in history. She is triple board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Law, Civil Practice Advocacy and Truck Accident Law.<\/p>\n<p>A leader in the legal community, she is an active member of the American Association for Justice and currently serves as its vice president. She was the first woman to become chair of AAJ Trucking Litigation and is a past chair of the AAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus. She is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, the International Society of Barristers and the Summit Council, and formerly served as president of the Melvin M. Belli Society. A graduate of Temple University School of Law, Munley received her undergraduate degree from the University of Scranton.In addition, Munley has been selected to the 2026 \u201cLawdragon Hall of Fame\u201d and \u201cLawdragon 500 Leading Consumer Lawyers\u201d list.<\/p>\n<p>The Lawdragon Hall of Fame recognizes lawyers for their long and impactful careers, considering their contributions, leadership and relationships over decades. This process involves extensive tracking and evaluation beyond just recent achievements.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of who is named to the Lawdragon 500 list, according to the publishers, \u201cthese are the remarkable lawyers who have etched careers that changed lives and commerce for decades. They remain the nation\u2019s top \u2026 litigators and are permanent members of \u2018the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p>M&amp;T Bank<\/p>\n<p>The bank has has named Jaime Ryan, C.P.A., senior commercial relationship manager for its Northern Pennsylvania region. Ryan will work across the bank\u2019s commercial, credit and branch teams to deepen client relationships and support economic growth across Northern Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n<p>Ryan previously served as vice president in commercial and community development banking at PNC Bank. A University of Scranton graduate with a master\u2019s from Penn State, he also volunteers with the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne County, the Women\u2019s Resource Center and the Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone.<\/p>\n<p>North Branch Land Trust<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Turel, North Branch Land Trust (SUBMITTED0\" width=\"300\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0726-01_8a2caa.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1865902\" \/>Turel, North Branch Land Trust (SUBMITTED0<\/p>\n<p>The regional land conservation nonprofit recently appointed Joshua Turel as a new member to its board of directors.<\/p>\n<p>A native of Avoca, Turel developed a love for the outdoors through hunting, fishing and hiking in the forests of Northeast Pennsylvania. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy at Wilkes University. While at Wilkes, Turel was a three-time All-Conference baseball player. He is currently employed by Geisinger Health System as a clinical pharmacist.The organization partners with landowners, communities and stakeholders to conserve and care for Northeast Pennsylvania\u2019s lands and waters.<\/p>\n<p>Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Gabriel, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"463\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0712-01.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1853595\" \/>Gabriel, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Novosel, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"455\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0712-01.jpeg\" data-attachment-id=\"1853596\" \/>Novosel, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"ODonnell, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"440\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0712-01_328fc0.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1853597\" \/>ODonnell, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Price, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"413\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0712-01_53a9c3.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1853598\" \/>Price, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Ryan, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"464\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0712-01_ff017b.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1853599\" \/>Ryan, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Simkulak, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"464\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0712-01_3194fb.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1853600\" \/>Simkulak, NEPIRC (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n<p>The not-for-profit technical assistance firm serving manufacturers across an 11-county region welcomed six newly elected board members with a shared commitment to supporting the growth and success of the manufacturing industry.<\/p>\n<p>Matthew Gabriel, product manager at InterMetro Industries, has been with the company for 13 years. He leads the strategic planning and execution of multiple product platforms manufactured in Pennsylvania, overseeing new product development, market research, product positioning, profitability and key elements of the manufacturing value chain. Gabriel is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a member of the Leadership Northeast Core Class of 2025. He has worked in the manufacturing industry for two decades.<\/p>\n<p>Michael Novosel, quality engineering manager at ON Semiconductor, has been with the company for 30 years. His deep experience in manufacturing includes quality strategy, process and product quality assurance, audit compliance and preventive and corrective action management. In addition to his professional leadership, Novosel is actively involved in workforce development initiatives, chairing ON Semiconductor\u2019s job shadowing program and participating in the company\u2019s Mountain Top Site University Relations team. He is a longtime youth basketball and baseball coach.<\/p>\n<p>Quinn O\u2019Donnell, CPA, is the assistant corporate controller at Noble Biomaterials Inc. She has spent eight years of her career in the manufacturing industry and, in her current role, oversees critical financial operations to support organizational planning and performance. O\u2019Donnell is an active member of the Junior League of Scranton.