2025 Annual Conference
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s 2025 Annual Conference, celebrating 35 years of stewardship, sustainability, and environmental education, will be held on October 15 and 16 at The Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA.
The conference offers a valuable opportunity for affiliates, volunteers, partners, and supporters to come together, review our past achievements, exchange insights and ideas, and grow collectively.
For sponsorship opportunities, please click here or contact Deb Woolley, dwoolley@keeppabeautiful.org.
Agenda
All agenda times and sessions subject to change.Special Keynote Speaker
Dr. Laura Fowler, Penn State School of International Affairs
"Communities from the bottom up: building resilience and sustainability in a time of extraordinary change"
Our keynote speaker, Lara Fowler
Lara Fowler
Penn State School of International Affairs
Lara Fowler draws on 30+ years of experience: as a student researcher, a water policy expert for the State of Oregon, as an attorney, facilitator, and mediator on questions like how to manage flooding in Washington State's second largest river basin, as a law professor, as a researcher, and most recently as Penn State's Chief Sustainability Officer.
Lara draws on 30+ years of experience: as a student researcher, a water policy expert for the State of Oregon, as an attorney, facilitator, and mediator on questions like how to manage flooding in Washington State's second largest river basin, as a law professor, as a researcher, and most recently as Penn State's Chief Sustainability Officer. She draws optimism that local, community-based work is fundamental to finding common values, exploring and implementing solutions, and building more beautiful and resilient communities.
Afternoon Plenary Session
Jessica Shirley , Secretary, PA Department of Environmental Protection
"The Importance of Grassroots Involvement in Community Improvement Efforts"
Secretary Shirley
Jessica Shirley, Secretary
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Jessica Shirley serves as the Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), playing a pivotal role in the guidance of the department in its mission to protect and preserve Pennsylvania's environment while fostering sustainable and equitable practices.
Jessica arrived to the role of Secretary with extensive experience within the agency. Prior to her role as Secretary, Jessica served as the Executive Deputy Secretary overseeing all programs.
As the first appointed Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator at the PA DEP, Jessica oversaw the influx of federal funding supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). She ensured that the Department used all available funds for the betterment of Pennsylvania's environment, economy, residents, and communities. In this role, she also placed strong emphasis on consideration of the impact of programs in historically underinvested communities.
Jessica's previous role as Policy Director from May 2016 to April 2022 was marked by her dedication to shaping the environmental and energy policy agenda. In this position, Jessica helped to develop groundbreaking executive orders related to PFAS, climate change, energy conservation and sustainability in Commonwealth operations, and environmental justice. These executive orders established the first greenhouse gas reduction goal for the Commonwealth, set performance goals for state agencies, established the PFAS Action Team to remove silos and address emerging contaminants, and memorialized various processes and opportunities to meaningfully engage and address underserved communities in Pennsylvania. She coordinated the DEP Policy Office's efforts, while overseeing the finalization of numerous rulemakings and promoting meaningful dialogue with stakeholders. Jessica and her counterpart at PennDOT lead the effort to develop Pennsylvania’s first ever Litter Action Plan which received several awards and national recognition. Jessica also served on the agency steering committee of DiversEP, the agency’s DEI committee with a mission of actively cultivating a culture of equity and inclusion and establishing a more diverse workforce representative of the population we serve.
In her earlier role as Executive Policy Specialist, Jessica was a trusted advisor in various policy areas, including oil and gas development, air quality, climate change, energy, waste, clean water, and environmental cleanup. She also demonstrated leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and her representation of the Administration in discussions with key organizations showcased her influence and expertise. She built extensive relationships by serving as the Policy Office liaison to the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board, Air Quality Technical Advisory Board, Climate Change Advisory Committee, Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee, Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board, Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, Recycling Fund Advisory Committee, Radiation Protection Advisory Committee, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Sewage Advisory Committee and Storage Tank Advisory Committee.
