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
- Karen Baker, Senior Advancement Director, Johnson College
- 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
- Charlie Kasko, Classic Properties
- Kellie Knesis, VP of Human Resources, The Wright Center
- Joe Lettiere, President & CEO, Greater Hazleton CAN DO, Inc.
- Amy Luyster, Vice President, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
- Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., President, Johnson College
- Julie Schumacher Cohen, Director of Community Relations, University of Scranton
- Jahan Tabatabaie, Bellefonte Associates
Dr. Jolene Carey-Pace joined The Institute Team in 2021 as a Research Analyst. In 2023, she was named Senior Research & Policy Analyst. 
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.
In 2026, Ooms will serve as an advisor to the President & CEO, provide staff professional development, provide support services and participate in some research, and serve as a board member.
Jill Avery-Stoss, MBA is President and CEO of The Institute, a nonprofit organization offering community-based research and analytics in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since joining the team in 2018, she has assumed various executive leadership duties. She was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2022, assumed the role of President in January 2025, and acquired CEO responsibilities in January 2026. Jill is also an Aspen Institute Workforce Leadership Fellow.