2024 Leadership Evolution Project Class

Abby has always been a people person who enjoys bringing groups together, coordinating engaging events, and connecting people to the right resources that help them grow. Since joining the team at MANTEC, a non-profit organization serving small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies in South Central PA, she’s had countless opportunities to use those skills and passions to help manufacturers and their people achieve excellence.

A few months into her time at MANTEC, Abby discovered a need amongst manufacturing companies and founded the Young Manufacturers Network in February of 2024, a group dedicated to upskilling and retaining young talent in the manufacturing industry. As President of YMN, Abby oversees a team of eight Advisory Board members who help create events, content, and other opportunities to develop, mentor, and support the next generation of manufacturing.

When she’s not spending time listening to manufacturers and helping them grow, you can find Abby leading the LCBC York Young Adult group, farming on her family’s Scottish Highland Cattle farm, and spending time being active in nature by kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing.

Andrew joined MANTEC in 2021 as a Business Solutions Specialist, bringing over six years of experience in supporting manufacturers. In this role, he is dedicated to connecting MANTEC’s clients with valuable resources and contacts while fostering new relationships with manufacturers across our nine-county region. In addition to his outreach efforts, Andrew oversees MANTEC’s Professional Development program, reflecting his commitment to continuous professional and personal growth.

Andrew is also a Co-Founder and Vice President of the Young Manufacturers Network (YMN) of South-Central PA. He and his colleagues established YMN to create a network of young employees in manufacturing, aimed at collaboration for professional growth, learning, and camaraderie, ultimately strengthening the region’s manufacturing capabilities and businesses.

Before joining MANTEC, Andrew worked in the staffing industry, focusing on manufacturing companies. He brings extensive knowledge of the local manufacturing sector and a deep understanding of what manufacturers need to grow and succeed. Passionate about helping and leading people, Andrew took great pride in mentoring five account executives at the staffing agency, fostering their success and professional growth.

Andrew holds a degree in Criminal Justice. When he is not supporting local manufacturers, he enjoys watching football (Go Vikings!), golfing, boating, and spending time with his wife, three children, and their three dogs (a lab mix, English bulldog, and French bulldog).

I am in my 9th year as the Accounting Manager for Bingaman & Son Lumber, Inc. which is headquartered in Kreamer, PA. It is a privilege to be a part of the business that my grandfather started in 1968 and to continue to further the mission of the company, which is to bring glory to God in everything that we do. I am an active member of a local Baptist church and serve as Chairman of the Board, play guitar for the worship team, and teach a children’s Sunday School class. In August, I will be celebrating 10 years of marriage with my amazing wife, Gina. We have been blessed with three wonderful children ranging in age from 4 to 7. In my spare time I love to golf, run, or anything else that allows me to be outside.

Dakota Bitner is currently a Project Manager at JEM Group, LLC. Dakota has always had a love for construction which led him to pursue an apprenticeship experience in his senior year of high school. As a graduate of Penn State University, Dakota earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering while also beginning his career at JEM Group as an intern. The experience interning at JEM Group was incredibly valuable and led Dakota to pursue a permanent role at the company as an assistant project manager, and now a project manager. Dakota is a dedicated individual who works diligently to learn as much as possible to be a leader at JEM Group and in the construction industry. He hopes to apply his learning to encourage other emerging leaders and improve lives in his community. When Dakota is not working, he is enjoying time with his wife, Delaney, and their cat, Maverick.

Dan Mahler is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in management, known for his dedication to people development and team success. Currently serving as Branch Manager at AAA Central Penn in Hummelstown, PA. His commitment to creating a positive work environment, where every team member feels engaged and valued, has been a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. His emphasis on continuous improvement and personal development has not only driven operational success but also fostered a culture of learning and growth within his teams.

When not driving his business, he can usually be found at a baseball field watching one of his three boys playing the game they love. Or sitting on a patio with a fire or on a beach with his best friend, his wife Jocelyn.

Frances M Gibbons is the Senior Director of Development for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter with over 8 years of experience in the development field and 20 years in the non-profit sector. She has a proven track record of driving strategic fundraising initiatives through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s program, fostering donor & sponsor relationships, and building community awareness of the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association throughout Eastern, Central and Northeast PA.

In her current role at the Alzheimer’s Association Greater PA Chapter, Frances oversees 13 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, including leading a team of three Walk Managers and their efforts in peer to peer fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving. She has successfully led campaigns that have raised over 1.2 millions of dollars to support the mission of Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Before joining the Alzheimer’s Association, Frances served as an Assistant Buyer for Ten Thousand Villages, where she led communication efforts of development work with over 30 vendors from around the world and built lasting partnerships with key international leaders.

Additionally, she spearheaded efforts with reviewing, organizing and updating membership applications of WFTO and FTF as well as supported researching projects to aid the development of international vendors.