Jessica's educational background includes a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Emcees
• Kelsey DeMerlis
Kelsey DeMerlis, Director, Center for Community Services
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Kelsey DeMerlis currently serves as Director, Center for Community Services at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). In addition to working with DCED, Kelsey was previously employed with the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Youth Network and is a proud graduate from Penn State University. Kelsey is also a board member for the Clean Air Council and Sunday Breakfast Club. She lives in Philadelphia and is enthusiastic about PA facts and travel.
• Wesley Robinson
Wesley Robinson, Press Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Wesley Robinson is the Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Wesley has also served as press Secretary and Communications Manager for the Pennsylvania State Senate.
October 15
2:00-4:00 PM
Guided Tour of The Arboretum at Penn State, sponsored by Keep Centre County Beautiful
Guided tour of The Arboretum at Penn State. We will meet in the hotel lobby at 2PM and walk over together (about 1 mile away). There is also parking at the Arboretum, so feel free to meet us there for the tour start at 2:30PM. Tour will last 90 minutes, rain or shine. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear.
5:30-7:30 PM
Join us for an evening of fun and fashion at The Nittany Lion Inn in State College, PA! The evening will kick off with opening remarks from Ezra Nanes, Mayor of State College Borough
Ezra Nanes, Mayor
Borough of State College
Ezra Nanes is the Mayor of the Borough of State College and a proud Penn State MBA valedictorian. He has spent over a decade in global business leadership at AccuWeather. An avid outdoor and adventure sports enthusiast, Ezra is passionate about sustainability and building a safe, vibrant, and welcoming community for all.
Show off your recycled shirt, blouse, jacket, or poncho in our Upcycled Fashion Contest, a celebration of creativity and sustainability! Prizes will be awarded for Best in Show, Most Creative, and Most Innovative Use of Materials by a panel of judges, including special guests Victoria Vespico
Victoria Vespico, Miss Pennsylvania 2025
Victoria Vespico, 25, a native of Shavertown, was crowned Miss Pennsylvania 2025 on June 21st at the Appell Center in York. A proud graduate from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications, she is a Sustainable Development Advocate and Educator, and a three-time children’s book author. She is currently pursuing a Master's in the Art of Education at Wilkes University.
As Miss Pennsylvania, Victoria will travel the state with her community service initiative, "Sustainability Starts With You." Victoria is the Founder and Executive Director of Sustainability Starts With You. She will travel across the Commonwealth empowering and encouraging people to embrace sustainability for future generations. Victoria encourages changing the world through #Simple Changes. Victoria’s mission is to inspire youth to lead with purpose and impact.
She is an author of three children's books introducing young learners to sustainable development concepts in an accessible way. The books are titled "Cows Are More Than Milk," "Bring a Bucket," and "Sustainability Starts With You."
She brings over 20 years of Girl Scouting experience to her mission of inspiring youth to lead with purpose and impact. She is currently part of the Communications team at America250PA, the Pennsylvania Commission for the celebration of the Semiquincentennial of the United States of America.
Victoria will represent Pennsylvania in the Miss America Competition in September where she will bring her advocacy to a national stage.
You can follow her journey @MissAmericaPA and @sustainabilitystartswithyou
For allowable materials and judging categories and criteria, click here.
*Remember to wear your recycled creation to enter the contest! Whether it’s stitched, glued, or repurposed, we want to see your most imaginative designs.
October 16
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
8:00-9:00 AM
9:00-9:15 AM
Join Executive Director Shannon Reiter as she reflects on the inspiring 35-year year legacy of the organization - our milestones, impact and vision for the future.
• Shannon Reiter
Shannon Reiter, Executive Director
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful
Shannon serves as the Executive Director of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Shannon started her career with the organization in 2004 when she joined the staff of PA CleanWays. In 2005, she took on the leadership role and in 2010, led the organization’s merger with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. In 2003, Shannon earned an MPA-Nonprofit Management from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh and has been working to improve communities through her career of over twenty-five years in the nonprofit sector.
Over the past 19 years, Shannon has overseen and facilitated various strategic plans, managed multiple organizational restructurings, and led numerous research initiatives relating to illegal dumping, littering and enforcement. Most recently, Shannon provided direct support to the Governor’s Office and various state agencies in developing Pennsylvania’s first Litter Action Plan (2021), advised on the state’s first anti-litter public education campaign geared at changing behaviors, PA Fights Dirty and jointly orchestrated the just released Litter Enforcement Study Joint Project with Palmetto Pride.