<\/p>\n<p>Justin D. Price is the director of operations at US Hydrations. He is also a major in the United States Army Reserve with 14 years of military service. Following five years of active duty across several assignments, he returned to the civilian world and held roles at Sanofi Pasteur and Amcor Rigid Packaging before joining USHydrations. Price has completed extensive military and emergency response training, including Airborne School and Hazardous Materials Technician certification, and currently serves as a small-group leader with the 3rd Chemical Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He is a decorated military leader and recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal. Price holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Keystone College with minors in chemistry and mathematics. He is an active NEPIRC Dream Team volunteer, working to drive and expand awareness about manufacturing careers and opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>Jaime Ryan, CPA, is vice president, community development banking at PNC Financial Services. In this role, which he has held for the past eight years, he manages loans and investments designed to generate meaningful regional impact and strengthen low- to moderate-income communities. He is actively involved in regional nonprofit and economic development leadership, serving as a board member and treasurer for NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, WRC (formerly Women\u2019s Resource Center) and Penn\u2019s Northeast. He is a certified public accountant.<\/p>\n<p>Joseph W. Simkulak, CPA, CPIM, has served as InterMetro Industries\u2019 chief financial officer for the past seven years. His three-decade-long career in the manufacturing industry includes senior leadership in finance and operations, as well as oversight of major software system implementations. Simkulak earned his certified public accountant credential early in his professional career while employed at Arthur Andersen. He is actively involved in community and nonprofit leadership, serving as treasurer of the Music Box Dinner Playhouse and as co-founder of the George Barilla Scholarship Fund. He has served on the advisory board for Penn State Wilkes-Barre and was one of the founding members of NEPIRC\u2019s Executive Networking Group. Simkulak is a graduate of the University of Scranton with a degree in computer science.<\/p>\n<p>NEPIRC\u2019s newest board members were elected Dec. 12, 2025, with a term of service commencing on June 30, 2029.<\/p>\n<p>Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Dee, NEPA Synod Assembly (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"3408\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0719-01.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1859503\" \/>Dee, NEPA Synod Assembly (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n<p>Pastor Jennifer Dee was elected to a six-year term as bishop at the 2026 synod, becoming the first woman elected bishop to the organization.<\/p>\n<p>Bishop-Elect Dee currently serves as lead pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Robesonia. She has served in that role since 2023, following more than a decade of ministry as associate pastor at Trinity. Ordained in 2008, she previously served St. John\u2019s Lutheran Church in Loogootee, Indiana. She earned a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and a Bachelor of Arts from Keene State College.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout her ministry, Dee has been actively involved in synod and churchwide leadership, including service with the ELCA Youth Gathering, Bear Creek Camp, internship supervision and clergy leadership development. Her community involvement has included coaching Girls on the Run, participating in Lutheran Day at the Capitol, supporting local schools and families, and coordinating community outreach initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>The election took place during the 2026 Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly, held June 4-6 under the theme Imagine, inspired by Ephesians 3:14-21. More than 400 attendees from across Northeast Pennsylvania gathered for the assembly, with additional participants joining through the assembly livestream.<\/p>\n<p>O\u2019Connor Law<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"O'Connor, O'Connor Law (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"1200\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0726-01_1afae6.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1865903\" \/>O\u2019Connor, O\u2019Connor Law (SUBMITTED)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"O'Connor, O'Connor Law (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"576\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0726-01_7412b4.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1865904\" \/>O\u2019Connor, O\u2019Connor Law (SUBMITTED)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Yurkonis, O'Connor Law (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"1200\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0726-01_ddc35a.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1865905\" \/>Yurkonis, O\u2019Connor Law (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n<p>The law firm celebrates three attorneys named to Pennsylvania\u2019s Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists for 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Attorney Michael J. O\u2019Connor has been selected to the Super Lawyers list and attorney James O\u2019Connor and attorney Steven Yurkonis have been selected as Rising Stars. Super Lawyers selects the top 5% of attorneys through a process of thorough research and peer review. The Rising Stars list is a special designation that recognizes attorneys who are under the age of 40 or have been practicing for less than 10 years. Selection to these lists is a prestigious designation and an honor for attorneys.<\/p>\n<p>Attorney Michael J. O\u2019Connor is the founder of the firm and has been selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list for Workers\u2019 Compensation each year since 2004. He is a member of the Pennsylvania, Schuylkill County and Northumberland County bar associations. He has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout the years, including being named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the American Trial Lawyers Association, selected to the Best Lawyers list since 2015, named to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and receiving an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.<\/p>\n<p>Attorney James O\u2019Connor is selected to the Super Lawyers: Rising Stars list for excellence in personal injury law. He has been admitted to practice law in the state of Pennsylvania since 2018. This is his fifth recognition by Super Lawyers in this category. He is a member of the Schuylkill County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. He was previously named to the Ones to Watch list by Best Lawyers and the Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers.<\/p>\n<p>Attorney Steven Yurkonis is recognized for the second time this year on the Super Lawyers: Rising Stars list for excellence in Workers\u2019 Compensation law. Yurkonis is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and has been selected as a Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Attorney since 2021. He was previously selected to the Best Lawyers Ones to Watch list in 2022, 2024 and 2025 in the field of personal injury litigation and workers\u2019 compensation.