Congratulations To This Year’s 2026 Leadership Evolution Project Class
Dame Leadership is happy to announce this year’s Leadership Evolution Project Class:
Amber Kovack
Manager of Agency Support, Penn National Insurance
Amber Kovack is the Manager of Agency Support at Penn National Insurance, where I lead agency lifecycle management and distribution strategy across a multi-state footprint supporting more than 1,200 agencies. My career has been built on a passion for helping agencies grow and succeed, combining data-driven decision-making with strong relationship management to improve performance, profitability, and long-term partnerships.
Throughout my career, I have taken on progressively strategic roles, developing a broad perspective on the insurance industry and a deep appreciation for cross-functional collaboration. I am especially energized by opportunities to lead change, develop others, and drive meaningful impact across teams.
I am also deeply committed to giving back to her community, with experience supporting local youth athletics, volunteer fundraising initiatives, and mentorship efforts. I am passionate about becoming more actively involved through volunteering and mentoring and am eager to expand my impact both professionally and within the community.
I am excited to be part of the Leadership Evolution Project to further strengthen her leadership presence, expand her strategic thinking, and connect with other professionals who are equally committed to growth and service. Outside of work, I enjoy running, reading, hiking, golfing, and traveling.
Andrew Smith
Manager, Brand & Marketing, AAA Central Penn
A graduate of The Art Institute of York, PA, I spent the first 15 years of my career at Ahold Delhaize USA, serving creative, operations and strategy roles in Marketing. My experiences have allowed me the opportunity to develop personalized campaigns for millions of shoppers across the five Ahold Delhaize USA brands, most notably helping to launch the enhanced Giant Choice Rewards loyalty program in 2019.
Since leaving Ahold Delhaize USA, I joined AAA Central Penn after consulting with their travel team for a year. In my role as Marketing Manager, I oversee the strategic direction of our go-to-market strategies across all business lines, building synergies that will enhance our member experience.
In this program, I hope to continue growing in my leadership experience so that I might influence and inspire others across our organization to build and sustain a culture of excellence.
In my free time, I enjoy fitness, music and service to others through volunteering at my church, Linglestown Baseball Little League and Cub Scout Pack 10. My wife and I have two children, Paxton & Cora, and several animals.
Aubrey Drum
Plant Continuous Improvement Trainer, MI Windows and Doors
I am the Plant Continuous Improvement Trainer at MI Windows and Doors, where I focus on developing people, improving processes, and creating a positive impact on team member engagement, retention, morale, and overall performance. I am passionate about continuous improvement and believe that an organization’s greatest asset is its people.
In addition to my professional responsibilities, I serve on multiple outreach committees and the executive committee of our company’s nonprofit foundation, helping support philanthropic initiatives that benefit team members, nonprofits, and communities nationwide.
I am excited to participate in the Leadership Evolution Program because I believe leadership is a lifelong journey of growth and learning. I hope to gain new perspectives, strengthen my ability to influence and inspire others, and further develop the skills needed to create meaningful impact across my organization. Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, traveling, and meeting new people, all of which help broaden my perspective and fuel my passion for connecting with others.
Cynthia Queen
Director of Market Development and Association Services, PMI
Cynthia Queen, CMCA, AMS, brings over eight years of experience in the community association industry, with a strong focus on leadership, team development, and operational excellence. Throughout her career, she has successfully led and managed teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth. Cynthia is deeply committed to empowering both community managers and Board members by providing clear guidance, practical resources, and strategic support that drive effective, efficient community operations.
As a member of the CAI Keystone Chapter Board of Directors, Cynthia plays an active role in advancing industry standards and supporting professional development initiatives. She is passionate about sharing knowledge, streamlining processes, and building strong, cohesive teams that contribute to thriving, well-managed communities. Her leadership style emphasizes communication, mentorship, and creating environments where individuals feel supported and motivated to succeed.
Cynthia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Leisure Services Management from East Stroudsburg University and brings a diverse professional background in event planning, customer service, operations, and sales management. This unique combination allows her to approach challenges with creativity, organization, and a people-first mindset.
Through her participation in the Dame Leadership 2026 Evolution Project, Cynthia hopes to further refine her leadership approach, gain new perspectives from fellow industry leaders, and deepen her ability to drive meaningful change within her organization and the communities she serves. She is particularly interested in strengthening her strategic thinking, expanding her influence as a mentor, and exploring innovative ways to elevate team performance and engagement.