9:15-10:00 AM
What inspires our network? Hear from KPB affiliates with inspiring projects and how these projects improved the lives of not just individuals but entire communities. In the Poconos, a collaboration between the Visitors Bureau, Waste Authority, and Street2Feet offers no-barrier, same-day jobs to individuals rebuilding their lives—removing over 26,000 bags of litter across 1,300+ miles in six years. In Scranton, a four-year initiative with the Drug Treatment Court empowers people in recovery through hands-on projects like pollinator gardens and public landscaping, fostering skills, confidence, and community pride.
• Chris Barrett
Chris Barrett, President/CEO
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Since 2017, Chris Barrett has provided exceptional servant leadership for the Pocono Mountains region focusing primarily on the tourism and hospitality industry while working to support various initiatives in the business and nonprofit sectors throughout the counties of Wayne, Pike, Monroe and Carbon.
Barrett leads a strong team at the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau having provided critical support to the community, especially during a pandemic and economic downturn beginning in 2020. Barrett also guided the rollout of the award-winning Pocono Promise across the four-county region and has championed causes such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and supported nonprofits, charities, the local workforce and economic development.
Barrett founded the Pocono Television Network (PTN), which is now available in more than eight million homes and businesses on cable, broadcast and streaming devices. Barrett continues to oversee the expansion of the PTN content network to new platforms as well as serving as one of the PTN hosts.
Since 2018, he has spearheaded the Pick Up the Poconos campaign, promoting anti-litter messaging while enlisting thousands of volunteers and contractors to rid the area’s roadways and public spaces of more than 37,000 bags of trash to date. Barrett serves on the boards of Keep PA Beautiful, NEPA Alliance, is a past chair of the Pocono Chamber of Commerce and is the board chair of the Pocono Mountains United Way. He also teaches undergraduate level courses at the East Stroudsburg University College of Business and Management.
Before joining the PMVB, Barrett was Executive Vice President/COO/CFO for Target Media and Target Digital, a leading east coast media and advertising firm headquartered in Harrisburg, PA. Prior to Target Media and Target Digital, he held multiple senior management roles ranging from sales and marketing to theme park operations with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for more than twenty years.
Barrett makes it a point to give back to the community and provide value to members of the PMVB as well as to improve the overall quality of life in the Poconos and the vacation experience for visitors.
• Mike Stettler, Executive Director, Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority
• Steve Ward
Steve Ward, Project Manager
Scranton Tomorrow
Steve Ward is the Project Manager for Scranton Tomorrow, a business and community development nonprofit focusing on Downtown Scranton. Steve oversees a diverse offering of beautifications, clean ups, and service projects, and collaborations with other nonprofit organizations, volunteer groups, businesses, and government agencies. Steve has served in this role since November of 2019.
Steve also is employed by the County of Lackawanna in the Department of Buildings and Grounds, taking care of the courthouse since 2010.
From 2008 to 2019, Steve was the Coordinator for the Penn State Extension Master Gardener program in Lackawanna County, and continues as a volunteer.
10:00-11:00 AM
B1: Textiles Close-up: Second-Hand Markets and Recycling
• Bruce Brockman
Bruce Brockman, Vice President of Sustainability & Operations
Goodwill Keystone Area
Bruce Brockman brings more than 40 years of experience in logistics, warehousing, and operations leadership. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for driving efficiency, building strong teams, and implementing sustainable practices that deliver both operational and community impact.
As Vice President of Sustainability & Operations at Goodwill Keystone Area, Bruce oversees logistics, donation flow, and large-scale sustainability initiatives that keep millions of pounds of materials out of landfills each year. His focus is on advancing Goodwill’s dual mission—supporting people through the power of work while protecting the environment through innovative recycling and reuse strategies.
Bruce’s expertise comes from decades of hands-on experience rather than a traditional academic path. His career reflects a deep commitment to practical problem-solving, continuous improvement, and creating meaningful impact in both business and community settings.
