Community Research
Regional Competitiveness and Coordination
Mission
To explore collaborative efforts among a variety of stakeholders to solve common challenges and elevate regional quality of life and standard of living.
Purpose
One purpose of this specialty research is to present compelling data, case studies and recommendations on regional approaches to public services, public safety, health and social services, workforce development, planning and development among others. Another objective is to share that information with stakeholders with the influence to advance collaborative solutions. Finally, it is intended to serve as a convenor for those who wish to pursue implementation of collaborative solutions.
Regional Competitiveness and Coordination Research
Visit The Institute’s You Tube Channel for short videos on our studies of regionalism.
Members
- Carla McCabe, President and CEO, WVIA Public Media – Chair
- Kurt Bauman, NEPA Alliance
- Paige Cognetti, Mayor, City of Scranton
- Pete Danchak, PNC Bank
- William Scranton, III, Scranton Family Office
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. 
Dr. Jolene Carey-Pace joined The Institute Team in 2021 as a Research Analyst. In 2023, she was named Senior Research & Policy Analyst. 
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.
Research Analyst in 2022.
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.