About — Your Site Title

I’m a Lehigh Valley native who grew up in the Borough of Fountain Hill. I attended Saints Cyril & Methodius School, graduated from Liberty High School, and later earned degrees with honors from both Kutztown University and Lehigh University, studying Criminal Justice and Political Science. My education and lived experiences led me to question how systems actually impact people in the real world, especially the people too often ignored, overlooked, or left behind by those systems.

I live at the intersection of public policy, human behavior, leadership, and institutional accountability. My work has never simply been about building a resume or collecting titles. It has been driven by a desire to understand why certain systems fail people, why dysfunction becomes normalized, and why meaningful reform is often resisted even when the problems are obvious. Whether in government, nonprofits, workforce development, media, or advocacy spaces, I’ve consistently focused on identifying gaps between what organizations say they value and what they are actually willing to implement.

A large part of my work centers around communication, strategy, and relationship building. The core of my work centers on a belief that trust, transparency, and accountability matter. I care deeply about strengthening communities, expanding opportunity, improving mental health support systems, and helping people navigate institutions that can often feel cold, disconnected, or performative. I’m passionate about workforce development and mentorship. I fear too many young people are pushed into systems that teach them how to survive instead of helping them succeed.

I’ve developed a reputation for being someone willing to ask uncomfortable questions, challenge conventional thinking, and push conversations beyond surface-level talking points. I believe real leadership requires honesty, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the willingness to confront difficult realities rather than simply protect appearances or maintain broken systems.

Mental health advocacy and community engagement have also remained personal priorities for me. Serving for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of the Lehigh Valley and broader community initiatives, I’ve seen firsthand the disconnected between institutions and needs go unaddressed. Those experiences only strengthened my belief that sustainable change is required.

I’m deeply curious, creative, and probably more stubborn than I should be when it comes to fighting for things I believe matter. I care about building authentic relationships, creating meaningful dialogue, and finding practical ways to improve systems that too often prioritize optics over outcomes. I believe communities become stronger when people are willing to listen, think critically, and work together with shared purpose, even when the conversations are difficult.

Resume

EDUCATION

Lehigh University
M.A. Political Science, Community Fellow
August 2021

Kutztown University
B.S. Criminal Justice — Magna Cum Laude, 3.72 GPA
May 2017

WORK EXPERIENCE

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Vice President, Government & External Relations
Producer – Business Matters (69WFMZ-TV) (November 2023 – May 2025)
• Led strategic planning and government engagement at the local, state, and federal levels
• Directed the development and execution of comprehensive government affairs strategies
• Drafted and distributed policy statements to agencies, elected officials, and media
• Monitored legislative and regulatory developments impacting the organization and its members
• Oversaw the Public Policy Committee and Transportation, Healthcare, Energy & Environment, and Tax & Regulatory subcommittees
• Planned, programmed, and executed high-impact events ranging from 50 to 1,000+ attendees, including policy forums, legislative roundtables, and stakeholder convenings
• Managed all aspects of event execution including venue selection, technology and audiovisual coordination, catering, program development, guest and speaker management, run-of-show, and on-site logistics
• Ensured events aligned with strategic objectives, budget parameters, revenue goals, and stakeholder expectations
• Produced a weekly television program, Business Matters, including topic research, panelist coordination, show briefs, tapings, and scheduling
• Supervised and managed an Assistant Vice President and multiple interns, providing direction, mentorship, and performance oversight

Assistant Vice President, Government & External Relations
Producer – Business Matters | One-Stop Operator Lehigh Valley (September 2023 – November 2023)
• Managed Public Policy Committee operations and drafted policy statements
• Supported organizing public forums, meetings, and stakeholder events
• Served as staff liaison for the Councils and Committees
• Produced weekly television program aired on 69WFMZ-TV
• Contracted as Workforce Board Intermediary supporting workforce initiatives

Campaign Manager
Stephen Baratta for District Attorney (January 2023 – 2025)
• Managed a successful primary campaign against an incumbent District Attorney
• Led community organizing, strategic planning, event coordination, and media relations
• Maintained campaign calendars and stakeholder communications

Heirloom Strategies (January 2021 – Present)
Founder / Principal Consultant
• Licensed LLC providing research, communication, and consulting services
• Supports initiatives advancing community health, public benefit investment, and stakeholder engagement