B2: Harnessing Solar Energy For Your Community
Going solar can save businesses, nonprofits, schools and municipalities money, while providing energy price stability and reducing carbon emissions. This session will discuss the expanded access to commercial solar throughout PA by leveraging available federal and state funding, while addressing how to navigate the various tax incentives and infrastructure decisions that accompany any solar projects.
• Katrina Pope
Katrina Pope, Office Manager
Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority
Katrina Pope is the Office Manager with the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority. She has worked in local government and public education since 2010, following her graduation from Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Landscape Contracting. She has been a Certified Recycling Professional since 2011 and has helped teach several professional training classes. Katrina has been active on several committees through PROP, the state’s recycling organization, the PSU Sustainability Council, Duncansville Lutheran Church Council, and served as chair of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce’s Committee on Sustainability. She enjoys traveling and meeting new people, the outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her family.
• Alexis Takoushain
Alexis Takoushain, Program Manager
PA Solar Center
Alexis joined the PA Solar Center in 2024 to provide solar technical assistance to the commercial sector, schools, and nonprofits.Leveraging her expertise in GIS, she also conducts geospatial analysis to assess solar potential across Pennsylvania and identifies communities for targeted outreach. A native of West Chester and current resident of Pittsburgh, Alexis possesses in-depth knowledge of the solar landscape throughout the state.
• Cam Willison
Cam Willison, Manager of Commercial Solar Development
Envinity Inc.
Cam Willison serves as the primary touch point for client communication for solar projects big and small. As a NABCEP-certified PV Technical Sales Professional, Cam helps to understand the nuanced needs of the client while working with Envinity operations to deliver a complete, turnkey solution. Cam has been a member of Envinity since 2020 and serves on our company Finance Committee who is tasked with developing strategic initiatives to better assist our customers in achieving their climate and cost reduction goals.
11:20-11:50 AM
Lara Fowler
Penn State School of International Affairs
Lara Fowler draws on 30+ years of experience: as a student researcher, a water policy expert for the State of Oregon, as an attorney, facilitator, and mediator on questions like how to manage flooding in Washington State's second largest river basin, as a law professor, as a researcher, and most recently as Penn State's Chief Sustainability Officer.
Communities from the Bottom Up - Building Resilience and Sustainability in a Time of Extraordinary Change
In this time of challenge and change, Lara Fowler will share her thoughts on what we can do to help build sustainable, resilient communities. She draws optimism that local, community-based work is fundamental to finding common values, exploring and implementing solutions, and building more beautiful and resilient communities.
11:50-12:30 PM
12:45-1:45 PM
B1: Community Programming that Encourages Waste Minimization and Inspires the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards
First discover how Westmoreland Cleanways’ Recycling Center goes beyond drive-thru service to strengthen community ties through local cleanups, municipal partnerships, youth education, and more.
• Natalie Reese
Natalie Reese, Assistant Executive Director
Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling Center
Natalie Reese has worked for Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling since September 2011. First, she was the program director and, as of 2025, the assistant executive director. Her primary role is to educate county residents about proper disposal of solid waste through a variety of methods such as presentations, displays at local festivals and social media. Natalie’s credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Science in Environmental Science from St. Vincent College and a certification from Professional Recycler of Pennsylvania (PROP). Prior to obtaining this position at Westmoreland Cleanways, she was an AmeriCorps member serving in the Greater Latrobe School District as an Environmental Science Assistant and has worked as an educator at five different Nature Centers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and North Carolina. Either on a boat, in the woods, at a creek, or in a classroom, Natalie’s primary goal is to encourage her audience to make small, gradual lifestyle changes to protect our environment and build a more sustainable future.
This second part showcases innovative education tools, including the updated Open Your Eyes to Litter series and how the City of Reading integrates it into local programming. Attendees will explore Keep America Beautiful’s interactive Local Resource Map and hear directly from Young Ambassadors as they share how environmental engagement is shaping their leadership and outlook.
• Kylie McCutcheon
Kylie McCutcheon, Affiliate Coordinator
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful
Kylie joined the staff in 2021 as the Affiliate Coordinator and will be the main contact for current and future affiliates as well as awards programs and youth engagement programs.
