Jobs, Economy, and Economic Development
Mission
To improve the quality of life and standard of living for the residents of northeastern Pennsylvania through the formation of economic development strategies; economic analysis, case studies, and best practices relating to effective and efficient government, growth, revitalization, and sustainability as well as policy implications impacting all of the above.
Purpose
The task force is comprised of diverse groups of professionals to convene and participate in creating strategies, plans, policy solutions based on evidence, and best practices that have the potential to positively influence local and statewide economies and economic development in order to increase jobs, attract talent, and develop a more sustainable economic environment.
Jobs, Economy & Economic Development Research
Visit The Institute’s You Tube Channel for short videos on our jobs, economy, & economic development research.
Task Force Members
- Robert Luciani, Vice President, Empower- Chair
- Pam Anslinger, Financial Homeownership Specialist, NeighborWorks Northeast
- Karen Baker, Senior Advancement Director, Johnson College
- John P. Blake, District Director, Congressman Matt Cartwright
- Fran Calpin, Senior Director of College Relations, Keystone College
- John Cognetti, President & Broker of Record, Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate
- Julie Schumacher Cohen, Director of Community Relations, University of Scranton
- Ron Daniels, Chief Financial Officer, The Wright Center
- Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO, Scranton Area Foundation
- Michelle Giovagnoli, Director of Institutional and Academic Grants, Kings College
- Lindsay Griffin-Boylan, Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Kellie Knesis, VP of Human Resources, The Wright Center
- Katie Leonard, Ed.D., President, Johnson College
- Joe Lettiere, Vice President, Greater Hazleton CAN DO, Inc.
- Amy Luyster, Vice President, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
- Alana Roberts, Regional Public Affairs Director, PPL Electric Utilities
- Jahan Tabat, Family Investments Realty
- Kate Sickora, Chief Development Officer, WVIA
- Lucyann Vierling, Workforce Alliance
- Marwan Wafa, Ph.D., Penn State Scranton
Sarah, a former Institute intern, joined The Institute in April 2021 as a Research Assistant. She started her new role as a Research Analyst in January 2024. 
Jill Avery-Stoss joined The Institute in June 2018 to fill the newly-created role of Research, Data, Intern & Administrative Coordinator. She assists with the collection and management of data for purposes of ethical and efficient analysis. She visits partner campuses to market The Institute’s internship opportunities, and participates in event-planning logistical activities as well. In 2021, Jill was promoted to Director of Operations to reflect the diversity in her job description and the additional marketing and communication functions she successfully mastered in 2020. In 2022, Jill was named Chief Operating Officer after expanding into both research and administrative management functions. Jill is taking on project management, fundraising, and other executive leadership functions of the organization.
Ooms is responsible for all facets of research, organizational strategy, and management. Ooms is an active principal investigator in all Institute research. Ooms has been nationally recognized as a leader in regional economic development. She turned that skill into a research institute to help other regions develop and prosper. Her strategic skills have allowed The Institute to expand its services to the private and non-profit sectors for research and analysis in community health needs assessments, strategic planning, market and feasibility studies, and economic impact analysis.