Outside of work, Cynthia enjoys attending concerts, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
Denise Maldonado
Community Engagement Specialist II Supervisor, Dasher Services Inc.
I recently celebrated ten years with Dasher Services, Inc., a place where I’ve grown through so many chapters — from Customer Service Agent and Community Healthcare Worker to Production support, Lead for the Highmark CHIP contract, and now Supervisor. Each role has shaped me in different ways, but the constant has always been my love for people and the work we do.
Outside of my career, my world revolves around family and art. I paint in acrylics and oils, and those quiet moments with a canvas are where I feel most grounded. I’m also a proud grandmother to two beautiful girls who inspire me every day to keep learning, keep growing, and keep showing up with purpose.
Through this program, I hope to continue evolving — professionally and personally — and to share the knowledge I gain with the people around me. Growth means more when it’s passed on.
Dragan Dodik
Real Estate Manager, DD Development
Dragan Dodik is an accomplished lending and real estate professional with more than 20 years of experience in commercial lending, credit analysis, community development finance, and real estate investment. Throughout his career, he has overseen large and complex loan portfolios and led high-performing teams across commercial real estate, small business, consumer, and specialty lending programs. In addition to his lending expertise, Dragan actively owns and manages a portfolio of residential and commercial investment properties.
His professional interests include leadership development, strategic growth, commercial real estate, and building strong organizations that create lasting economic impact. Through the Dame Leadership Cohort, Dragan hopes to further enhance his leadership capabilities, gain fresh perspectives from fellow participants, and, most importantly, cultivate meaningful relationships and expand his professional network with other leaders throughout the region.
KJ Myers
Director of Marketing and Operations, Kegel’s Produce and Co-Founder & President at Next Generation of Lancaster, PA
Experienced professional with a strong background in the wholesale produce industry, specializing in leadership, entrepreneurship, organizational development, and marketing. As Co-Founder and President of Next Generation of Lancaster, PA, I help lead a growing networking organization focused on connecting, developing, and empowering professionals throughout the region. I am currently pursuing my Professional MBA through Villanova University’s School of Business, building upon a BBA in Family Business & Entrepreneurship with a Minor in Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University. Passionate about the produce industry, leadership development, and community engagement, I am eager to continue growing as a leader, driving innovation within my family business, and creating a positive impact throughout Lancaster County and beyond.
Megan McAvoy
HR Shared Services Manager, West Shore Home
Megan is an HR professional at West Shore Home, where she has spent the past 5+ years building her career in human resources. In her current role as HR Shared Services Manager, she leads initiatives focused on improving efficiency, consistency, and overall operational effectiveness.
She earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Spanish from the University of Mount Union and holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development from Villanova University. Megan is also actively engaged in her community, having served on the Board of Directors for Project SHARE in Carlisle, PA for the past four years.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys teaching yoga, playing the harp, and traveling. She is also looking forward to an exciting new chapter, as she prepares to welcome her first child this fall.
Melanie Lelek
Purchasing Manager, West Shore Home
I have been with West Shore Home for 6 years and all with the Purchasing Department. I started as a specialist and quickly worked my way up to Team Lead and Manager. I’m looking to grow as a leader, and I find that other leaders are the best inspiration for growth. I’m looking forward to hearing what other leaders find successful in their roles.
Renee Kolacek
Director of Human Resources, YWCA Greater Harrisburg
Renee Kolacek is the Director of Human Resources at YWCA Greater Harrisburg, where she oversees all aspects of HR for an organization dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. With more than two decades of experience, she has built her career supporting organizational effectiveness, developing leaders, and strengthening workplace culture.
After spending much of her career in the trades industry, Renee transitioned to the nonprofit sector in 2024, where she found the opportunity to align her passion for servant leadership with meaningful community impact. She believes effective leadership begins with integrity and has worked throughout her HR career to redefine the perception of Human Resources by leading with both compassion and accountability—building trust, supporting growth, and fostering a culture where people feel valued while being held to high standards.
Outside of work, Renee has a long history of giving back to her community through volunteer service. She proudly served as a Special Olympics tennis coach for 12 years, an experience she considers one of the most rewarding chapters of her life. Today, much of her free time is spent cheering on her son from the sidelines at lacrosse and soccer games. When she’s not working or on the sidelines, she serves as a mentor runner with Fleet Feet, supporting new and returning runners as they build confidence, achieve their goals, and discover the joy of running.
Renee is honored to participate in this leadership cohort and looks forward to learning alongside fellow leaders while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.