Kylie graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg with a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science. Kylie is also a part time employee of Allegheny CleanWays and is on DCNR’s NextGen Council. She is involved with the Master Watershed Steward Program through Penn State and is a Trail Ambassador of the Westmoreland Heritage Trail. Kylie also completed the Leave No Trace trainer course where she expanded her knowledge of Leave No Trace skills and ethics as well as techniques for educating others about low impact practices.In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors with her friends, camping, kayaking, biking, and running.
• Stephanie Larson
Stephanie Larson, Communications and Program Manager
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful
Stephanie joined the staff in 2000, working statewide facilitating the growth of new chapters/affiliates. She currently coordinates and manages the Beautiful newsletter, the statewide Land Steward program, and the development of educational programs and materials. Before joining Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Stephanie worked as an analytical chemist and brings over 30 years of experience in the environmental field. She earned an Associate’s degree in Environmental Protection and Technology from the University of Cincinnati. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys reading, gardening, hiking, and spending time with her family.
• Bethany Ayers-Fisher, Sustainability Manager, City of Reading Public Works
B2: Leveraging Corporate Partnerships to Advance Your Mission
• Caily Grube
Caily Grube, Executive Director
Allegheny CleanWays
In 2023, Caily joined Allegheny CleanWays, bringing with her a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in macro-level systems change and nonprofit management. She is deeply committed to grass-root initiatives that empower both environmental work and under-resourced communities. She is also an avid reader and loves learning Allegheny County history.
• Michelle Lawler
Michelle Lawler, Development Director
Allegheny CleanWays
Michelle Lawler joined Allegheny CleanWays in 2023. She has worked in nonprofit management for over 20 years for organizations that focus on the arts, the environment and medical research. Michelle earned a degree in Journalism from Ohio University and a certificate in nonprofit management from Robert Morris University. She volunteers in her community at her children's school and her church.
• Debra Woolley
Debra Woolley, Development Representative
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful
Debra Woolley is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She brings a robust background in development, fundraising, marketing, and communications, having led strategic initiatives across diverse organizations to drive revenue, enhance visibility, and deepen community impact.
Debra has played a pivotal role in advancing mission-driven work for nationally recognized nonprofits such as Keep America Beautiful, AFS-USA, and Outward Bound Costa Rica. Her expertise spans securing multimillion-dollar grants, stewarding corporate partnerships, and managing high-performing development teams. Notably, she has personally secured more than $3.7 million in annual funding and led campaigns that consistently exceeded goals.
In her consulting roles with state affiliates of Keep America Beautiful, including Pennsylvania, Texas, and Massachusetts, Debra has designed successful development strategies, strengthened board engagement, and delivered measurable funding results. Her work has directly supported environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and DEI-focused initiatives.
Her earlier career in banking and corporate marketing provided a strong foundation in strategy, brand development, and team leadership, including roles as First Vice President at Comerica Bank and Vice President at US Bank.
A dynamic communicator and mentor, Debra is also deeply committed to service, having held frontline and leadership volunteer roles with organizations like HAVEN and AFS-USA. She is a proud member of Planet Women’s 100 Women Pathway, aimed at increasing female leadership in the environmental sector.
Debra holds academic credentials from the University of Colorado, Northwestern University’s American Banking Institute, Roosevelt University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the University of London.
2:00-2:30 PM
Jessica Shirley
Jessica Shirley, Secretary
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Jessica Shirley serves as the Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), playing a pivotal role in the guidance of the department in its mission to protect and preserve Pennsylvania's environment while fostering sustainable and equitable practices.
Jessica arrived to the role of Secretary with extensive experience within the agency. Prior to her role as Secretary, Jessica served as the Executive Deputy Secretary overseeing all programs.
As the first appointed Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator at the PA DEP, Jessica oversaw the influx of federal funding supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). She ensured that the Department used all available funds for the betterment of Pennsylvania's environment, economy, residents, and communities. In this role, she also placed strong emphasis on consideration of the impact of programs in historically underinvested communities.