Frances holds a Bachelor of Arts in History/Pre-Law from Misericordia University.

Outside of her professional work, Frances is passionate about mentoring high school-aged students through Discovering Paths, as well as volunteering in her local community. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and pets.

As a marketing leader, I’m driven by a deep love of helping others flourish. With a decade of digital marketing and communications experience, I currently guide a team of specialists that craft and execute content marketing, email, and social media strategies that cultivate stronger connections between brands and their audiences. Aside from empowering my agency’s clients, I’m committed to empowering my team and creating a space where they can discover their unique talents and find meaning in their work.

Outside of the office, I’m an avid reader and have always been drawn to the classics. When I’m not engrossed in a book, I like to be outside gardening, casting a fishing line into the water, or simply walking. It’s often where some of my best inspiration strikes.

Greg is the Director of Operations at LeTort Management & Trust. In this capacity he ensures effective utilization of all operating systems.  As part of the leadership team, he helps set strategic goals and is responsible for implementing the right processes and practices across the organization.

Greg has more than 15 years of strategic and tactical investment operations experience. Prior to joining LeTort in 2018 he was a Director at Cambridge Associates located in Arlington, VA.  He graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. In addition, he holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation from the Project Management Institute.

Greg lives in Enola with his wife Robyn and energetic son Alex.  They enjoy camping, kayaking, hiking, and generally any other activities that get them out of the house.

I am originally from the Pittsburgh area and attended Messiah University for my undergraduate degree where I studied Business Administration and Leadership. I am planning to pursue my MBA this upcoming fall through Eastern University. I began working in the transportation industry following graduation in May of 2023. I transitioned to a working in Economic Development at CAEDC in February of 2024. In my current role, I work with established and prospective businesses in Cumberland County to provide assistance with funding. We collaborate with commercial lenders to help finance projects that are creating full-time employment opportunities for residents of Cumberland County. I have been married for 1 year to my wife, Megan, who is an admissions counselor at Messiah. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and other family members as well as playing golf.

Jake works for APR Supply Company as an inside salesperson and leadership training candidate. He has worked with APR Supply for the past two years. Prior to working with APR Supply, Jake served many management roles in The Giant Company. Jake earned a degree in Educational Studies in 2022. Jake is described by others as a relentless worker, a passionate leader dedicated to the teams he leads.

Jake cares deeply about giving back to the community. In his first year with APR Supply Co, he led a team of young leaders to raise $10,000 for the charity Homes for our Troops. Jake also coached youth wrestling for the Hershey Wrestling program for many years.

In Jake’s spare time, he can be found spending time with his wife, two children and his dog. Jake also enjoys watching the Philadelphia Phillies.

Jenna Reitz shares her passion for supporting her community with Members 1st Federal Credit Union as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Dauphin and Lebanon regions. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Lock Haven University in Recreation Management specializing in the Community/Commercial Track.

While exploring her future, she took a year off during her college years to provide a year of volunteer work in New Orleans. There, she helped rebuild houses, was involved with a homeless program, and helped tutor two first graders in an after-school program. That is when she discovered her passion for supporting nonprofits, providing connections within the community, and planning events that help bring everyone together.

Jenna graduated from the Emerging Philanthropy Program through The Foundation of Enhancing Communities in 2019, received Central Penn Business Journal’s Women to Watch award in 2022, completed the Members 1st STAR Leadership Program in 2023 and received HYP’s Member of the Year award early this year. She served three years helping lead Harrisburg Young Professionals’ Outreach Committee, four years leading Harrisburg Hoopla’s planning committee and a year leading Lebanon Valley Chamber’s Women in Business Committee.

This year, Jenna continues to serve as a member on Lebanon Valley Chamber’s Women in Business Committee. She has also accepted Board member positions with The Beacon Clinic, Harrisburg Young Professionals, and the Capital Chapter of CrossState.

Jenna loves seeing others succeed and grow within themselves along with local organizations/businesses. She always strives to be the best she can within her career, personal life and community to help positively impact others. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends in her free time, attending concerts, traveling, volunteering, experiencing new things, and participating in outdoors activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking.

Driven by opportunities to uplift others through effective leadership, I have built my career on flexibility and strategic teamwork. I believe we all have a unique purpose, and every problem has a solution based on ideas from a diverse team. Though my management career began in Healthcare Administration, the transition to Leisure Travel proved to be just the challenge I needed to find my niche. I take pride in my passion for learning and dedication to meeting (and surpassing) goals. As a Central PA native, I prioritize outdoor time and exploring local trails with my rescue dogs. When not out on a hike or on the beach seeking beautiful rocks and shells, my spouse and I enjoy gardening and doing art projects with our two children.

With extensive experience in human resources, Melissa serves as Director, Talent Management for Penn National Insurance, responsible for the full employee life-cycle to include talent acquisition, employee relations, talent development and performance management.

