Leadership McKean Celebrates New Graduates

Leadership McKean honored the graduates of its 2013-14 class on Friday at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Throughout the year, program participants focused on issues affecting McKean County in areas like health and human services, economic development, education and tourism.

To end the year, participants developed presentations that were inspired by the year’s topics and presenters. This year’s class developed the following presentations, many of which will be implemented in the future:

Bradford Ecumenical Home, Inc.—Residents on the Go!
Financial Literacy
Volunteer McKean Facebook Site
Mobile Library
Bradford Area High School Career Awareness and Workplace Readiness Program

Mike Glesk, a member of the Leadership McKean Steering Committee said that with 24 graduates, this is the largest Leadership McKean class in the program's eight-year history. To date, 142 participants completed the program.

During the graduation ceremony, Dan Minich and Cara Costik, program participants, reflected on their experience with Leadership McKean. “I appreciate the education I received and relationships developed through this program, said Minich. "Through Leadership McKean, we gained a better understanding of the true reason we're here-- to serve.”

Costik added, "Through Leadership McKean, we learned about our communities and became better prepared leaders and community members."

Julie Marasco, Northwest Region president of Northwest Savings Bank, served as the day’s keynote speaker. “Leadership is the ability to do what it takes to get the job done. It's more than a title or position. It's having the ability to communicate your vision, recognize the potential in people, build dynamic teams and to not be afraid to ask questions. To lead is to take action,” said Ms. Marasco. "To all of this year's graduates, we commend your involvement. We look to you as our future leaders."

Leadership McKean: Class of 2013-14

Ryan Baxter, Zippo Manufacturing Company
Guy Bennett, Bradford Area Public Library
Rick Brocious, Zippo Manufacturing Company

Tracy Burgess, Bradford Ecumenical Home
Cara Costik, United Way of the Bradford Area

Katie Cunningham, Northwest Savings Bank
Anita Danielson, Seneca Highlands, Intermediate Unit 9

Tyler Hannah, Woods, Baker & Ross
Tracee Howell, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

Stephanie Huber, Bradford Regional Medical Center
Jodi Meabon, Evergreen Elm, Inc.
Brandon Means, Northwest Savings Bank
Mike Montecalvo, Northwest Savings Bank
Dan Minich, Olean-Bradford YMCA/ PNC Bank
Lisa Minich, KOA Speer Electronics
Jesse Noga, Zippo Manufacturing Company

Dan Palmer, American Refining Group
Kitzie Pingie, American Refining Group
Jenna Prechtl, American Refining Group
Matt Splain, Otto Eldred High School
Pat Vigliotta, McKean Insurance Agency, Inc.

Erin Waugaman, Bradford Area School District
Jessica Whiteman, McCourt Label Company
Todd Witchen, KOA Speer Electronics

Graduates received wooden plaques in honor of their achievement, hand crafted by students of the Seneca Highlands Vo-Technical School in Port Allegany.

Leadership McKean aims to educate and guide emerging leaders throughout McKean County. For more information about Leadership McKean, or to obtain an application for the class of 2014-15, please contact Kara Kennedy at kara.kennedy@bradfordchamber.com or call 814-368-7115.

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