Marywood University
Lisa Lori, Marywood University (SUBMITTED)
The university announced that its president, Lisa A. Lori, J.D., has once again been named a 2025 Chambers USA ranked lawyer in General Commercial Litigation — a prestigious honor that highlights her outstanding contributions to the legal profession and her distinguished record as a business litigator.
Chambers USA is widely regarded as the leading independent legal directory, recognizing the top lawyers and law firms across the country based on rigorous research, client feedback and industry peer review. Inclusion in Chambers is considered one of the highest accolades in the legal profession.
Before assuming the presidency of the university in 2024, Lori built a prominent career representing national and international clients — including Fortune 500 companies, higher-education institutions, health care systems and executives — in high-stakes litigation and strategic counseling. She also served as outside general counsel to La Salle University and co-chaired the Higher Education and Healthcare practice groups at her former law firm.
New York Army National Guard
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announced the recent promotion of a local member of the National Guard in recognition of her capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Ashley Santos Reyes, Nanticoke, assigned to the Headquarters and Support Company, 42nd Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, received a promotion May 14 to the rank of specialist.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
North Branch Land Trust
The nonprofit announced the hiring of Brittany Lynn, marketing manager, who joined the land trust on June 2, bringing with her a dedication to conservation and a drive to inspire others with the same passion.
Outside of her professional life, Lynn enjoys fly fishing, fly tying, foraging for native plants and fungi, gardening and tending to her chickens.
For information about North Branch Land Trust and its conservation efforts, visit nblt.org.
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
Gina Suydam, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry (SUBMITTED)
The business association announced that Gina Suydam will join the organization as member executive, responsible for managing and growing the chamber’s membership with a focus on Northeast Pennsylvania. She will begin her new role at the end of this month.
Suydam currently serves as president of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce and is the immediate past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals. She has more than a decade of experience building partnerships and driving economic opportunity in rural communities across the region.
In addition to her chamber leadership, Suydam serves on the boards of Northeast Sight Services, Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pa., and the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management. She also represents Wyoming County in several regional economic development initiatives and was appointed by the Pa. Chamber in 2024 to serve on the state’s Rural Population Revitalization Commission.
Peoples Security Bank & Trust
Alyssa Kobal, Peoples Security Bank (SUBMITTED)
The bank announced the appointment of Alyssa Kobal as assistant vice president, community banking manager at the bank’s Dickson City branch.
With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Kobal brings a customer-focused mindset and leadership experience to her new role. She will oversee the daily operations of the Dickson City branch while guiding her team to deliver exceptional service and building lasting relationships within the community.
Kobal began her career in banking as a teller with FNB in 2013 and advanced through roles at Citizens Bank and Mariner Finance, where she most recently held a management position. A native of Forty Fort, she is a graduate of Lake-Lehman High School and a volunteer with Action Together NEPA.
PS Bank
Karen Weller, PS Bank (SUBMITTED)
Karen Weller has joined the Wyalusing-based bank as deposit operations manager/vice president.
With nearly 20 years of experience in banking and 13 years specializing in operations management, Weller brings a wealth of expertise to the team. In this role, she will oversee the key components of the deposit operations function.
She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton, and she is a resident of Scranton.
The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania
The nonprofit organization committed to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has named Marsha Pigga its new executive director. The Arc-NEPA is a grassroots organization formed in 1955 by a group of parents seeking public education for their children with IDD. Since that time a growing number of parents, neighbors, and members of the business and professional communities have faced numerous challenges in advocating for children and adults with IDD. Previously, Pigga was the executive director of the Domestic Violence Service Center, which is a nonprofit organization committed to working toward an end to the problem of domestic violence in our culture.
Pigga holds a Master of Arts from Marywood University and a Bachelor of Science from King’s College. She served as a Student Assistance Program regional trainer and Commonwealth Prevention Alliance State Board member, and is a former member of the Scranton Counseling Center board of directors, Trauma Informed Care Community Committee, NEPA Task Force Against Human Trafficking and the University of Scranton Graduate Nursing Program-Community Advisory Board.