Promise Corps Founder & Program Director
(December 2021 – June 2023)
• Founded and led a workforce development program serving residents ages 18–24
• Drafted feasibility studies and grants; managed grant forecasting and reimbursements
• Hired, supervised, and managed staff and program participants
• Built partnerships with community stakeholders and managed daily operations
Reset Outdoors Director of Continuous Improvement / Facilitator | August 2019 – August 2020
• Led operational improvement and business development initiatives
• Collaborated with partners to improve organizational effectiveness
• Facilitated programming and engagement activities

PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENTS

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lehigh Valley | 2020 – 2025
Board of Directors President (2021 – 2025)
• Executive Committee board member; former Vice President of Northampton County
• Led community outreach initiatives and chaired the Election Committee
• Member of the Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Advocacy Board
• Gatekeeper Certified

Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley

(August 2020 – 2021) Research Fellow
• Collaborated on white papers, position papers, budget proposals, and successful grant applications
• Conducted research focused on organizational needs
• Engaged key stakeholders and participated in discussion panels

ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION & OPERATIONS EXPERIENCE

City of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | May – June 2012, 2013
Summer Intern
• Performed municipal maintenance including carpentry, masonry, painting, landscaping, hardscaping, plumbing, and cleaning
• Assisted with upkeep of public facilities and infrastructure

Iron City Construction | Mellen, WI
• Performed post-frame construction including framing and steel installation
• Picked up, transported, and delivered construction materials
• Operated and maintained a Caterpillar 255 skid steer
• Assembled and installed garage doors, entry doors, and windows
• Ensured a clean, safe, and organized jobsite

Weikert Home Restoration | Greater Lehigh Valley
• Masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tile, painting, hardwood floor repair, and roofing
• Job site supervision and customer relations

Higher Ground Tactical | Emmaus, PA
Cashier | Maintenance | Range Safety Officer | Instructor (NRA Certified Instructor)
• Enforced safety protocols, maintained facility, and provided customer service

North Country Lumber | Mellen, WI
Production Assistant
• Operated chain line machinery, chainsaws, spray guns, and multi-blade table saws

Lehigh Valley IronPigs | Allentown, PA
Assistant Stadium Operations Manager
• Managed parking operations, supervised parking staff, ensured contracts fulfilled to expectation, assisted with security, duties as assigned

I’ve had the opportunity to speak publicly and produce TV shows about issues that matter deeply to me, from community development and public safety to economic challenges, advocacy efforts, and projects I’ve been fortunate to help lead or support.

I’ve included links to interviews, discussions, presentations, and project highlights about the work I’ve been involved in and the ideas that continue to drive me. I hope these conversations provide additional insight into the issues affecting our communities and the importance of collaboration, leadership, and meaningful action.

Thank you for taking the time to watch, listen, and engage.

WFMZ & Business Matters:

Comments on Federal Freeze https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/bethlehem-mayor-to-address-federal-funding-freeze/article_69eb7918-de3a-11ef-a59b-8bd6041d0b92.html

Mental Health and New Tech https://www.wfmz.com/business/business-matters/business-matters---mind-matters-exploring-innovative-approaches-to-mental-health/video_469afb47-9f1c-5e0e-abe6-008b2e6834fb.html

Affordable Housing https://www.wfmz.com/business/business-matters/business-matters---lehigh-valley-housing-what-is-affordable/video_cf9ce680-ad8d-5d0c-9a11-cefc7906ec06.html

Baratta Wins DA Race https://www.mcall.com/2023/05/16/northampton-da-primary-election/

Political Campaign Spending https://www.mcall.com/2024/09/24/your-view-support-for-our-freedom-amendment-to-regulate-political-donations/

My Favorite Episodes Produced

Ukraine https://www.wfmz.com/business/business-matters/business-matters---ukraine---is-the-end-in-sight/video_95fd9896-f496-5e0b-a936-0f52ea84193d.html

Incarceration https://www.wfmz.com/business/business-matters/business-matters---incarceration-or-rehabilitation-how-to-address-youth-violence/video_9eb5bc66-24da-556d-a075-87a44deba590.html

Social Media https://www.wfmz.com/business/business-matters/business-matters---social-media-the-good-the-bad-the-beautiful/video_397d8a08-f6d3-59f5-8f87-82f93fca7c97.html

Elections https://www.wfmz.com/business/business-matters/business-matters---2024-election-politics-policy-and-future-of-america/video_45673684-8c17-5721-9cce-9dcb7ebe3430.html