Jessica's previous role as Policy Director from May 2016 to April 2022 was marked by her dedication to shaping the environmental and energy policy agenda. In this position, Jessica helped to develop groundbreaking executive orders related to PFAS, climate change, energy conservation and sustainability in Commonwealth operations, and environmental justice. These executive orders established the first greenhouse gas reduction goal for the Commonwealth, set performance goals for state agencies, established the PFAS Action Team to remove silos and address emerging contaminants, and memorialized various processes and opportunities to meaningfully engage and address underserved communities in Pennsylvania. She coordinated the DEP Policy Office's efforts, while overseeing the finalization of numerous rulemakings and promoting meaningful dialogue with stakeholders. Jessica and her counterpart at PennDOT lead the effort to develop Pennsylvania’s first ever Litter Action Plan which received several awards and national recognition. Jessica also served on the agency steering committee of DiversEP, the agency’s DEI committee with a mission of actively cultivating a culture of equity and inclusion and establishing a more diverse workforce representative of the population we serve.
In her earlier role as Executive Policy Specialist, Jessica was a trusted advisor in various policy areas, including oil and gas development, air quality, climate change, energy, waste, clean water, and environmental cleanup. She also demonstrated leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and her representation of the Administration in discussions with key organizations showcased her influence and expertise. She built extensive relationships by serving as the Policy Office liaison to the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board, Air Quality Technical Advisory Board, Climate Change Advisory Committee, Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee, Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board, Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, Recycling Fund Advisory Committee, Radiation Protection Advisory Committee, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Sewage Advisory Committee and Storage Tank Advisory Committee.
Jessica's educational background includes a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Secretary Shirley will discuss the power of grassroots involvement in environmental protection and how DEP supports local stewardship through the Office of Environmental Justice and key partnerships, including its long-standing collaboration with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. She’ll also highlight DEP grant opportunities that help communities thrive, followed by a Q&A session.
2:30-3:30 PM
Affiliates will dive into a friendly competition inspired by the hit reality TV show Shark Tank. Each team will pitch their most innovative and impactful community improvement ideas to a panel of judges, all vying for a chance to secure a $3500 grant that could bring their vision to life.
Moderator:
• Jessica Shirley
Jessica Shirley, Secretary
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Jessica Shirley serves as the Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), playing a pivotal role in the guidance of the department in its mission to protect and preserve Pennsylvania's environment while fostering sustainable and equitable practices.
Jessica arrived to the role of Secretary with extensive experience within the agency. Prior to her role as Secretary, Jessica served as the Executive Deputy Secretary overseeing all programs.
As the first appointed Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator at the PA DEP, Jessica oversaw the influx of federal funding supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). She ensured that the Department used all available funds for the betterment of Pennsylvania's environment, economy, residents, and communities. In this role, she also placed strong emphasis on consideration of the impact of programs in historically underinvested communities.
Jessica's previous role as Policy Director from May 2016 to April 2022 was marked by her dedication to shaping the environmental and energy policy agenda. In this position, Jessica helped to develop groundbreaking executive orders related to PFAS, climate change, energy conservation and sustainability in Commonwealth operations, and environmental justice. These executive orders established the first greenhouse gas reduction goal for the Commonwealth, set performance goals for state agencies, established the PFAS Action Team to remove silos and address emerging contaminants, and memorialized various processes and opportunities to meaningfully engage and address underserved communities in Pennsylvania. She coordinated the DEP Policy Office's efforts, while overseeing the finalization of numerous rulemakings and promoting meaningful dialogue with stakeholders. Jessica and her counterpart at PennDOT lead the effort to develop Pennsylvania’s first ever Litter Action Plan which received several awards and national recognition. Jessica also served on the agency steering committee of DiversEP, the agency’s DEI committee with a mission of actively cultivating a culture of equity and inclusion and establishing a more diverse workforce representative of the population we serve.