Prior to joining Penn National Insurance in 2023, Melissa held leadership positions at BAE Systems and Rite Aid Corporation.    Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and is a certified professional through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP).    Melissa also completed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certification through the University of South Florida.

As a member of both the national and local chapters of SHRM, Melissa continues to contribute to the broader human resource community.  Her personal life is rooted in Carlisle, PA, where she enjoys family life with her husband and two sons.

Nicole Best is a visionary from Yonkers, NY who’s called Harrisburg her home for the last 15+ years. As a mother and established business owner, Nicole has a long standing career of over two decades in the Finance industry.

As a Registered Rep licensed in Securities, Nicole works with individuals and business owners to manage and grow their worth. Partnered with a top Fortune 100 company, she helps others secure a solid financial foundation through investments, retirement planning, mortgage and asset protection, long term care and life insurance.

As the Founder & CEO of Another Way of Life, a Nonprofit for at risk males ages 8-23, she merges her love of community and Finance to impact and educate our most vulnerable. Focused on empowering these young men through financial literacy, representation and life skills, AWOL aims to redefine Success.

Passionate about impacting the next generation, Nicole is also the author of the ABC’s of Money Coloring & Activity Book. The book for ages 8 and up, is currently on Amazon and in store at Malik Books in Los Angeles, CA. Her dedication to changing the wealth trajectory of her community, lead her to develop “Financially LIT”, a Financial literacy curriculum she teaches to both Middle and High School students.

Nicole’s calling is to educate and help others leave a legacy by building and securing their wealth. She works diligently to defy the odds with integrity and authenticity. Her mission is simple, to share her gifts to uplift her community and spark the mind that can change the world!

Roman is a tenacious Commercial Banker who is dedicated to helping individuals fuel & fund their dreams & investments.

Roman’s journey into finance began during his senior year at SciTech High School in Downtown Harrisburg, where his fascination with the equity market ignited. For the following two years, he balanced his studies in Engineering with his growing passion for finance.

After starting his academic path in Civil Engineering at Penn State University, Roman pivoted to pursue his now burning passion, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the Smeal College of Business. This shift allowed him to dive headfirst into the world of Commercial Banking as an Analyst at Mid Penn Bank, where he is now a Commercial Banker helping local entrepreneurs and businesses secure funding.

Outside of the office, you’ll find that Roman is always looking for new hobbies. Whether he’s casting a line while fishing, competing on the baseball field, slicing a golf ball on the course, or strategizing at the poker table with friends, Roman embraces each activity with the desire to grow. He also finds fulfillment in serving on HYP’s leadership team, watching the Nittany Lions play, and soaking in saltwater at the beach.

Susan Glass is a Trainer at Traditions Bank in York. Her journey into the area of learning and development has been fueled by her passion for helping others. She enjoys getting to know people and understanding what their development goals are, both personally and professionally. While building relationships, Susan focuses on building trust, which she feels is the foundation of helping others grow and develop. One of Susan’s strengths is the ability to meet people where they are, and no matter what the training or development topic is, or what the learner’s level of expertise, she quickly identifies the right methods to approach the teaching opportunity with passion, purpose, and positivity.

Susan leads the formal mentoring program at Traditions, now in its 6th year, and serves as a mentor herself. As a York native, Susan is dedicated to her local community. She has had various roles supporting local programs and non-profits, such as The York College Community Opportunity Scholarship Program (YCCOSP), Help the Homeless, United Way Day of Action, and Affordable Housing Advocates.

As the Director of Public Works and Recreation, I have the privilege of overseeing two vital departments that play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life for our residents. I lead initiatives to maintain and expand our parks, trails, and recreational facilities and services, ensuring that they remain accessible and enjoyable for all members of our community. From organizing community events to implementing programs and services, I strive to create spaces where people can connect with each other. I also oversee the planning and maintenance of our township’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, traffic lights, buildings, and public spaces. With a focus on sustainability and resilience, I work closely with my team to implement solutions that address the evolving needs of our growing community while preserving our natural resources for future generations.

I started working for my family business at a young age, working part time in trucks throughout high school and college. Once I graduated college in 2022, I came on full time. From there I earned my Class A CDL while training in different parts of the business. Currently, I am working in Business Development and taking every step I can to run the company and uphold the legacy my Grandfather started 50 years ago. Given my experience in a family business, I think it is safe to say that family is important to me. I have an amazing wife and we have a 10 month old son together who has been a huge blessing in our lives. I am a Christian and my purpose is found in God.

I graduated from Shippensburg University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, HR Concentration. I began my career at NAPA Transportation, Inc. and have been here ever since. I’ve taken on many different tasks and responsibilities throughout my time at NAPA, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to grow within the organization! I’m married and together my wife and I have a one year old son named Archer. For fun outside of work, I sing in a choir called The Susquehanna Chorale and play tennis regularly. I’m looking forward to participating in this program!