<\/p>\n<p>The title of Super Lawyer is given to attorneys that are in the top 5% in each state. To receive this title, there is a multistep selection process. Super Lawyers states that the process includes nominations, independent research and peer evaluations to make the final decision. The nominations are based on personal observation rather than a law firm\u2019s reputation. The Super Lawyers team researches multiple factors, including experience, education and awards. Candidates are selected to the Super Lawyers list after peer evaluation. The Rising Stars selection process is the same as the Super Lawyers list, with the exception of requiring all attorneys to be under the age of 40 or in practice for less than 10 years.<\/p>\n<p>The Wright Center<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Zehel, Wright Center (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"1250\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0719-01_d492f3.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1859504\" \/>Zehel, Wright Center (SUBMITTED)<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"McCarthy, Wright Center (SUBMITTED)\" width=\"1250\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/STT-L-PEOPLEONTHEMOVE-0719-01_f8a23d.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"1859505\" \/>McCarthy, Wright Center (SUBMITTED)<\/p>\n<p>A Marywood University and Misericordia University alumna who has spent the last two decades advocating for and securing investments to support higher education has joined the Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education as its first chief philanthropy officer and vice president of grants and strategic initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>Ren\u00e9e Gregori Zehel, Ph.D., worked in business development in the healthcare industry for seven years before she returned to Northeast Pennsylvania in 1998 to serve in leadership roles at Misericordia and Marywood universities. Most recently, she was vice president of university advancement at Marywood, where she led the successful completion of a $30 million campaign to expand health sciences programs.<\/p>\n<p>At the Wright Center, Zehel will spearhead the development of a new philanthropic foundation and guide its related endeavors. She will design overarching fundraising strategies and direct philanthropic events to build community support. She will also be responsible for driving grant development efforts across the organization.<\/p>\n<p>After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication arts from then-Marywood College and a Master of Science degree in education from then-College Misericordia, she completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree in human development at Marywood University. Across the region, Zehel has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the African Sisters Education Collaborative and the Patient Safety Council at Lehigh Valley Hospital \u2013 Dickson City. She resides in Scranton.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Caitlin McCarthy, local site director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program at the Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, a practicing dentist dedicated to expanding access to oral healthcare in Northeast Pennsylvania, has been selected to serve on the Pennsylvania Department of Health\u2019s Oral Health Program Oral Health Plan Advisory Group.<\/p>\n<p>McCarthy was appointed to a two-year term from July 1, 2026-June 30, 2028, and will represent Pennsylvania\u2019s provider sector.<\/p>\n<p>The Oral Health Plan Advisory Group provides recommendations to the state Department of Health\u2019s Oral Health Program regarding priorities for implementing the state\u2019s oral health plan and champions initiatives designed to improve oral health across the commonwealth.<\/p>\n<p>A Scranton native and West Scranton High School graduate, McCarthy received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed a General Practice Residency at Lehigh Valley Health Network\u2019s Muhlenberg Hospital. She earned a bachelor\u2019s degree from the University of Scranton, graduating with dual majors in biology and biomathematics while also completing minors in biochemistry and English.<\/p>\n<p>McCarthy joined the Wright Center in 2019 and played a key role in launching dental services at the Wright Center for Community Health Scranton.<\/p>\n<p>A veteran dentist with more than three decades of experience will lead the new dental service line at the Wright Center for Community Health Tunkhannock, expanding access to oral healthcare at the Wyoming County Healthcare Center.<\/p>\n<p>Dental services for children and adults are available between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Wright Center for Community Health Tunkhannock, 5950 U.S. Route 6, Suite 401. Appointments can be made now by calling 570-591-5299.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Frank Pagano, who has longtime family connections to Wyoming County, will offer a wide variety of services for children and adults, including routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, restorations, dentures and other procedures. After earning his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University\u2019s School of Dentistry, he operated a family dental practice for nearly 33 years. He\u2019s also served as a clinical instructor in prosthetics for Columbia University\u2019s College of Dental Medicine.<\/p>\n<p>The community health center accepts most dental insurances, including Delta Dental, Guardian, United Concordia and Medical Assistance (Medicaid). To ensure high-quality oral care is available to everyone, the Wright Center for Community Health offers a sliding-fee discount program for individuals who qualify based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which take into account family size and income. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Deloitte LLP Gutowski, Deloitte LLP (SUBMITTED) Mike Gutowski, a resident of West Avoca, has been promoted to specialist,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":85246,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[18056,60,201,182,803,28,178,180,179,2943],"class_list":["post-263996","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-scranton","tag-biz570","tag-business","tag-lackawanna-county","tag-local-news","tag-luzerne-county","tag-pennsylvania","tag-scranton","tag-scranton-headlines","tag-scranton-news","tag-wyoming-county"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/263996","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=263996"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/263996\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/85246"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=263996"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=263996"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=263996"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}