In her earlier role as Executive Policy Specialist, Jessica was a trusted advisor in various policy areas, including oil and gas development, air quality, climate change, energy, waste, clean water, and environmental cleanup. She also demonstrated leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and her representation of the Administration in discussions with key organizations showcased her influence and expertise. She built extensive relationships by serving as the Policy Office liaison to the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board, Air Quality Technical Advisory Board, Climate Change Advisory Committee, Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee, Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board, Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, Recycling Fund Advisory Committee, Radiation Protection Advisory Committee, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Sewage Advisory Committee and Storage Tank Advisory Committee.
Jessica's educational background includes a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Political Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Judges:
• Deborah Nardone
Deborah Nardone, Executive Director
Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds
As the Executive Director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds (FPW), Deb works closely with local communities, government agencies, and community organizations to identify and address the most pressing water issues facing Pennsylvania. FPW’s grants help leverage critical conservation efforts to ‘protect the best and restore the rest’ of Pennsylvania’s streams.
Prior to leading the FPW, Deb spent more than 30 years in the conservation non-profit sector in various roles, including Executive Director for ClearWater Conservancy, National Campaign Director for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Natural Gas program, Coldwater Conservation Specialist with the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, and the Juniata River Watershed Director with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Deb holds science and policy degrees from Juniata College and Penn State University. She and her family live, work, and play in the mountains of central Pennsylvania.
• Andy Wartz
Andy Wartz, Manager - Municipal Sales
Republic Service
Andy has been working for Republic Services for 15 years. He’s spent time as Division Manager and currently is the Manager of Municipal Sales for Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster and York Counties where he manages municipal contracts and bids for Residential Municipal Solid Waste and Recycling Services. Andy graduated from Millersville University in 1999 and spent several years working in the music industry and uniform industry before joining Republic Services in 2005.
Andy is currently on the Keep York Beautiful Board of Directors and supports Keep York Beautiful through donations with Republic Services for multiple clean up events each year where he coordinates delivery and removal of containers.
Andy and his wife of 22 years Deb live in York County with their daughters Cara and Ally and Bubby their Boston Terrier.
In his free time, Andy enjoys playing drums on the worship team at Grace Lutheran Church in Red Lion. He also is a percussion instructor for the 10 Time World Champion, Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps from Allentown, PA. In 2020 Andy was inducted into the Cadets Hall of Fame as a result of his volunteering and support with both his time and money for over 35 years.
3:30-4:00 PM
Shannon Reiter
Shannon Reiter, Executive Director
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful
Shannon serves as the Executive Director of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Shannon started her career with the organization in 2004 when she joined the staff of PA CleanWays. In 2005, she took on the leadership role and in 2010, led the organization’s merger with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. In 2003, Shannon earned an MPA-Nonprofit Management from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh and has been working to improve communities through her career of over twenty-five years in the nonprofit sector.
Over the past 19 years, Shannon has overseen and facilitated various strategic plans, managed multiple organizational restructurings, and led numerous research initiatives relating to illegal dumping, littering and enforcement. Most recently, Shannon provided direct support to the Governor’s Office and various state agencies in developing Pennsylvania’s first Litter Action Plan (2021), advised on the state’s first anti-litter public education campaign geared at changing behaviors, PA Fights Dirty and jointly orchestrated the just released Litter Enforcement Study Joint Project with Palmetto Pride.
Location and Time details
Click here to register online. Payment options available: online credit card, e-check or invoice to pay later by check.
Cost:
$125.00 per participant
When:
October 15
• 2 - 4 PM Guided tour of the The Arboretum at Penn State.
• 5:30-7:30 PM Reception: Cocktails & Light Hors d'oeuvres
October 16
• 8 - 4 PM Annual Conference, see agenda above
Where:
The Nittany Lion Inn
200 W Park Ave, State College, PA 16803
Make reservations by calling 814-865-8500 or click here to book on-line.
Become a Corporate Sponsor
As a 501(c)3, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is dedicated to using its funding to further its mission and support its affiliate network in execution of our programming. Special sponsorship opportunities are necessary to facilitate a successful Annual Conference. We welcome your support as a sponsor, along with your invitation to the Conference.
Thank you for your consideration. For sponsorship opportunities, please click here or contact Deb Woolley, dwoolley@keeppabeautiful.org.
